Thursday, January 25, 2018
Chapter 8: Communications and Networks
Computer Concepts
8.1— Communications
•Computer Communications— the process of sharing data, programs, and information
between two or more computers
•E-mail—provides a fast, efficient alternative to traditional mail by sending and receiving
electronic documents.
•Texting—provides very efficient direct text communication between individuals using
short electronic messages.
•Videoconferencing—provides a very-low-cost alternative to long-distance telephone calls
using electronic voice and video delivery.
•Electronic commerce—buying and selling goods electronically
•Connectivity— a concept related to using computer networks to link people and
resources; you can connect your personal computer to other computers and information
sources almost anywhere
-The single most dramatic change in connectivity and communications in the past decade
has been the widespread use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets with wireless
Internet connectivity
-Wireless communications allows you to share a high-speed printer, share data files, and
collaborate on working documents with a nearby co-worker without having your
computers connected by cables or telephone
•Communication Systems— electronic systems that transmit data from one location to
another
~ Basic Elements of a Communication System
1.Sending and receiving devices: These are often a computer or specialized
communication device. They originate (send) as well as accept (receive) messages in
the form of data, information, and/or instructions.
2.Connection devices: These devices act as an interface between the sending and
receiving devices and the communication channel. They convert outgoing messages
into packets that can travel across the communication channel. They also reverse the
process for incoming messages.
3.Data transmission specifications: These are rules and procedures that coordinate the
sending and receiving devices by precisely defining how the message will be sent
across the communication channel.