Computer Basics Assignments

The purpose of this assignment is to familarize you with basic aspects of computers and programs available for use. Working with a partner, you will research the answer to your assigned question and then post your information on your technology wiki page (Technologyedge01, Technologyedge02, Technologyedge03).

Your answer should be written in paragraph format, with no more than two short paragraphs devoted to the topic. In addition, you will need to provide two links to the information that you used to answer the question.

1. What is the difference between the WWW and the Internet? When was the WWW developed and by whom? How does it work?
2. What is SMTP? What is the difference between IMAP and POP email? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
3. What are "cookies" and why or why not are they good for you ?
4. What is meant when a webpage or product is licensed under Creative Commons?
5. What is cloud computing? How might you, as a professional, use cloud computing?
6. What is a wiki? What are two free wikis available to you? How might you use a wiki as a professional?
7. What is the difference between a search engine and a search directory? What are two advantages and disadvantages of each? What is a metacrawler? What are two examples of metacrawlers?
8. How does a search engine work? What are the three top ranked search engines for 2009 and how was this ranking determined?
9. What is the difference between vector and bitmap graphics? Identify two strengths for each of these graphic design approaches.
10. With respect to web graphics, what is the difference between .jpeg (or .jpg), .gif, .tiff, and .png formats? Under what conditions would you choose to use each of these formats?
11. There are a lot of resources available on the web, both in terms of programs and graphics. What is the difference between freeware, shareware, and linkware? Clearly delinate the difference and provide examples of each.
12. What is rss? And, how can you use rss to your advantage as a professional in the field?
13. With respect to the web, what is the difference between FTP and HTTP? When would you use each of these protocols?
14. What is HTML? DHTML? What is a hyperlink?
15. What are the components of a URL? What is a metatag and what is it used for?
16. What are domain names and what are the different domains available?
17. What is spyware? adware? a firewall?
18. What is the difference between a bit and a byte? What is the largest data unit available? Next in size? Next?
19. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a MAC vs a PC? There is a lot of opinion about this so try to articulate two distinct differences?
20. What is a MASHUP and how is it constructed? Provide two examples of a mashup in your answer.