Entertainment- ICT

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Console/ Laptop Disadvantages

Console/ Laptop Advantages

Games Consoles

Features:

High resolution output for HD games

CD, DVD, Blu-ray optical drives

Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet network cable

Multi-player gaming

Peripherals:

Wireless controllers - control games from up to 30 feet away

Wireless headsets - chat to other console users online

Hard drive transfer cable - transfer games and movies to external HDD

Webcam/ speaker/ mic set - video chats with other users online

Motion sensors - hands- free gaming

HD - for HD gaming eg HD TV and HDMI cable

Hands-Free and Wireless Gaming

Examples:

Nintendo Wii and Playstation: users hold motion sensor with buttons for games control

XBOX Kinect give real hands-free gaming: using a laser and infrared camera builds up a picture of room and works out whats a person and whats furniture- identifies moving body parts

Choosing a laptop:

Features: what device includes e.g. LCD flatscreen, webcam

Function: what device's features can do: connect to network/ internet, watch HD video, play Hi-Fi quality sound

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) size: lots of storage space for images, video etc.

Performance: processor speed and RAM size

Future Proofing

Upgradability: to play games that need faster processor etc. Its cheaper to upgrade than get a new device

Support: help setting up/ using/ repairing devices- see what companies offer best support

Disposal of old devices

Devices need careful disposal

Many e.g. TVs and laptops, contain materials that are harmful to the environment and classed as hazardous waste

Waste disposal site OR

Donate to organisation which recycles computer equipment but donating to other users

Being Safe/ Efficient

Delete all files on hard drive that might contain private/ personal information e.g. names and passwords

Uninstall any software packages that are planned to be re-installed on new computer: not breaching licensing agreement

Most efficient method= reformatting the hard disk drive

Downloading:

Avoid peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing sites- infringe copyright of original producers

Avoid free sites- all reputable legal sites will charge (yearly subscription/ each file downloaded)

Check download conditions in small print- may only be able to watch on device it was downloaded to and cannot copy to DVD etc. May contain Digital Management Software to prevent this

Use reputable websites- such as media producers (record companies, the musicians, studios like Warner Bros and companies like iTtunes)

Check site reliability- through forums and blogs

Using only legal sites ensures good quality files and no virus/ spyware risk

Video Streaming:

Users need player: program that uncompresses data

Watch live TV/ listen to global radio on laptop

On-demand streaming- listen or watch whenever and pause and rewind

Most are made by television companies and are free, some have small charges

Streaming: content sent in compressed form over Internet and displayed by the viewer in real-time- When streaming, user doesn't need to wait for file to download, media is sent in continuous stream of data and played as it arrives

Streaming vs Downloading

Streaming:

Internet needed for whole process

Buffering in order to store some data in case of delays in data arrival

Downloading:

Entire file downloaded onto computer

May have to pay

May download a virus

Can't be shared or watched on any device

Can't watch it immediately

Symptoms of Computer Addiction

Spend nearly all free time on computer

When sad or with a problem, user escapes into a computer game

Not keeping up with homework- falling grades

Lying about how much time spent on computer

Rather play games than spend time with family/ friends

Given up other hobbies/ interests

Irritated/ Agitated when not playing games

Computer addiction can lead to:

Eye strain

Muscle/ joint problems

Overuse injuries e.g. RSI

Lack of exercise- obesity

Poor diet- Weight loss/ gain

Choosing a Device

Responsibilities

Downloads And Streaming

Health and Safety

Devices