Computers and the Internet are the cornerstones of a technology revolution that is dramatically transforming the way we live, work, play, and think. E-mail, instant messaging, and chat are revolutionizing interpersonal communications. Digital gadgets, such as cameras and video games are transforming our leisure activities, while reshaping entire industries. E-commerce is affecting the way we shop and changing the global economy. Electronic snooping into databases and e-mail is reshaping the way we think about privacy Growing ranks of computer criminals are making us more aware of personal security. Rampant software piracy, plagiarism, and "free" music exchange networks have made us more conscious of copyright and intellectual property issues. Living in a period of technological change is a challenge. This section provides a basic overview of computers and the Internet, so that you can use these technologies effectively and understand the issues associated with their use.

Section A begins by defining the basic characteristics of a computer system. and then provides a quick overview of data, information, and files. It concludes with an introduction to application software, operating systems, and platform compatibility. Section B introduces the Internet, a communicatioris technology that's the magic behind e-mail video conferencing, instant messaging, and e-commerce. Section C focuses on the Web-that seemingly bottomless ocean of information populated by "dot corns,' connected by links, and accessed with a browser. Section D focuses on e-mail -how it works and how you use it You'll get some lips on e-mail netiquette," including the scoop on those flamboyant little symbols called smileys

When you complete this section you should be able to:

Define the term "computer" and identify the components of a personal computer system

Compare the computing capabilities of the following computer categories: personal computers, handheld computers, workstations, video game consoles. mainframe computers, supercomputers, and servers

Explain how an operating system affects compatibility between computer platforms. such as PCs and Macs

Evaluate the various ways you can connect a computer to the internet and select an ISP

Describe how Web servers, URLs. HTML, HTTP. arid browsers contribute to the Internet resource known as the Web

Describe popular Internet resources, such as the Web, e-mail, bulletin boards, blogs. file downloads, file sharing Internet telephony, broadcasting, chat groups, and instant messaging

Demonstrate that you can use a search engine to locate information on the Web
List the features that you would expect to find in a typical e-mail software package

Explain how an e-mail system works. and the difference between store-and-forward mail and Webbased mail