Digital Devices 1

Digital Devices 1

1. Personal Computers

   • A device that is small and cheap enough for it to be used by individuals.
   • They are capable of performing the common computing tasks. Installing a new software application our computer becomes capable of performing a completely new function.
   • Uses
     • Because personal computers are genreal purpose devices, they really have a wide range of functions. However, there are some particularly popular uses.
     • In the workplace, we often use them for word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and database management systems. They're also popular for creative tasks, like graphics, music and film editing
     • This is due to the wide availability of software, good processing capabilities and the range of avaliable input devices. For example, a mobile device doesn't generally use a keyboard and so isn't as useful for word processing as a desktop or laptop.
     • In our personal lives, they're also commonly used for acessing the internet, such as surfing the web and email. These devices almost always come with nextworking capabilities which make them useful for this. They're also used for gaming, but this requires an expensive graphics card normally.
   • Personal computers contain individual processors, RAM and hard disk components, along with expansion ports. This makes it very easy to upgrade our device to add additional capabilities such as replacing the hard disk to add ore storage or adding a graphics card to an expanson port to improve its graphics procession power.
   • Examples of personal computers include desktops & laptops.

2. Servers

   • A computer that manages access to different resources and services over a network.
   • Other devices, like personal computers, connect to the server via a range of means such as Ethernet cables and Wifi. This is how a network is formed . Depending on the type of server, other computers can then access the resources and services it is providing.
   • As a devices, servers are actually very similar to personal computers. However, they commonly contain a larger storage capacity, higher processing power and larger amount of memory. Though not necessarily always.
   • Examples of servers include web severs, mail servers, file servers and print servers.
   • Uses
     • There are different types of servers and each has their own particular use to the business.
     • Web servers are used to manage access to web pages. The web server storest he web page and associated files. When a client computer makes a request for a web page to the server (by entering the web pages URL) the web server locates the correct files and then sends them back to the client.
     • In a similar way, mail servers manage acces to email. When you write an email and press send on your personal computer, it first goes t oyour outgoing mail server, This mail server then sends it across the network to the recipient's mail server where it is stored in their mailbox. When the recipient log into their email client the mail server will forward the email to their computer.
     • File servers store your files, suh as word processing documents and spreadsheets, so that you can access them from any computer on the network. When you hear the term 'cloud storage', this is an example of where your files are being stored on a file server, so you can access them from any computer by logging into your cloud storage account.
     • Finally, print servers are used to share access to a printer. By using a print server you can send your files to print from any computer on the network. This means you don't need to long into a specific computer to print or have a printer for every computer, which would be very expensive.

3. Mobile devices

   • A computing device that is designed to be portable by being compact, light-weight and capable of running for extended periods on battery power. They're also almost always capable of connecting to the internet wirelessly, either through mobile broadband or WiFi.
   • One key feature that helps make the device more compact and reduces power consumption is System-on-a-chip. This is where all the core components of the com,puter are integrated onto a single chip. This includes the CPU, GPU and RAM.
   • However, system-on-a-chip does make it difficult to upgrade a mobile device as all the components are integrated on the chip. It's not like a laptop or PC where you can take out and replace individual components.
   • Examples of mobile devices include tablets and smartphones
   • Uses
     • Mobile devices, especially smartphones, have become a massive part of peoples lives and are used for all kinds of tasks. Like personal computers, they're general purpose devices and so can turn their hand to most common computing tasks by installing different software applications or apps.
     • Most common use is to access the internet on the go, also usedf or playing games and organising.
     • They are not as useful for wordprocessing because of the touchscreen. The limited processing capabilities stop them from playing high end games and film editing.

4. Entertainment systems

   • These are devices used to entertain, like TV, music and video games.
   • They have good hard disk storage and built-in internet for downloading media directly to them.
   • Examples of these are media players, mp3 players, and consoles for video games.
   • Uses
     • All devices are used for in home entertainment
     • Digital media players allow us to stream digital media from over a network. Portable media players are similar, but you download the media and play it off the hard disk.
     • MP3 players are used to listen to 1000s music tracks on a small device. We also have MP4 players playing video too.
     • Video game consoles allow you to play video games. We can use the internet to play games with and against other players from all around the world.

5. Navigation systems

   • These are digital devices that use GPS to provide a real-time map of our current location, as well as route planning.
   • Often they have added features like indentifying traffic, roadworks and accidents that could delay your journey.
   • An example is an in-car satnav.
   • Uses
     • In-car satnavs are commonly used instead of maps to help direct you along the fasts route. It is usually a stand alone device
     • Now, we often see navigation systems built into smartphones, to be used when travelling.