Digital Devices

Digital Devices

1. multifunctional devices

   • MFDs, also known as AIOs (all in one) can carry out a number of functions rather than just one.
   • An example of an MFD is a printer that doesn’t just print, it also scans and photocopies items as well.
   • advantage - Saves space and money
   • disadvantage - impact on industry

2. Mainframe computers

   • Mainframe computers are devices that handle huge quantities of data that even the most powerful standalone systems would struggle with
   • Mainframe computers are used by large organisations such as Amazon to process data from millions of customers.
   • A mainframe is not the same as a server, a server is a computer that provides and manages network services, while the mainframe manages data.
   • advantage - stores huge amounts of money
   • disadvantage - expensive

3. mobile devices

   • term given for any portable device
   • advantage - helps with organisation and provides a range of tools
   • disadvantage - can be addictive

4. servers

   • Servers provide services for computers on a network. Generally a network is a number of PCs connected via cables and switches.
   • A server provides a specific serviced on a network such as shared file storage, management of print jobs or managing websites.
   • Cloud systems use servers that are geographically separate from the user to store files and folders.
   • advantage - manages network devices
   • disadvantage - cost of equipment and staff is expensive

5. entertainment systems

   • Multifunctional devices that can manage music and video files. Many are standalone, however due to increased affordability server based home systems are also becoming more popular.
   • examples - apple tv, amazon echo, in car entertainment systems
   • advantage - can be integrated to control a range of devices
   • disadvantages - privacy concerns

6. digital cameras

   • Digital cameras can be used to store still or video images. Images are encoded by breaking the picture into tiny squares called pixels. The resolution of the image is the number of pixels used to create an image
   • advantage - can delete and re-take pictures
   • disadvantage - pictures cant be printed

7. navigation systems

   • Navigation systems use GPS (Global Positioning System) or a combination of GPS and GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
   • Newer versions of this type of device don’t just give travel directions, they can reroute to avoid congestion as well as providing information about roadworks, accidents and points of interest such as the nearest petrol station.
   • Devices can be stand alone (portable) or integrated into the vehicle. Mobile phone devices also offer this type of technology with the use of map apps.
   • advantage - reduces journey times/helps avoid traffic
   • disadvantage - can lead to people not knowing how to read a map properly

8. data capture systems

   • Also known as Electronic Data Capture Systems, these types of device can collect a range of data.
   • examples - card readers, iris and finger print scanners, mri scanners

9. communication devices and systems

   • Communication devices and systems allow devices to communicate with each other either locally or internationally
   • Satellites- Allow wireless two-way communication between devices
   • WiFi- IEEE 802.11 allows connections between devices via the use of radio waves, susceptible to absorption, different standards allow different speeds and distances
   • Bluetooth – Used to create a PAN (personal area network) to transfer data or to connect to peripherals such as headphones
   • advantage - long range
   • disadvantage - equipment and operating staff can be expensive