Chapter 12 Technology in the Workplace Business Communication Chapter 12 Technology in the Workplace Copyright 2010 South-Western Cengage Learning

Technology at Work Technology: the application of scientific knowledge to practical tasks Often refers to tools and machines Makes work faster, easier, or safer © Thinkstock images / Jupiter Images Computer technology helps people communicate. 12.1 Computer Hardware and Software

Computer Hardware Desktop computers Laptop computers Tablet computers Handheld computers © Hewlett Packard A handheld computer provides personal organizer and other types of programs. 12.1 Computer Hardware and Software

Computer Software Operating system software Application software Utility software Norton 360 is a popular utility program. Using software 12.1 Computer Hardware and Software

File Storage and Management Storage options Compact disk (CD) Digital video disk (DVD) Flash memory File compression File management © Mario Lopes / Shutterstock Flash memory drives are popular for backing up computer data. 12.1 Computer Hardware and Software

Peripherals Printers Scanners Fax machines © Izaokas Sapiro /Shutterstock Inkjet printers are popular peripherals for home and office use. 12.1 Computer Hardware and Software

The Connected World Technology aids worldwide communication LANs WANs PANs Bluetooth and WiFi © Purestock / Getty Images Some cell phones use Bluetooth technology. 12.2 Other Technologies

The Internet A vast network that connects millions of computers worldwide World Wide Web Hyperlinks © Vasiliy Koval /Shutterstock Places that offer wireless Internet access are known as hotspots. 12.2 Other Technologies

Security Security threats Security solutions Computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses Hackers Spyware Security solutions Procedures Passwords Firewalls 12.2 Other Technologies

Document Transmittal Transmittal methods Considerations Interoffice mail, the U.S. Postal Service, and private carriers Electronic transmission Considerations Speed Cost Need Security Format 12.2 Other Technologies

Pagers Handheld device that alerts receivers that they have a message Small, suitable for slipping in a pocket or stowing in a purse Useful for people who are away from their office but who might need to be contacted 12.2 Other Technologies

Voice Mail A computerized system that answers telephone calls Used by many organizations Users should record an appropriate greeting Users should answers messages promptly 12.2 Other Technologies

Cell Phones Portable, wireless telephones Change antenna connections during travel from one radio reception cell to another Come in a variety of shapes and sizes Have many features 12.2 Other Technologies

Smart Phones Popular with business users Provide programs and other features not found on cell phones Courtesy and safety © PRNewsFoto/Verizon Wireless, Achille Bigliardi/NewsCom A smart phone combines the features of a handheld computer and a cell phone. 12.2 Other Technologies

VoIP Voice over Internet protocol Digital phone service Calls go through a high-speed Internet connection Cost effective for many organizations © Shutterstock / NewsCom VoIP is available for business and home use. 12.2 Other Technologies

Digital Cameras Record images in digital form rather than on film Store images in the camera or on a memory device Allow image files to be edited © Image 100 / Jupiter Images A digital camera creates images in a format that can be used on a computer. 12.2 Other Technologies

Global Positioning System A worldwide navigation system consisting of satellites and ground stations A GPS receiver can identify its location anywhere on Earth Displays the location on a map for the user’s convenience 12.2 Other Technologies

Conference Technologies Teleconference: allows people at different locations to talk with one another by telephone Videoconference: allows people at different locations to see and hear each other Web conference: a meeting that takes place over an Internet connection 12.2 Other Technologies

Training Technologies Many jobs require on-the-job or continuing training Training can increase worker productivity Training is available on a wide range of topics Traditional methods and online instruction are used to provide training 12.2 Other Technologies

Unethical Use of Computers and Networks Follow rules set by employers for legal and proper use of computers and networks Typical abuses to avoid: Accessing confidential information Harassing other users Disrupting computing or network services Stealing computing or network services Transmitting obscene or pornographic material Copying or using copyrighted materials 12.2 Other Technologies

Technology Vocabulary Learning words and terms related to work help improve reading comprehension Computer technology terms Career-specific terms 12.2 Other Technologies

Workplace Safety Causes of injuries in offices Attitudes that affect safety Emergency plans 12.3 Workplace Safety and Ergonomics

Computer Use and Ergonomics Repetitive stress injuries Visions problems © franksiteman.com 2007 Using proper position at the keyboard helps users avoid injury. 12.3 Workplace Safety and Ergonomics

Ergonomics and the Workstation Arrange the work area Do warm-up exercises Check your keying position Take frequent breaks Avoid vision problems Adapt for other computers © Cengage Learning A properly arranged work area helps users avoid injury. 12.3 Workplace Safety and Ergonomics

Ergonomic Equipment Padded wrist rest Ergonomic keyboard Mouse Digital pen Touch pad Trackball Special glasses © Anna Dzondzua / Shutterstock The touch pad is a popular pointing device. 12.3 Workplace Safety and Ergonomics

HFES Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Provides training and resources for educating people about ergonomics Questions Students make up about what percentage of the HFES membership? What three publications do members receive as benefits of membership? school.cengage.com/bcomm/buscomm 12.3 Workplace Safety and Ergonomics

Vocabulary cell phone compact disk (CD) computer computer virus digital video disk (DVD) ergonomics fax machine firewall global positioning system (GPS) hacker hardware hotspots hyperlinks Internet network pager peripherals personal computer scanner smart phone software uniform resource locator (URL) voice mail VoIP World Wide Web