Making IT Work for You

The Web is continually changing and some of the specifics presented in your textbook may have changed. Please review the list of Making IT Work topics below, and check this site again in the future for other ways to make information technology work for you.

Information technology touches our lives every day in a personal way. Many interesting and practical uses of IT have recently surfaced to make our lives richer and more entertaining. In your textbook, you will find these applications presented in detail.

Are you tired of unwanted e-mail in your Inbox? Do you frequently spend valuable time sorting through junk e-mail? Installing spam blocking software can help. One of the best known is Spam Bully.

Do you enjoy chatting with your friends? Are you working on a project and need to collaborate with others in your group? What if you could see and hear your group online? Perhaps instant messaging is just what you’re looking for.

Tired of using your keyboard to type term papers? Have you ever thought about using your voice to control application software? Perhaps speech recognition is just what you are looking for.

Did you know that you can use the Internet to locate music, download it to your computer, and create your own compact discs? All it takes is the right software, hardware, and a connection to the Internet.

Do you want to make your own movie? Would you like to edit some home movies and distribute them to family and friends on DVDs? It’s easy with the right equipment and software.

Computer networks are not just for corporations and schools anymore. If you have more than one computer, you can use a wireless home network to share files and printers, to allow multiple users access to the Internet at the same time, and to play interactive computer games.

Worried about computer viruses? Did you know that others could be intercepting your private e-mail? It is even possible for them to gain access and control of your computer system. Fortunately, Internet security suites are available to help ensure your safety while you are on the Internet.

Are you concerned about maintaining your privacy while you are surfing the Web? Did you know that programs known as spyware could be monitoring your every move? Fortunately, these programs are relatively easy to detect and remove.

Want to watch your favorite television program while you work? Perhaps you would like to include a video clip from a television program or from a DVD in a class presentation. It’s easy using a TV tuner card.

Did you know that you can use the Internet to find a job? You can browse through job openings, post your resume, and even use special programs that will search for the job that’s just right for you.