Solutions Manual for Visualizing Technology 10th Edition by Geoghan
ISBN: 9780137931804
Summary
1. Explain the Functions of a Computer
A computer is a device that converts raw data into information using the information processing cycle. The four steps of the IPC are input, processing, storage, and output. Computers can be programmed to perform different tasks.
2. Describe the Evolution of Computer Hardware
The earliest computers used vacuum tubes, which are inefficient, large, and prone to failure. Second-generation computers used transistors, which are small electric switches. Third-generation computers used integrated circuits—silicon chips containing multiple tiny transistors. Fourth-generation computers use microprocessors—complex integrated circuits containing processing circuitry. The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary microprocessor of a computer.
Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit has doubled roughly every two years. The increase in the capabilities of integrated circuits directly affects the processing speed and storage capacity of modern electronic devices.
3. Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Code
A single bit (or switch) has two possible states—on or off— and can be used for situations with two possibilities, such as yes/no or true/false. Digital data is represented by 8-bit binary code on most modern computers. The 8-bit ASCII system originally had binary codes for 256 characters. Unicode is an extended ASCII set with codes for more than 100,000 characters.
4. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
Personal computers include desktop computers, which offer the most speed, power, and upgrade for the lowest cost; workstations, which are high-end desktop computers; and all-in-ones, compact desktop computers with the computer case integrated into the monitor. Portable personal computers include notebooks and tablets.
5. Give Examples of Other Computing Devices
Other computing devices include smartphones, wearables, GPS, video game systems, and simulators. Virtual reality is an immersive technology, while augmented reality and mixed reality mix virtual content over the physical world.
6. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
Multiuser computers allow multiple simultaneous users to connect to the system. They include servers, midrange servers, mainframe computers, and enterprise servers. Supercomputers perform complex mathematical calculations. They perform a limited number of tasks as quickly as possible. Distributed computing uses the processing of multiple computers to perform complex tasks.
7. Explain Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence
Ubiquitous computing means the technology recedes into the background so that you no longer notice it as you interact with it. The Internet of Things is the connection of the physical world to the Internet. Convergence is the integration of multiple technologies, such as cell phones, cameras, and music players, on a single device.
CHAPTER QUIZ
Multiple Choice
Answer the following multiple-choice questions for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
1. The is a measure of a computer’s ability to display intelligent behavior.
a. Analytical Engine
b. artificial intelligence
c. Bernoulli numbers program
d. Turing test
2. Second-generation computers used to process data.
a. integrated circuits
b. microprocessors
c. transistors
d. vacuum tubes
3. A is a complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry.
a. microprocessor
b. silicon
c. transistor
d. vacuum tube
4. What binary code can represent most currently used language characters and is the standard used on the Internet?
a. ASCII
b. Base 2
c. International Standards
d. Unicode
5. What is a compact desktop computer with an integrated monitor and system unit?
a. All-in-one
b. Mainframe
c. Supercomputer
d. Workstation
6. is an overlay of virtual content on the physical world.
a. Artificial intelligence
b. Augmented reality
c. Convergence
d. Virtual reality
7. consists of 24 satellites that transmit signals to determine the receiver’s current location, time, and velocity through triangulation of the signals.
a. UAS
b. GPS
c. A wearable system
d. A flight simulator
8. perform complex mathematical calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research.
a. Enterprise servers
b. Mainframes
c. GPS
d. Supercomputers
9. is the study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces.
a. Bioinformatics
b. Distributed computing
c. Ergonomics
d. Ubicomp
10. A(n) is an example of convergence.
a. smart grid
b. smartphone
c. traffic light
d. ubicomp
True or False
Answer the following questions with T for true or F for false for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
1. Computers convert data into information using the information processing cycle.
2. Third-generation computers used transistors.
3. Today’s computers use microprocessors.
4. Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit will double roughly every 18 years.
5. ASCII contains codes for most of the languages in use today.
Running Project
. The Finish Line
Use your answers from the previous sections of the chapter project to discuss the evolution of computers in the past few centuries. Write a report responding to the questions raised throughout the chapter project. Save your file as lastname_firstname_ch01_ project, and submit it to your instructor as directed.
