Download WEB RESEARCH PROJECTS CHAPTER 1 WHY COMPUTERS

WEB RESEARCH PROJECTS
CHAPTER 1
WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU:
BECOMING COMPUTER LITERATE
Discussion Questions
1. Now that you understand some of the legal and ethical issues involved in using
computers, do you think that employers should monitor employees’ use of e-mail and
the Internet? Why or why not? What legal issues are involved if an employer chooses
to monitor its employees?
Answers will vary.
Employers have the right to monitor e-mail and network traffic on the systems
employees use at work, because those systems are provided at the employer’s expense
for the sole purpose of allowing employees to do their jobs.
Some students might think using e-mail and the Internet at work is okay because a
good boss will be understanding and not mind as long as your work gets done.
However, monitoring could result in low morale among employees who resent being
told that they cannot use e-mail for personal messages and feel that their every move is
being monitored. Monitoring also can expose employers to new types of employment
law claims, including e-harassment.
Under federal law, companies are generally allowed to monitor employees’ e-mail. The
Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) allows companies to monitor
employees’ e-mails when one of the parties has given consent, if there is a legitimate
business reason, or if the company needs to protect itself.
If a company has a written e-mail policy that warns employees that their e-mails can be
monitored, employees should have no expectation of privacy.
2. This chapter discusses the benefits of being a savvy computer user. Discuss at least
three reasons why it pays to be a knowledgeable computer user, or computer literate.
Answers will vary.
Having a good, solid foundation in computer and Internet basics enables computer
users to avoid many frustrating situations. The following are three reasons why it pays
to be a knowledgeable computer user:
1. You can avoid viruses. Smart computer users know how important it is to equip
their computers with the tools needed to check for and eliminate viruses.
2. You can save time and money. Users with a good computer background are able to
perform their own upgrades and take care of their own computer maintenance.
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3. You can avoid online annoyances. Savvy computer users know how to avoid, or at
least filter out, spam. They also know how to avoid spyware and spot online
scams.
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CHAPTER 1: WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU: BECOMING COMPUTER
LITERATE
Web Project 1: Automated Digital Homes
You already know that you can connect your computers, TVs, and gaming systems together, making you
the envy of your friends. You can take it one step further, however, and automate your digital home. Did
you know that you can connect your appliances, home entertainment systems, and other electronic
devices to your home network so that you can control them from another room or even when you are
away from home? This sounds too good to be true, right? It is happening right now!
Instructions: Use a search engine to find more information about automated digital homes, and write a
brief paper explaining what an automated home is. Give a scenario of your dream home and how this
automated home would work. Describe at least five different devices in your scenario. How would this
home be of benefit? What are some of the disadvantages of this type of home?
Suggested Web Sites
http://www.smarthome.com/learningcenter.html
http://www.simplyautomated.com
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/smart-home1.htm
Suggested Keywords
Smart home, home automation, digital home
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CHAPTER 1: WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU: BECOMING COMPUTER
LITERATE
Web Project 2: Identity Chips
Microchips are now used to track pets. This chapter taught you that implantable identity chips can also be
used to help patients with Alzheimer’s. In the interests of security and having medical data available,
people are embracing this idea. Yet others see this as a threat to our individual freedom and privacy.
Write a paper showing the pros and cons of this issue. (Your instructor will provide paper guidelines.)
Include URL addresses for all Web sites you visit.
Suggested Web Sites
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/491994
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=939
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/169
Suggested Keywords
Implantable identity chip, Mu-chip, RFID chip
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CHAPTER 1: WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU: BECOMING COMPUTER
LITERATE
Web Project 3: Buying a New Computer
You need to purchase a new computer for your home. In this chapter you learned what the
various specifications are for different types of computers. You listened to a Sound Byte about
questions to ask before you buy a computer. Decide whether you want a desktop model, a laptop,
a netbook, or a tablet. Do you need hardware for graphics, sound, or movies? Search the Internet
for four different brands of computer. Make a chart that compares all the features of each brand
(RAM, speed, processor, etc.). What is included in the package price and what costs extra?
Analyze your comparison results and inform your instructor which computer best meets your
needs and why.
Suggested Web Sites
www.dell.com
www.hp.com
www.bestbuy.com
www.gateway.com
Suggested Keywords
Netbook, tablet PC, laptop, notebook, desktop
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CHAPTER 1: WHY COMPUTERS MATTER TO YOU: BECOMING COMPUTER
LITERATE
Web Project 4: Computer Forensics
You see it all the time on TV: The popular crime scene detective uses the latest technology to solve a
crime in a day. Can that be real? Yes, technology is a very powerful tool in law enforcement, but the time
frame is contrived. It would not make for glamorous television if the crime was solved in several months
or a year!
Real-life detectives and crime scene investigators use technology every day to answer the question
“Whodunit?” As technology advances, so does crime fighting. Computer forensics is used to find legal
evidence in computers and other electronic devices. Write a brief report explaining computer forensics
and how it is used in investigations. Explain the role of a computer forensic examiner. How do you
become a computer forensic examiner?
Suggested Web Sites
www.computerforensicsworld.com
www.isfce.com
www.americanforensics.org
Suggested Keywords
Computer forensics, computer forensic examiner, computer crimes
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