Post #4

Chapter 4 explains the differences between input and output. Input is what you enter into the memory of a computer, and can be categorized into data (a bunch of unorganized facts that the computer turns into useful information), programs (a series of instrustions for the computer to follow in order to process the data), commands (instructions given to the computer by the user), and user responses (given to a program when asked a question of what to do next). Output is data that has been processed into something useful, called information. The four types of output are text, graphics, audio, and video.

One topic from other students that I found interesting was the different types of operating systems. She talked about using the most common, Windows XP, and how the previous system, Windows 2000 Edition, was rumored to have a lot of problems and viruses. She also talked about the Linux operating system, which I had never heard of. She said that while it requires prior knowledge of computer coding, it can be better to use because it is not as easily effected by spyware and viruses since they are usually designed for PC's.

Since my last posting, I took the Word practice test and went through the tutorial. I had already done a very similar thing last semester because I had to use SAM in another class, however I did learn several more things to do and little tricks for how to get things done faster and easier. An example of this is how to create and print mail labels, which I had not idea was possible on Word. Another trick I learned was how to make different indentations in a document so that you can keep text organized, something that took forever to do before.

Post #3

In chapter 3, I learned about the different kinds of software for home and personal use. Personal Finance Software is a program that simplifies what your accountant would do, and allows you to do those things yourself; such as paying your bills, balancing your checkbook, and track investments, income and expenses. Tax Preparation Software allows people to do their own taxes at home, in a guided process. There is also Legal Software, which assists people in preparing legal documents, and provides legal advice to them. Entertainment Software is what most people know about, consisting of games, videos, and so on, all to provide amusement.

I also learned about software for school use. School Management Software allows school personnel manage the school district operations, and Student Management Software allows administrators and teachers to manage/track information about students. Grade Book Software allows teachers to track/organize students' work, such as tests, homework, etc. Microsoft Excel is an example of this. Educational Software is used to assist students in learning a subject, like a foreign language, and Reference Software are things like encyclopedias, directories, and so on, that provides thorough information about something.

Since my last posting, I learned how to use the Inspiration program. I did not know this existed before today, but now I am really getting the hang of it. There are a lot of pictures to choose from to use as nodes, and you can even use pictures from the internet to copy/paste instead. It is a great tool for creating web diagrams, but I also noticed that you can change that into an outline, or vice versa.