Technology for dummies

Do you often feel like you are ages behind where technology is today and that you can't keep up with all the new technological advances? We live in a world where technology is always advancing and as soon as you learn one form of technology, it is already out to date and there is something new and better. So if you feel like you are a "dummy" when it comes to technology, let's get you a little caught up. Let's talk about ten main forms of technology that we see in today's society:

Computers:

Almost everyone these days has a computer, sometimes even more than one. Computers have what is called hardware and software. Hardware is the term used for computer parts that are actual devices and take up space. Examples of hardware are printers, motherboards (located inside a computer, like the computer's brain), hard drives (where you store files and programs on your computer), and CD-rom drives. Software refers to programs that you put on your computer. For example, if you install Microsoft Word on your computer, that is considered software.
Computers now have the capability to store information not only on the hard drive, but to other devices as well. The most common hardware people store files on are CD's and jump-drives. Jump drives fit into a USB (which stands for universal serial bus) port. USB ports help connect outside hardware (such as jump drives to store information or cords to connect digital cameras) to your computer.
Computers can now connect to the world wide web (the Internet), which is a global system to share information electronically. For a monthly charge, you can get the Internet on your computer. You can either get a land line Internet connection (where your computer has to be plugged into a telephone line) or you can get wireless Internet. Wireless networks are nice because they do not require any cables. Wireless Internet will require a router. If you are at home, you will put the router somewhere in your house so it will get the signal from the provider's tower (wherever that may be). Whoever installs wireless Internet for you will set up the router where it will be most effective. Not only do you need a router, but you need a wireless card in your computer. Many computers these days have wireless cards as a standard feature. You can set up a password to access your wireless Internet, so people are not using your router with their wireless card to connect to the Internet. Having a password will keep your computer and information secure.

Internet Words:
There are some words you should be familiar with if you are using the Internet. E-mail is an on-line mailing system. You can set up a free email account with many websites, or you can often get one through your Internet provider. E-mail stands for electronic mail. You can send and receive messages on-line. You can also send files, such as written documents or pictures, by "attaching" them to your e-mail you are sending. These are known as attachments. When you go to create a new message, you will see the option for an attachment.
On-line messaging is becoming more and more popular. We call this "instant messaging." It allows you to instantly send a message to another user that is logged on to the same messaging system. You do not need to wait for the person receiving the message to open his/her email account. The message will pop up on their computer screen and you can instantaneously send messages back and forth. You can do this with multiple people from different computers. You can also send and receive files through most instant messaging systems.

Cell phones: Cell phones are seen everywhere. Cell phones these days can do almost anything you can think of. Many cell phones can connect to the Internet. This allows you to check your email and other websites from almost anywhere. Cell phones also have the capabilities to take pictures and video. You can send these pictures and videos through what we call "picture messaging." You can also send short messages called "text messages." These messages (both picture and text) can be opened whenever the receiver of the messages choose to do so. Picture and video messages can also be sent to an on-line album, so you can later access to print, save, or email them to others.

GPS: GPS stands for Global Positioning System. There are a couple dozen satellites in space that make up our GPS system. GPS systems can determine exact locations on the earth. GPS systems can give directions from address to address. A lot of cars are available with a built in Navigation (GPS) System. GPS systems will tell you where the closest gas station, store, or any other location is that you are looking for. GPS systems have made traveling and searching for an address much more efficient.

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