Do It Yourself 1
Consider the features available on the personal computing device you use the most. From your student data files, open the file vt_ch01_DIY1_answersheet and save it as lastname_firstname_ch01_DIY1_answersheet
What device did you choose? Is it a desktop, a notebook, a tablet, or some other type of system? Where is it located? How long have you had it? Did you research the computer before you made your purchase? What made you purchase it?
What do you use the computer for the most? What are the five features you use most frequently? Why? What are the three you use the least? Why? How could this device be improved to make your life more convenient? Describe one way life would be easier and one way your life would be more difficult without this device. Save your answers and submit your work as directed by your instructor.
6. Bioinformatics allows you to design a workspace for your comfort and health.
7. All-in-one is a type of desktop computer.
8. Users connect to servers via clients.
9. Volunteer computing projects harness the idle processing power of hundreds or thousands of personal computers.
10. The idea that computers are all around us is called convergence.
Do It Yourself 2
Use an online mind mapper or presentation tool, such as Mindomo, MindMeister, Prezi, or PowerPoint, to create a mind map to compare desktop, notebook, and mobile devices. A mind map is a visual outline. From your student data files, open the file vt_ch01_DIY2_answersheet and save it as lastname_firstname_ch01_DIY2_answersheet.
Your map should have three main branches: desktop, notebook, and mobile devices. Each branch should have at least three leaves: characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
When you are finished with your map, take a screenshot of this window and paste it into your answer sheet, or, if available, export your mind map as a PNG or JPG file.
Critical Thinking
Convergence has led to smaller devices that cost less and do more. From your student data files, open the file vt_ch01_CT_answersheet and save it as lastname_firstname_ch01_CT_answersheet.
Research two of the newest smartphones or tablets on the market—one from each mobile platform: iOS and Android. Complete the following table, comparing the features of each device. Use this research to decide which device would best meet your personal needs. Which device should you buy, and why? What other accessories will you need to purchase? Do you need to purchase a service plan to take advantage of all the device’s features? Save your file and submit it as directed by your instructor.
Ethical Dilemma
The term digital divide refers to the gap in technology access and literacy. There have been many types of programs designed to close this gap. The COVID-19 pandemic sent millions of students home to finish the 2020 school year, and for much of the following school year. The lack of computers and Internet access highlighted the digital divide in many communities. Schools rushed to purchase and loan out inexpensive Chromebooks and other devices, but many students lost weeks of learning during this time. From your student data files, open the file vt_ch01_ethics_answersheet and save it as lastname_firstname_ch01_ethics_answersheet.
Use the Internet to find a school program that supplies all students with tablets or notebooks. What are the goals of the program? How was it funded? Has it been successful? How has its success or failure been measured? Do you think programs like this one can solve the digital divide? Why or why not? Type your answers; be sure to cite your sources. Save the file and submit your work as directed by your instructor.
Device 1: iOS
Device 2: Android
On the Web
Many famous people and events led to our modern computers. In this exercise, you will create a timeline that illustrates those you feel are most significant. From your student data files, open the file vt_ch01_web_answersheet and save it as lastname_firstname_ch01_web_answersheet.
Visit computerhope.com/history, and under Timeline, select the link to open the year you were born. Create a timeline showing five to seven milestones in the development of computers that occurred in this decade. Use a free online timeline generator or an online presentation tool, such as Prezi or PowerPoint, to create your timeline. Share the URL and present your findings to the class. Prepare a summary of your timeline and include the URL where it can be viewed. Save the file and submit your work as directed by your instructor.
Collaboration
With a group of three to five students, research a famous computer pioneer. Write and perform a news interview with this person. If possible, video record the interview. Present your newscast to the class.
Instructors: Divide the class into groups of three to four students and assign each group a famous computing pioneer from the list at computerhope.com/people.
The Project: As a team, prepare a dialogue depicting a news reporter interviewing this person. Use at least three references. Use Google Drive or Microsoft Office to prepare the presentation and provide documentation that all team members have contributed to the project.
Outcome: Perform the interview in a newscast format using the dialogue you have written. The interview should be 3 to 5 minutes long. If possible, record the interview and share the newscast with the rest of the class. Save this video as teamname_ch01_video Turn in a final text version of your presentation named teamname_ch01_interview. Be sure to include the name of your presentation and a list of all team members. Submit your presentation to your instructor as directed.
