A1 Digital Devices Flashcards
Types Of Digital Devices (5)
-Personal Computers
-Servers
-Mobile Devices
-Entertainment Systems
-Navigation Systems
What is a personal computers (4bp)
-small and cheap to be used by individuals
-perform most common tasks “general purpose”
-contain individual processors, ram & hard disk components & expansion ports
-easy to upgrade (add hard disk = +storage
Uses of Personal Computers (3bp)
-Work Place, word processing, desktop publishing, database
-wide availability of software, good processing capabilities & range of available input devices
-personal use, accessing internet, surfing, web, email, gaming
What are servers? (4bp)
-> manage access to different resources & services
-> personal computers connect to the server via ethernet cables & WiFi (how a network is formed)
-> larger storage capacity, better processing power & more memory
-> e.g web servers, mail servers, file servers, print servers
Uses of Servers
-> web servers, manage access to web pages, stores the webpage & files. The web server locates the correct files & sends back to client
->manage access to email, press send from personal computer > outgoing mail server > sent across network to recipients mail server
-> file servers, store your files e.g word processing documents (cloud storage), files on server
->print servers - share access to a printer. print from any computer to the network. Don’t need to log into specific computer.
What are Mobile Devices?
-> portable, compact, light-weight & runs good battery power, runs for long time.
-> connects to internet wirelessly - mobile broadband/WiFi -system-on-a-chip
-> CPU, GPU & RAM = difficult to upgrade as components are integrated on a chip
Uses of Mobile Devices
-> Personal computers, general purpose devices -> computing tables, ‘apps’
-> Access internet on the go
-> web browsing, email access
-> playing games, organisational
-touch screen, sole input
-> not practical for word processing
What are entertainment systems?
->TV, Music, video games
->Contain good hard disk storage for storing films/music
->built in internet connectivity
WiFi -downloading new media streaming, gaming services.
-> digital media players, MP3, video game consoles
Uses of Entertainment Systems
->Used at home, entertainment such as streaming films or music
(portable media players/download movies)
-> MP3 players, music
-> Video games consoles, allow you to play video games
Navigation System
-uses GPS (global positioning system) , its a real time map of our current location & route planning tools to give directions
-features include traffic info, roadworks and even accidents
Uses of navigation systems
-faster than traditional maps
-smartphones have built in navigation systems and have replaced standalone satnav devices
What is a multifunctional device?
-> Its a device than can perform more than 1 function
Eg performs input and output
Examples include multifunctional printers which can print, scan and photocopy
Also video games consoles are classified as mfds as you can play games, watch video and talk to people all from the same device
Digital Cameras
- photo and video recording
-> uses grid of photosensors and converts light into digital pixels stored on a memory card
-> memory card is removable, allows you to transfer pics & store in camera - digital still cameras & digital video cameras
Uses of digital cameras
-sharing to a computer &upload
-edit pics on computer software
Communication Devices & Systems
- Device used to move data between 2 devices either wired/wirelessly
- Essential devices can communicate with eachother, e.g internet
e.g Network Interface Cards (NIC), Wireless Dongles, Routers
Uses of Communication Devices & Systems
- Transmit data over a network, internet, LAN
- NIC , data transferred via ethernet cable, used with personal computer
- Wireless Dongles, transfer data to a router wirelessly with LAN/ broadband network (WiFi)
-Router, directs data to correct destination over large network (router to connect multiple devices at home to same internet connection)
Uses of Digital Devices (Education & Training)
Interactive Whiteboards
-Teach the class, multifunctional input info & output on screen
-Notes taken can be saved to a central location & accessed by students outside of school - easily edit notes
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)
-Used in schools
-Website, teachers upload resources & share
-Students can access learning at home & prepare for lessons & exams & submit work, instant message teachers, forums (discussions)
Teacher can mark work = access feedback anywhere
Online Learning (MOOC)
-Access education & training
-> visual content, audio explanations
-Webcam, live training events, web conferencing
-> capture lectures and share on YouTube
Uses of Digital Devices ( Personal)
Entertainment
-films, music & games
-streaming, saves hard disk space
-video game consoles, play with friends
Drawback - ^ piracy, film … illegally transferred over internet for free
Online Shopping & Banking
-Groceries, clothes etc
-Manage finances, bank statements, transferring money
-Saves time & money, travelling. Good for people living in remote locations, or with disabilities
Home Appliances
-Controlling central heating on phone, fridges
->Automate daily routines, more free time, lower costs & lower energy, (turn off heating/lights if your not home)
Uses of Digital Devices ( Social )
Social Networking
-Socialise with friends & family
-> create ‘Network of Friends’ to share photos, instant messaging built in, create/join groups to talk to people with similar interests
-Drawbacks, distracting, time consuming and decreases productivity
Instant Messaging
-real-time text based conversations (whatsapp)
->cheaper/free, send group messages, attach files, images, hyperlinks, webpages
-Proprietary, person you are messaging must have same app ( Apple iMessage)
VOIP - Voice over Internet Protocol
-real time voice & video conversation (skype)
-Uses computer/mobile device/TV/concoles
-Group Conversations
-Cheaper/Free
-Keep in touch with people in other countries
Uses Of Digital Devices ( Retail )
EPOS - Electronic Point Of Sale
-> computerised checkout till, digital devices to record sales & take payments
-barcode readers, add new products
-OMR, input lottery tickets
-NFC, contactless payments (Apple Pay)
-sales process is quicker & efficient
- less errors, less staff needed (Self service), decrease in costs and queing time
Stock Management
-Personal Computers & servers, stock management
->database management systems, run on servers & connect to EPOS systems
-Product sold, info sent through server -> database updated -> stock level decreases
++ stock managment server is connected via internet to warehouse servers (automatically reorder items)
++ less administrative staff needed
Retail Websites
-Brick-And-Mortar & e-commerce sites
-To run an online website, you need a web server to host one, PC, develop & maintain site (updating prices)
++ Sell 24/7
Uses Of Digital Devices ( Organisational Use)
Administration
- Spreadsheets & Accounting Softwares, manage finances
-PC, Word Processor, Presentation
-Communication Devices & Servers, share info LAN
++ ^Productivity, Less time spent correcting human error, using email cloud storage (Sharing info)
Video Conferencing
-(VOIP), video conferencing softwares
-> more people take part
-> features, display presentation, share docs
++ saves time & money
++ employees, no need to travel, supports working from home
Design & Manufacturing
- CAD, Computer Aided Design
-> technical drawings (architecture)
- CAM, Computer Aided Manufacturing
-> machinery produce objects by CAD software
++ better efficiency, CAD designs can be easily modified & designs can be sent quickly via email
++ machinery, no need for breaks = can work 24/7
++ less human error , same standard quality all the time
Uses of Digital Devices ( Creative Tasks)
3D Graphics
-Video Games & Film Industry, 3D graphics
-3D models is quicker and more flexible, changes can be made easily
-For game characters & environments
-> Realism, with virtual reality headsets to experience in 3 dimensions
Photo/Video Editing
-Digital Pics -> load them onto PC for editing, fixing lighting
-> Photo editing controversy, magazines heavily edited, unrealistic expectations
++ better simplicity & speed, make more copies to make them recoverable
Graphic Design
-Logo, Leaflets, brochures, comics
-Graphics Editing & Publishing software
-Designing layout
-Easily send data, printers, email
