Hardware Devices

Access Power Options in the Windows Control Panel:

- Select Control Panel -Select All Control Panel Items - Select System and Security - Select Power Options - Adjust settings as desired

Ports and connectors

A port is a slot or hole that matches the cord or expansion card being connected to the port Input and Output devices plug into the ports located on your digital device. Most laptops have 3.5mm Ethernet, HDMI, and multiple USB ports.

Game servers

Allow Multiple games to run

Switch

Allows multiple computers to use the same router

Examples of Desktop companies

Apple, HP, Dell

Server Room

Display to allow technicians to monitor performance

Cellular Internet service vs. Wired Internet Service

Even if cable and DSL are available, cellular Internet service may be best for individuals who live in an area that has strong 4G LTE cell coverage With multiple users the data requirements will probably exceed most plans For individual users, it may be less expensive to use a smartphone as a hotspot than to sign up for wired Internet service, so long as there is cellular service in the area

Linux OS

Free open-source software that can be modified without any cost. Most common OS on servers, mainframes and supercomputers. Has underlying OS for most video game consoles and embedded computers as well as the underlying software for the Android OS Very small percentage of PCs use Linux

Linux OS advantages

Free to download and use. Has solid security and is less susceptible to viruses. Because it is open-source, it can be modified but is very secured.

Android OS

Google product and based off of the Linus operating system. Most popular smartphone outside of the US. Found in a variety of digital devices including phones and tablet computers. Chromebook computers also use Android OS

HDMI cords

Have become the industry standard for connecting digital devices to large monitors

HDMI connectors

High-definition Multimedia Interface is a standard for audio-video connectivity. HDMI allows for the transmission of high-definition audio and video signals.

Cache

High-speed storage usually located directly on the CPU. Smaller than RAM. Used to quickly access repeated instructions.

Three common types of servers

Network, web, and file servers

3.5 mm Connectors

Popular for audio devices such as earbuds or headphones

Spealers

audio output, or sound. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops include integrated speakers. To create sound, a computer uses DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG converters. Speakers then change the analog electrical impulses to sound by physically pushing air. To improve sound quality, the lower bass ranges are added to external speakers.

Laptop Power Usage Options

max battery usage and minimize wear and tear on your device by adjusting your computer's power settings.

Hard drives

where software programs and files are stored permanently. The bigger the hard drive, the more information can be stored. Hard drive capacity is the amount of storage you have available to save data and information

Permanent storage

Can be retrieved for future use. Can be stored on things such as the hard drive or the flash drive.

Use of Servers

Commonly used by organizations that provide computer services for a significant number of people on a network. Servers are often DEDICATED which means they run single programs. Mainly used for COMMUNICATION, HOUSING DATABASES, GAMES, and WEB PAGES.

Memory

Computer memory is often referred to as RAM and is housed in microchips that are located on the motherboard. Memory is comprised of Solid State Electronics which makes it fast and energy efficient since there are no mechanical moving parts.

Servers or Host Computers

Computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users.

MacIntosh disadvantages

Cost more than PCs. Not widely used and only used with Apple proprietary or licensed software. Limits the user's choice for software. Not the best choice for gamers since many games are windows-based

Macintosh/Apple OS

Designed and distributed by Apple inc. and have reputation for being very easy to use. Found in a variety of digital devices including phones, tablets, and laptops. In the industry for photo editing, film and movie development, and graphic design.