Multiple Choice
Answer the following multiple-choice questions for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
1. The_______ is a measure of a computer’s ability to display intelligent behavior.
a. Analytical Engine
b. artificial intelligence
c. Bernoulli numbers program
d. Turing test
2. Second-generation computers used ________ to process data.
a. integrated circuits
b. microprocessors
c. transistors
d. vacuum tubes
3. A _______is a complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry
a. microprocessor
b. silicon
c. transistor
d. vacuum tube
4. What binary code can represent most currently used language characters, and is the standard used on the Internet?
a. ASCII
b. Base 2
c. International standards
d. Unicode
5. What is a compact desktop computer with an integrated monitor and system unit?
a. All-in-one
b. Mainframe
c. Supercomputer
d. Workstation
6. __________ is an overlay of virtual content on the physical world.
a. Artificial intelligence
b. Augmented reality
c. Convergence
d. Virtual reality
7. _________ consists of 24 satellites that transmit signals to determine the receiver’s current location, time, and velocity through triangulation of the signals.
a. UAS
b. GPS
c. A wearable system
d. A flight simulator
8. _________ perform complex mathematical calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research.
a. Enterprise servers
b. Mainframes
c. GPS
d. Supercomputers
9. ______ is the study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces.
a. Bioinformatics
b. Distributed computing
c. Ergonomics
d. Ubicomp
10. A(n) _____________ is an example of convergence.
a. smart grid
b. smartphone
c. traffic light
d. ubicomp
True or False
Answer the following questions with T for true or F for false for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
1. Computers convert data into information using the information processing cycle.
2. Third-generation computers used transistors.
3. Today’s computers use microprocessors
4. Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit will double roughly every 18 years.
5. ASCII contains codes for most of the languages in use today.
6. Bioinformatics allows you to design a workspace for your comfort and health.
7. All-in-one is a type of desktop computer.
8. Users connect to servers via clients.
9. Volunteer computing projects harness the idle processing power of hundreds or thousands of personal computers
10. The idea that computers are all around us is called convergence.
Multiple Choice
Answer the following multiple-choice questions for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
1. The_______ is a measure of a computer’s ability to display intelligent behavior.
a. Analytical Engine
b. artificial intelligence
c. Bernoulli numbers program
d. Turing test Correct
2. Second-generation computers used ________ to process data.
a. integrated circuits
b. microprocessors
c. transistors Correct
d. vacuum tubes
3. A _______is a complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry
a. microprocessor Correct
b. silicon
c. transistor
d. vacuum tube
4. What binary code can represent most currently used language characters, and is the standard used on the Internet?
a. ASCII
b. Base 2
c. International standards
d. Unicode Correct
5. What is a compact desktop computer with an integrated monitor and system unit?
a. All-in-one Correct
b. Mainframe
c. Supercomputer
d. Workstation
6. __________ is an overlay of virtual content on the physical world.
a. Artificial intelligence
b. Augmented reality Correct
c. Convergence
d. Virtual reality
7. _________ consists of 24 satellites that transmit signals to determine the receiver’s current location, time, and velocity through triangulation of the signals.
a. UAS
b. GPS Correct
c. A wearable system
d. A flight simulator
8. _________ perform complex mathematical calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research.
a. Enterprise servers
b. Mainframes
c. GPS
d. Supercomputers Correct
9. ______ is the study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces.
a. Bioinformatics
b. Distributed computing
c. Ergonomics Correct
d. Ubicomp
10. A(n) _____________ is an example of convergence.
a. smart grid
b. smartphone Correct
c. traffic light
d. ubicomp
True or False
Answer the following questions with T for true or F for false for more practice with key terms and concepts from this chapter.
True 1. Computers convert data into information using the information processing cycle.
False 2. Third-generation computers used transistors.
True 3. Today’s computers use microprocessors
False 4. Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit will double roughly every 18 years.
False 5. ASCII contains codes for most of the languages in use today.
False 6. Bioinformatics allows you to design a workspace for your comfort and health.
True 7. All-in-one is a type of desktop computer.
True 8. Users connect to servers via clients.
True 9. Volunteer computing projects harness the idle processing power of hundreds or thousands of personal computers
False 10. The idea that computers are all around us is called convergence.