🔍 Key Questions to Think About

As you study this section, reflect on these questions:

• 💡 How are today’s computers similar to the earliest computers?

• 💡 How are they different?

• 💡 How do computers convert physical signals into digital data?

• 💡 When is it best to use compressed files? When is it better to use uncompressed files?

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Section

This section introduces you to the history of computing and the basics of how computers work. By the end, you’ll be able to:

📜 History and Fundamentals

• ✨ Recall significant developments in the history of modern computing.

• ✨ Identify uses of computers in today’s world.

🔢 Data and Digital Representation

• 🖥️ Describe the binary number system (the language of computers!).

• 🧠 Define bits and bytes (the building blocks of digital data).

• ⚙️ Explain how physical signals (e.g., sound, light) are translated into digital information.

🎨 Multimedia and Digital Ethics

• 🎵 Describe how audio and video are stored digitally.

• 🖼️ Distinguish between raster (photos) and vector (scalable graphics) images.

• 📂 Select the best format for digital images (based on their use!).

• 🌈 Explain how RGB values determine pixel color.

• 🔄 Compare common image file types (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.).

• ⚖️ Describe ethical considerations related to evolving forms of technology.

💡 Student Tips:

• Use real-life examples (e.g., how your phone processes your voice) to grasp concepts.

• Vector images are ideal for logos; raster images work best for realistic photos.

• Experiment! Try compressing an image and observe how its quality changes.

Ready to dive into the fascinating world of computing? 🚀