Digital devices 1 Flashcards
Personal Computers - definition
These types of digital devices are capable of performing most common computing tasks. Personal computers contain individual processors, ram & hard disk components, along with expansion ports.
Personal computer- use
In the workplace, we often use them for word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and database management systems. They’re also popular for creative tasks, like graphics, music and film editing.
This is due to the wide availability of software, good processing capabilities and the range of available input devices.
Server - definition
servers are actually very similar to personal computers. However, they commonly contain a larger storage capacity, higher processing power and larger amount of memory.
Though not necessarily always.
Examples of servers include web servers, mail servers, file servers and print servers.
Server -uses
Web servers are used to manage access to web pages. The web server stores the web page and associated files. When a client computer makes a request for a web page to the server (by entering the web pages URL) the web server locates the correct files and then sends them back to the client.
In a similar way, mail servers manage access to email. When you write an email and press send on your personal computer, it first goes to your outgoing mail server. This mail server will then send it across the network to the recipient’s mail server where it is stored in their mailbox. When the recipients log into their email client the mail server will forward the email to their computer.
File servers store your files, such as word processing documents and spreadsheets, so that you can access them from any computer on the network. When you hear the term ‘cloud storage’, this is an example of where your files are being stored on a file server, so you can access them from any computer by logging into your cloud storage account.
Finally, print servers are used to share access to a printer. By using a print server you can send your files to print from any computer on the network. This means you don’t need to log into a specific computer to print or have a printer for every computer,
mobile devices - definition
designed to be portable by being compact, light-weight and capable of running for extended periods on battery power.
mobile devices - uses
The most common use of mobile devices is to access the internet while on the go, such as for web browsing and email access. However, we use them for many other reasons too.
Playing games and organisational functions like keeping a diary of events are popular functions we use on a regular basis.
entertainment system - definition
Computing devices that are designed to entertain, such as watching television, listening to music and playing video games.
entertainment system - uses
Digital media players allow us to stream digital media, such as films, tv, music and images from over a network. You may be familiar with devices like Apple TV & Roku. Portable media players are similar, except instead of streaming, we download the media to the device and play it off the devices hard disk.
MP3 players are used to access & listen to 1000s of music tracks on a small portable device. It is now common to have MP4 players which can also play video too. We might also use them to listen to podcasts or other forms of auditory media.
Video game consoles allow you to play video games. We can even use the internet to play games with and against other players from all around the world.
navigation system - definition
digital device that uses GPS (Global Positioning System to provide a real-time map of our current location, as well as including route planning tools to give us directions to a chosen destination.
navigation system - uses
In-car satnavs are commonly used instead of traditional maps to help direct you along the fastest route on your car journey. This can be integrated directly into the car’s dashboard, but is often in a standalone device. TomTom is a popular brand for these.
