Use Appropriate Laptop Features Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of a docking station and/or port replicator?
Used to connect peripherals you might need such as monitors, keyboard and mouse, external storage, printers etc. Peripherals connect to the docking station/port replicator so that they are quickly available to the connecting laptop, rather than having to plug everything in individually.
What advantage do port replicators have over docking stations?
Most of the same functionality but over USB rather than a proprietary docking port. Faster to connect and can be used with multiple models instead of having to buy new docking ports when laptops are upgraded.
How do mobile devices fit in to business endeavors?
Not only do they improve connectivity with functions like calling, text, chat and social, they can be more convenient in applications where the user needs to be more mobile.
Why are docking stations not as common anymore?
Port replicators are more favorable as they can be used with multiple devices, where as docking stations typically only support the devices they were designed for.
What advantages do CISC processors have over RISC? Disadvantages?
Advantages
- Higher processing power and increased speed
Disadvantages
- Higher power requirements and heat output
What is RISC its defining features
Reduced Instruction Set Computing
- The R in ARM processor
- Reduced computing power compared to Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors
- Fewer transistors used resulting in cheaper cost, lower power consumption and heat output
- Ideal for mobile devices
What feature on most laptops can be used to physically secure the device? When should it be used?
The Universal Security Slot (USS) is a small slot that works with locks designed for it.
Typically a cable is used to secure the device, like a bike lock.
Useful in public places or when you can’t keep a constant eye on the device.
What considerations need to be made when choosing a smartphone?
- Application: what is the primary use of the phone
- Camera: If high quality pictures are needed a phone with a high quality camera is useful
- Headphone jack: some phones do not have these and only allow bluetooth headphones which would be an additional cost
- Charging: Some phones like Apple use proprietary charging cables which can be expensive or difficult to replace. Androids use some USB type which are very common
- App Market: If a particular application is needed for a specific purpose, that application may not be available in the app market supported by your device. (if you have android but the app is exclusively apple)
What architectures use CISC processors?
x86 and x64 architectures typically used by laptops and desktops
What is an ARM processor?
Advanced RISC Machine
Any processor produced under a license from ARM Holdings
What are the differences between a smartphone and a tablet?
- Smartphones are natively able to make phone calls over analog cellular network. Tablets can make calls but require an installed app that communicates over data networks
- Screen size, with tablets typically being considerably larger
What are the differences between a tablet and a laptop?
- tablets designed to be more lightweight and mobile
- tablets typically touchscreen with a virtual keyboard
- tablets typically run a mobile OS on an ARM chipset
- tablets are primarily wireless, using WiFi, cellular or both. Rarely a LAN option
What is the Fn key and its purpose?
The special function key is used to quickly enable secondary functions tied to specific keys on your keyboard. This is typically achieved by simultaneously pressing the function key and the key with the function you want.
Available on most keyboards, however the functions can differ between manufacturers.
How do mobile devices fit in to technical support?
Mobile devices such as phones or tablets are pretty ubiquitous now and many require support of those devices, be it management, configuration or repair.
What disadvantage might a port replicator have compared to a docking station?
Older port replicators may not support USB charging, where most docking stations support charging once laptop is connected.
