Personal Digital Devices Flashcards
Ways of communicating with a digital device? (remember atleast 3, 7 listed)
Text messages Social networking sites Instant messaging Media messages Voice calls Video calls Emails
Uses of a digital device for travel? (3 uses listed)
Can find the route with satnav and GPS
Can track location of cars and vans
Can geotag images
Factors to consider when choosing a device? (Try to remember atleast 5 different factors)
User interface Connectivity Storage capacity/Memory Speed of internet connection and processor Cost Battery Life Compatibility with other devices
What is a processor?
A component which controls all the functions of the device.
What is internal memory?
The place where program instructions and data are stored while the microprocessor is working.
Features of flash memory? (4 listed)
Peripheral device
Does not lose data when turned off
Has no moving parts (reduces risk of being damaged)
Removable and can be used to transfer data between devices
Types of Flash Memory (5 listed)
SD card Micro SD card SDXC (extended capacity SD card) SDHC (high capacity SD card) USB/Memory Stick
Input Devices (10 listed)
Keyboard Mouse Webcam Microphone Touch Screen Game controller Graphics Tablet Scanner Touch sensitive jog dial Joystick
Output Devices (6 listed)
Speakers Docking station Headphones Printer Headset Screen
Ways of connecting devices (4 listed)
Data cable connection
Bluetooth
WiFi
Cloud synchronisation
Features of Bluetooth (3 listed)
Wireless
Communicate over SHORT DISTANCES using radio waves
Can connect to enabled peripherals such as speakers or printers
Features of WiFi (4 listed)
Wireless
Communicate over LONGER DISTANCES
Devices can connect with a computer network and the Internet
Can connect to enabled peripherals such as printers, speakers, scanners etc.
Features of cloud synchronisation (3 listed)
Storage of all data files (photos, music etc) on a remote server
Can access files from all digital devices
File downloaded on one device automatically downloads to all devices
What is synchronisation?
When two devices are connected and they can automatically exchange data
Core Functions of Mobile phones (2 listed)
Voice calls on the move
Can use SMS
Features of Multifunctional mobile phones (6 listed)
Internet browsing and streaming
GPS- position on map and navigation device
Entertainment- music, videos, games
Productivity- learning, financial management, travel apps= Boost productivity and save time!
Data storage- store photos, music, videos and removable storage (micro SD card)= easy transfer!
Camera- takes images, videos and can be used to make video calls
Ways of keeping phone and data secure
Hide phone
Set a pin
Lock the sim card
Record the unique IMEI number which mobile service providers can use to block the phone
Encrypt data- codes data and need to use a key to unlock it
Restrict Bluetooth use - reduces chance of “bluejacking”
Features of desk top computers
Require peripherals such as monitor, mouse and speakers
Have hard disk drives and optical drives as storage devices
Powerful processors
Good connectivity (USB, FireWire, HDMI)
Can have Bluetooth and wifi cards for wireless communication
Easy to upgrade and enhance by adding extra functions
Features of Laptop computers
Monitor, pointing device and webcam built in
Have hard disk drives and optical drives and slots for SD cards
Good connectivity (USB, FireWire, HDMI)
Have Bluetooth and WiFi built in
Less easy to dismantle and upgrade
Battery powered or use electricity supply
-NOTEBOOKS= MORE COMPACT VERSION
Features of Netbook Computers
Strong and robust
Small and lightweight
Boot up quickly- solid state SD cards as storage devices
Built in WiFi
Usually do not have hard disks or optical drives
Designed for internet use and cloud computing
Features of Tablet computers
Very light and portable
Battery powered
Touch screen interface
Virtual, on screen keyboard
Bluetooth, Wifi and 3G enabled for wireless comms
Camera to take still and moving images
Designed for playing media, Internet use and reading ebooks
Can download and run apps as on mobile phones
Features of a personal computer to consider
Processor speed RAM Storage capacity Number of USB ports Battery life Wifi Sound/Graphics card- see/hear graphics, videos, music, games
What is ergonomics?
The science of designing equipment so that it is comfortable and user-friendly
Can help prevent RSI and other health problems
Health risks of computer use- cause + solution
Eye Strain
(looking at screen too long, sunlight/artificial light shining on screen)
{take regular breaks, adjust screen, use antiglare}
RSI
(Performing repeated actions)
{Use wrist rests to support hands, take breaks from repeating actions}
Neck and back problems
(sitting in the wrong position, sitting in same pos for long time)
{Change height of chair/screen, adjust lumbar support, move computer closer/further}
Pain in knees and legs
(Sitting in wrong position, sitting in same pos for long time)
{Adjust chair so feet are flat on the ground or use footrest, regular breaks to stretch legs}
Digital zoom
Does not actually zoom
Crops and enlarges part of image
Can affect image quality
Optical zoom
Moves lens away from sensor and closer to object
Brings light from subject closer
Does not affect image quality as much
GPS receivers in cameras
Geographical coordinates are stored as metadata- small text file stored with each image- details
Wifi in camera
Allows users to email images or upload to online albums and social networking sites without needing to download images to computer first
Features of personal camcorders
Small, High specs Cheap Can record HD videos Some have wifi- can upload videos directly to internet sites
Features of media players
Small and light Solid state memory- movement does not affect playback Long battery life Can store a lot of media Can set playlists Can lock Simple interfaces ie jog wheel
Media file formats (audio, still images, videos)
Audio: MP3, WMA
Still images: JPEG, GIF, PNG
Video: MPEG-4, WMV
Safety features of personal media players
Biometric authentication
Encrypts data to prevent others accessing
Backup feature- data back up to a computer
Hides Bluetooth/wireless sharing- stop users accessing device
Remote management- allows deactivation remotely if stolen
Hard reset feature- Users can delete all data for selling device
Antivirus software
Locks automatically if not used for certain time period- prevents accidental/unauthorised use
What is Digital Rights Management?