Docking stations

Device that allows a laptop computer to be connected to multiple different devices simultaneously in one easy step. Gives laptop functionality of a desktop computer by allowing it to be connected to a large monitor, full-sized keyboard, a mouse, as well as a Local Area Network (LAN) and power cord. Laptop that is compatible with a docking station has a connection site on its base that is attached to the docking station. Once placed in the docking station, the laptop is connected to all the docking station's ports

Connecting a digital camera to a computer

Digital cameras can be most commonly connected through a USB port with a USB cord. most have a micro-USB port. Necessary to download the appropriate drive so that the computer processor can import the data from the camera. Drivers can be found on the camera manufacturer's website. Another method to connect a digital camera is to use the camera's microSD storage disk. Many computers come with microSD drives. Wireless connections can be used to connect digital cameras to computers. Some digital cameras are Wi-Fi or Near Field Communications (NFC) capable

Device drivers

Driver is a program that allows a peripheral device to interact with a computer's OS Drivers are usually relatively small programs and many drivers are pre-loaded onto an operating system Usually, a new computer will have many other drivers re-installed If a peripheral's driver is pre-installed, then it is referred to a "plug-and-play" Drivers can be downloaded from the device manufacturer's website

Digital cameras

Ease of point-and-shoot. more zoom with point-and-shoot: super zoom. High quality photos: DSLR or a mirrorless camera with a large sensor.

Monitors

Electronic, fixed screen device that visually displays computer output. Touchscreen monitors are often found on tablet computers, smartphones, and some laptop computers. Many users prefer LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) monitors while some like the LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) display Workplace usually uses multiple monitors for one computer.

Networking overview

Ethernet networks, or wired networks, provide the fastest speeds and do not suffer from wireless interference issues. However, Wi-Fi networks are more convenient and support devices such as smartphones and tablets. Cellular networks have far greater range than Wi-Fi networks but do not offer as much bandwidth as Wi-Fi networks.

Connecting displays to digital devices

High-definition media input cords have become the standard method of connecting monitors to digital devices. HDMI cables provide a way to transfer high quality video and audio signals to and from an output device. 2 Categories: standard HDMI for screen resolutions of up to 720 horizontal pixels and high-speed HDMI for 1080 horizontal pixels and higher

Web Servers

Host Web Pages

File Server

House various documents and information resources of an organization

Touchscreens

Input devices. In a capacitive system, electrons are attracted to the ground created by a finger or metal-tipped stylus. The capacitive system uses this electron flow to determine the desired input. This is why most touchscreens will not work if the user is wearing gloves Pressing harder on capacitive screen makes no difference in the input and could damage the screen Laptop computers with touchscreen tend to be more expensive and may be slightly heavier. Their battery also sucks.

Laptop Computers

Laptops are mobile, hinged and folding, clamshell-type computers with an integrated keyboards. Comes with a full OS and remain a top-selling personal computer. Great for portability. Most laptops have the capability to add more memory added. Remains a popular choice among student since it can be brought around the house, to the library, or to the coffee shop.

Android OS disadvantages

Many feel as if Apple is easier to use. Frequent advertising while using a free app.

Memory vs. Disk Cache

Memory cache is high-speed memory used by the CPU to store frequently accessed data and instructions. Memory cache is referred to by levels. L1 cache is small and integrated into the CPU. L3 cache is larger and next to the CPU. Disk cache is high-speed memory used by the hard drive to store frequently accessed data.

Microphones

Microphones change sound waves into electrical signals. Most microphones work by using a sound sensitive diaphragm over an electrically charged plate (a capacitance plate) The diaphragm's movement causes the electrons to move which creates an electrical current. Cell phones and hearing aids, this diaphragm/capacitance plate combination is housed in a MEMS chips (MicroElectrical-Mechanical System) In Cellphones, the MEMS chip also includes an analog-digital converter

Modems

Modems convert analog (wave) signals into digital signals The word "modem" is a contraction for modulation-demodulation Nearly always provided by Internet Service Provider If the internet connection seems to be slow, it may be time to get a new router/modem Internet signals travel over long distances and travel in waves Waves have height (also called amplitude) and frequency. The height plus the frequency signal is called an analog signal or a modulated signal. Computers store and process only on/off signals. These signals are called digital signals or demodulated signals. A modem changes the incoming modulated signals into digital signals, and changes outgoing digital signals into modulated signals.

