hand-held devices

Description

Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers. Another valuable component of computer literacy is knowing how computers work and operate. Having basic computer skills is a significant asset in the developed countries. The precise definition of "computer literacy" can vary from group to group. Generally, literate (in the realm of books) connotes one who can read any arbitrary book in their native language, looking up new words as they are exposed to them. Likewise, an experienced computer professional may consider the ability to self-teach (i.e. to learn arbitrary new programs or tasks as they are encountered) to be central to computer literacy. In common discourse, however, "computer literate" often connotes little more than the ability to use several very specific applications (usually Microsoft Word, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook) for certain very well-defined simple tasks, largely by rote. (This is analogous to a child claiming that they "can read" because they have rote-memorized several small children's books. Real problems can arise when such a "computer literate" person encounters a new program for the first time, and large degrees of "hand-holding" will likely be required.) Being "literate" and "functional" are generally taken to mean the same thing. Computer skills Computer skills refer to the ability to use the software and hardware of a computer. Being "computer functional" usually means one has basic or intermediate computer skills. Being "computer literate" usually means one has advanced computer skills. They include: Basic computer skills Being able to power on the computer Being able to use a mouse to interact with elements on the screen Being able to use the computer keyboard Being able to shut down the computer properly after use Intermediate skills Functional knowledge of word processing How to use e-mail How to use the Internet Installing software Navigating a computer's filesystem Advanced skills Configuring a program Programming Understanding the problems of data security Use of a computer for scientific research Fixing software conflicts Repairing computer hardware Social implications The level of computer literacy one must achieve to gain an advantage over others depends both on the society one is in and one's place in the social hierarchy. Prior to the development of the first computers in the 1930s, the word computer referred to a person who could count, calculate and compute. In the year 2010, 50 years after its first personal/common business use, the term "computer literacy" changed deeply in meaning. Due to the exponential speed of technological growth, the personal computer now has practical use in everyday life. Computers are no longer boxes that take up large amounts of space with a big monitor; there are now hand-held devices and cell phones. Additionally, at least 10 processors are major components of most post-1995 model year cars. To evaluate or maintain a consistently gradual rise in practical application and social productivity from any technology one must understand how computers benefit humanity as a whole, starting from local education. The fear of some educators today is that computer training in schools will serve only to train data-entry clerks of the next generation, low level workers of the knowledge economy. On the other hand, some hope that enhanced computer literacy will enable a new generation of cultural producers to make meanings and circulate those in the public sphere. The wildfire of cultural production associated with sites such as YouTube seems to support this notion. Different countries have different ne...