Software which prevents you making copies of audio and video files downloaded onto personal media player
May prevent transfer to other digital devices owned
!!PROTECTS COPYRIGHT HOLDER BY PREVENTING ILLEGAL COPYING!!
Advantages of Streaming Videos
Saves time- do not have to wait for download- continuous stream of data, played by software as soon as it arrives on media player
Uses less storage space
Disadvantages of Streaming Videos
Cannot keep local copy for viewing offline
Limited availability for some streamed video
User experience depends on connection quality (bandwidth needs to be large)
Features of games consoles
High resolution output for HD games and videos
Connectivity- USB, Bluetooth, Wifi, Ethernet
Can connect to internet to browse, shop, social network, VoiP etc.
CD, DVD, Blue-ray optical drives
Capable of multi-player online gaming
Webcam, speaker, microphone- Video chats with other console users online
Motion sensors- controller with button for game control
Hands free- uses laser and infrared cam to build a pic of your room, identify person moving etc.
Wireless controllers
Wireless headsets
Health risks of game consoles
Overuse injuries- RSI
(Pressing buttons)
{sensible time limits, breaks to stretch and flex, don’t use same controller all the time}
Obesity
(increased use of sitting down console games leads to reduced amount of exercise)
{sensible time limits, physical activity when not playing}
Muscle and Joint Problems
(hours in same position impacts posture and spine)
{regular breaks to stretch, adjust furniture to suit height, use ergonomic chair if possible}
Eye Strain
(eyes become fatigued when focused at same distance point for long periods, can lead to blurry vision and headaches)
{Adjust screen for contrast and brightness, move furniture to prevent light shining on screen, gaze breaks ie look at objects in the distance}
Signs of overuse
Spend all free time gaming
Give up other interests and hobbies
Not keeping up with hmwk and failing grades
Would rather play games than spend time with family and friends
Effect of gaming on behaviour
Violent video games can lead to decreased empathy and increased aggression
Playing shooting games for 1 0 hours in a week results in less brain activity in areas of brain involving thinking and emotional control
Features of Digital Television
More channels than analogue TV
High quality pictures and sound
Can access digital radio stations
Electronic Programme Guide
More accessible- subtitles, audio and sign language descriptions
Interactive features- extra coverage, voting, shopping
Greater control- saves programmes and can pause live TV
What is a home cinema or theatre system composed of?
DVD/Blue ray player, amplifier and six speakers to provide high fidelity surround sound.
What is convergence?
When devices take on functions normally found in other devices
What is Digital Living Network Alliance?
If 2 devices are DLNA certified, they are compatible without needing to plug anything in or transfer files
How are Satnavs useful to drivers?
Can check speed and warning about speed cameras
Live traffic reports and help avoid congestion
Can help find scenic routes or conveniences ie service stations and restaurants
Health and safety risks of Satnavs?
Driver may be diverted trying to adjust settings/route and cause an accident
Devices may cause blind spot
Could lead driver down hard to navigate roads or to incorrect destinations
What is Geocaching?
Outdoor, high tech treasure hunt
Try to locate hidden containers called geocaches using GPS enabled devices and share experiences online
What do GPS services on mobile have to offer? Advantages of Smartphone over traditional Satnav
Free downloadable maps
Route planning apps
More likely to have phone on you than satnav
Can buy applications from major satnav manufacturers for phone
Small, light and easy to carry around
Disadvantages of smartphone over traditional Satnav
Might have to pay for expensive app
May be subject to roaming charges if used abroad
GPS can run down battery very quickly
Does not always update quickly enough, may cause you to miss instructions
Some satnavs have bigger screens and 3D displays
Accessibility of Satnavs
Extra info for people with disabilities such as disabled parking areas, toilets, facilities etc. in public
Satnavs for blind people speak their location with the press of a button
Effects of computers on organisations
Effects:
number of employees needed
skills needed by employees
training and re-training requirements
Effects of portable digital devices on organisations
Employees issued with one
Make remote access possible through use of wireless and 3G networks and by storing data and files in a cloud
Allows for greater collaboration between workers at different sites
But it also puts organisations at greater risk of hackers stealing or corrupting data
The use of online presence by organisations
Website- showcase goods and services, sell online
Blog- tell customers about developments in a more personal way
Social Networking Websites- monitor comments and engage in discussions
Viral marketing- advertise services through video uploads
Profiling- tracking info about customer transactions gathered using cookies
Uses of technology in education
Internet allows better online research
Laptops, netbooks and smartphones allow access to online learning materials
Apps for smartphones make learning more enjoyable
VLEs allow access to learning resources and students can hand hmwk in any time
Ebook readers give better access to lots of texts
Online registration and admin systems for schools improve efficiency
Specialist software improves learning in certain subjects ie. languages
Interactive whiteboards, digital cameras and GPS enabled devices enhance learning experience