Routers

Most critical part of a home network. Connects two networks (like your home network to your ISP network, or the Internet itself) Because of this, your router can serve as a gate that protects your home network. Protection is called a hardware firewall. Routers can be wired-only, where ethernet cables are used to connect the router to computers, or, more often, wired plus wireless, where the router can also transmit a Wi-Fi signal so that you can connect computers to the router wirelessly. Routers include a device called a switch.

Communications and email Servers

Provide a means to communicate safely and efficiently within a network.

Read-only memory

ROM is a storage area in a digital device that is installed by the digital device manufacturer. Except by software engineers, ROM cannot be altered or removed. Common stored ROM is digital device's boot instructions. ROM: non-volatile memory because contents of ROM are not lost when the device is powered off.

RAM

Random Access Memory. Type of memory found on the motherboard of a digital device. Also called the MAIN MEMORY, used to execute tasks. Temporary storage and is cleared when the device is powered down. VOLATILE memory because the contents of RAM are lost when the device is shut down.

Printers

Recreate a compute image onto paper or other substrate. Printer resolution is described as DOTS PER INCH and speed is PAPERS PER MINUTE. Most common: Inkjet printers (use ink). Laser printers (uses toner) Thermal printers (heat-sensitive paper)

Bandwidth

Refers to volume of data that can be carried by a transmission medium. Bandwidth usually measured in MEGABITS PER SECOND

Disadvantages of Windows OS

Some believe it is not intuitive or easy to use as Mac computers and others believe that they are more prone to viruses and other computer problems than Mac computers.

Connector

Specialized end of a cord, plug, or expansion card that connects into a port On a cable, the connector is the end that connects to a port

Desktop Computers

Stationary with a separate case called the system unit. Peripheral devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are connected to the system unit allows for hardware upgrades. Has a large "footprint" (footprint refers to the amount of space a device takes up on a desk, table, or other area.

USB drives

Storage device that uses a USB connector to connect to a computer is a USB drive (aka thumb drive, flash drive, jump drive). Uses solid-state flash memory to store information on an internal memory chip. Allows for fast data transfer and are inexpensive and durable.

Database and File Servers

Store and maintain databases and allow that information to be shared. They also provide backup for a network's data

Linux OS disadvantages

Takes time and dedication to use. Some issues with program compatibility, making it difficult to run some programs on a linux machine.

Setting up a home Wi-Fi system

To set up a home Wi-Fi network you will need 3 things: Internet signal (this comes from your ISP), modem, and a router Most DSL and cable providers, along with all cellular internet service providers, include an integrated modem/router device with their service

USB connectors

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type of interface that enables communication between digital devices. USB allows for data transfer between devices and for devices to be electrically charged

Web Server

Used to control access to resources on the World Wide Web. Most web servers have a built-in firewall for security

Network Server

Used to control access to resources such as printers and applications on a network.

Macintosh Advantages

User-friendly interface that has a reputation for being intuitive. Reliable and has relatively few viruses. Mac computers have an attractive design are the industry for photo and video editing because of graphic capabilities.

VGA connectors

Video Graphic Array connections (aka VGA or HD-15 connectors) Analog connectors that were very popular for connecting monitors and televisions to computers Replaced by digital video interface (DVI) connections and High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) connections Analog ONLY and are capable of high resolution and frame rates

Ethernet network

While this network is fastest and most reliable, the Internet speed will still be determined by the Internet service provider (ISP) The actual speed of a home network may be the same regardless of whether it is connected through Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi signals Because of the speed and reliability of ethernet connections and the convenience of Wi-Fi, many businesses and home networks use a combo of both networking media

Windows operating system

Windows 10 is latest version of windows

Advantages of Windows OS

Windows personal computers are by far the most popular computers in the world and are used by most businesses and government agencies. Most available and have the best prices.

Android OS advantages

World's most popular OS for smartphones and tablet computers. Because it is designed by Google, the Android OS works well with Gmail and other google products.