Page 77 - digitalliteracy

Summary & Resources

Summary & Resources

Module Summary

A critical component in your academic success is to have a secure and reliable Internet con-
nection. The Internet is the world’s largest computer network, and it allows you to connect
with any other computer on the planet. Networks are essential communication channels.
They allow individuals in businesses and other organizations to share information and files
and to collaborate, even though they may be separated by distance and time zones.

This module described the many options you have for connecting to the Internet, whether
you are at home, at a specific location in town, or on the go. We also discussed steps you can
take on your own to resolve technical problems you might encounter with your computer or
online class. If you are not able to resolve problems using these ideas, don’t worry. Your Ash-
ford University Technical Support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide you
through other possible solutions. We hope the information in this module and the support
available to you from your course instructors, your Ashford advisors, your classmates, and
the Ashford University Technical Support team gives you confidence that assistance is always
available to help you succeed at Ashford University. Don’t hesitate to ask for it!

Critical-Thinking Questions

1. What type of computer network do you use to gain access to the Internet and com-
plete your course work? What are your options for connecting outside a home
network?
2. Which four browsers are acceptable for completing your courses? What does your
browser enable you to do?
3. What steps should you take if you have computer problems or experience difficulty
connecting to the Internet?

Key Terms

computer network A group of computers intranets Internal networks that busi-
that connects with other computer networks nesses and organizations use to share
and individual electronic devices, so each files and information among stakeholders,
computer can send and receive information develop collaborative projects, and share
to and from other computers and peripheral computer applications.
devices.
modem In a home or office network, the
interface The point where the user and the device that connects with the Internet
device interact. The interface is represented through a telephone landline.
by the look, feel, and overall user experience
of a device, browser, or operating system. router In a home or office computer net-
work, the device that connects the computer
Internet A massive global computer net- to the modem, other computers in the home,
work of other computers and other, smaller and/or a printer or other devices to share
networks. data and information.

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