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.