Types of Digital Devices

Question 1

What is a Mainframe computer

Answer 1

A large, powerful computer that can do a lot of complicated jobs quickly and can be used by a lot of people at the same time.

Question 2

What are Mainframe computers used for?

Answer 2

They are used by large organizations for complex processing tasks such as statistical analysis and bulk data processing.

Question 3

What is a microprocessor?

Answer 3

The device that controls what a computer does; it takes data as input, does something with it and provides output.

Question 4

What type of devices do microprocessors control?

Answer 4

Washing Machines, Televisions, and other household appliances. Examples of devices you will consider include personal computers, digital cameras, and home entertainment systems.

Question 5

Describe a desktop computer

Answer 5

Some desktops are “all in one”. This means that they combine the monitor with the PC hardware.

Question 6

Describe a laptop

Answer 6

Laptops include a keyboard, a screen, a track pad, and a rechargeable battery. Having these features means that they can be taken away from the desk, which makes them an example of a portable device.

Question 7

Define portable

Answer 7

Easy to carry or move

Question 8

Where are personal computers common?

Answer 8

They are common in homes and offices. They come in many shapes and sizes such as desktops and laptops

Question 9

Give a reason why Desktops are better than laptops

Answer 9

Desktops have more space for components than laptops and often provide users with the option to upgrade them or add additional components.

Question 10

What is a peripheral device?

Answer 10

Equipment that is connected to a computer and used with it.

Question 11

Some laptops are called “desktop replacements”, why?

Answer 11

They tend to be larger than other laptops, as well as having a bigger and better-quality screen and higher performance levels

Question 12

What are single-board computers

Answer 12

Single-board computers (SBCs) are affordable computers used in education.

Question 13

Give an example of a single-board computer.

Answer 13

The Raspberry Pi Zero is an example of an SBC

Question 14

Describe a SIM card

Answer 14

Mobile phones use a SIM card to connect to a mobile phone network. SIM stands for subscriber identity module, and a SIM card is used to identify the subscriber to a mobile phone network.

Question 15

What are specialist phones

Answer 15

Some mobile phones have specialist features to provide users with functions that meet particular user needs. For example, some phones have an emergency button that is linked to a list of emergency contacts. When this button is pressed, the phone will call each person on the list until someone answers

Question 16

The Alto 2 is an example of a user accessibility need phones, what is the Alto 2

Answer 16

A specialist mobile phone for blind and partially sighted people. It meets its users’ needs because every feature and function is spoken aloud. Other phones provide fewer, large buttons and connections for hearing aids

Question 17

What is a smartphone

Answer 17

Smartphones are small computers with WI-FI and mobile phone connectivity to allow them to make phone calls and access the internet. They also include features of other devices such as cameras, media players, and hand-held games consoles.

They have a more advanced operating system than other mobile phones. Applications (apps) can be downloaded onto the smartphone, which allows users to customize their smartphone with entertainment, educational, and business features. Most smartphones use a touch screen to allow users to input information.

A virtual keyboard is used to enter text, numbers and other characters.

WCGAV

Question 18

Due to smartphones having so many features, smartphones use more power than other types of mobile phones. What does this mean?

Answer 18

They have a shorter battery life and need to be charged more regularly than other mobile phones.