2. Computing PlatformsCT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology

4. Computer Literacy

5. Bits and Bytes

7. Binary Number System

9. Computer Literacy Computer literacy refers to a functional understanding of the fundamentals of computers and their uses. Computer fluency captures the essence of business expectations. Knowledge workers should have more than a functional understanding of computers and be swift to pick up new computer skills. Links: Being Fluent with Information Technology Information Literacy Computer literacy standards Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Computer Literacy

10. Bits and Bytes A bit—short for binary digit—is a digit that can be 1 or 0. A bit is the smallest unit of information that a digital electronics device can manipulate. A group of eight bits is called a byte. KB = Kilobyte Kb = Kilobit Understanding bits and how they represent information is key to understanding the workings of computers and other digital electronic devices. Bits on a CD Links: Internet connection speed test CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Bits and Bytes

11. Digitization Digitization, also called digitizing, is the process of transforming information, such as text, images, and sounds, into digital representation (1s and 0s) so that it can be stored and processed by computers. Analog information such as sights and sounds continuously vary over time. If what we see and hear is broken down into their fundamental elements at very short time intervals, it is possible to describe them as values, store them digitally, and reproduce them in a manner that fools our senses into believing they are exact copies of the original. Links: American MemoryThe Universal LibraryDigital personalized radio from PandoraDigital scents from TriSenx CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Digitization

12. ASCII The American Standard Code for Information Interchange, ASCII, pronounced “asskee,” is the standard used to represent keyboard characters in digital form—with 1s and 0s. CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > ASCII

13. Binary Number System The binary number system, also called the base 2 number system, is a number system with only two digits: 0 and 1. The hexadecimal number system, or base 16, is used in digital graphics as a shorthand for color representation. Also known as Hex, this number system includes 16 digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F. Links: Binary/decimal converter Binary Digits Introduction to Binary Numbers YouTube Video - Mastering Binary Numbers YouTube Video - Binary Numbers in 60 Seconds CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Binary Number System

14. Digital Convergence Digital convergence takes advantage of the fact that digitization standardizes all types of data to 1s and 0s to create devices that combine the functionality of several digital electronics devices into one. As processors become smaller and faster, and telecommunications networks become increasingly pervasive, we can combine the functionality of several devices and technologies. Links: HTC Shift Comcast Triple Play Bundles from Verizon VoIP from Vonage Mobile TV from Verizon, TV on the Web from Hulu CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Digital Literacy > Digital Convergence

16. Mobile Computing

18. Supercomputer

20. Mobile computing refers to the use of battery-powered mobile computing devices that provide access to computing, communication, information, and/or entertainment anywhere, anytime. CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Mobile Computing Links: BlackBerry Bold HTC Shift Vocera communication badge BMW augmented reality Mobile Computing relies on technology including… Wireless networks Servers Mobile Computing Storage Synchronization Rechargeable batteries

21. Synchronization is the process of maintaining common files and data across multiple devices so that all copies are up to date. Links: Google Docs Microsoft Office Live Workspace Microsoft ActiveSync CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Synchronization Synchronization Being able to access all of our data and files anywhere, anytime, from any computer is a challenge. Computer and media companies are all working to develop solutions that will entice users to buy their brands.

22. Application server Communications server Database server Email server File server Print server Game server Web server A server is a powerful computer that often utilizes many processors to provide services to many users simultaneously over a network. Links: Sun Microsystems servers IBM servers HP blade servers IBM grid computing CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Servers Server

23. Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer, often utilizing thousands or even tens of thousands of processors to solve the world’s most difficult problems. CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Supercomputer Links: IBM’s Roadrunner supercomputer Top 500 supercomputers Pringles potato chips were designed using a supercomputer so that they wouldn’t fly off the conveyor belt while being manufactured. Supercomputer

24. Special-Purpose Computers A kiosk is a computer station that provides the general public with specific and useful information and services. A kiosk is usually equipped with a touch screen, kiosks provide everything from online store catalogs to maps and exhibit information. Special-purpose computers are computers designed to meet a specific need and are more prevalent, yet less noticeable, than general-purpose computers. Links: The Embedded Systems Institute Embedded System News Intel embedded systems CT3 > Concepts > Digital Technology > Computing Platforms > Special-Purpose