BTEC IT UNIT 1

Multifunctional devices (MFDs)

Also known as All-in-Ones (AOIs), these devices integrate multiple functions into a single unit.

Example of a MFDs

Photocopiers, Mobile phones, Laptops

Digital devices

A digital device processes binary data with a microprocessor

Examples of Digital devices

Washing Machines, Laptops, Digital Watches

Personal Computers (PCs)

General-purpose computers designed for use by one person at a time.

Desktops

A PC designed for stationary used comprised of multiple separate components

Laptops

Portable PC’s made up of integrated components

Advantages of Desktops

• Easy to upgrade

• More ergonomic

• Generally more powerful for price

Advantages of Laptops

• Portable

• Integrated components

• Battery can take over if power supply fails

Disadvantages of desktops

• Fixed workspace

• Higher power consumption than laptops

• Requires external peripherals

Disadvantages of Laptops

• Limited upgradability

• Easy to steal

• Bad Ergonomics

Mobile Devices

Portable MFD’s such as smartphones and tablets

Advantages of mobile devices

• Lightweight and Portable

• Can access internet anywhere

Disadvantages of Mobile devices

• Limited Screen Size

• Small Battery Life

• Low processing power

Local Hardware Servers

A specialized hardware units that centrally manage and store data, allowing multiple devices to access shared resources, reduce the storage burden on individual PCs, and support data backup and recovery.

Cloud Servers

Geographically separate servers hosted on the internet that provides on demand access to data and applications without requiring local hardware infrastructure.

Advantages of Local Hardware Servers

• Full control and customisability of hardware, software, and security settings

• More reliable

• Reduced Latency

Advantages of Cloud Severs

• Lower upfront costs due to a subscription-based model

• Scalability to adjust storage and processing power as needed

• Geographically remote, keeping data safe from local natural disasters

• Reduced maintenance, as cloud providers handle updates and repairs

Disadvantages of Local Hardware Servers

• High Upfront costs

• Requires ongoing maintenance

• Needs dedicated space, cooling and power management

• Limited scalability

Disadvantages of Cloud Servers

• Requires a stable internet connection

• Outages can disrupt access

• Data held off-site may be more vulnerable to data breaches

• Limited customisability

Web Servers

Servers dedicated to manage and store web pages and their associated files. When a client requests a webpage (via HTTP/HTTPS), the server retrieves the necessary files and delivers them back to the client.

Mail Severs

Servers dedicated to manage the sending, receiving, and storage of emails. Uses protocols such as SMTP for sending and POP3 or IMAP for retrieving them.

File Servers

Servers dedicated to storing, managing, and sharing files within a network. They centralise data making files accessible to multiple users and devices. Uses protocols such as FTP to transfer files securely.

Print Servers

Servers that are used to share access to a printer which allows files to be sent to print from any computer within a network.

Database Server

Servers that hosts one or more data bases that receive requests (Queries) from other PC’s or Servers to add, delete, update or retrieve data from the databases.

Entertainment Systems

Devices designed to entertain e.g. TV, Music, Video Games

Examples of Entertainment systems

Video Game Consoles, Digital Media Players, MP3 Players

Navigation Systems

Digital devices that use GPS to provide a real-time map its current location

Digital Cameras

A device that can take photos and videos which are stored as digital data

Data capture devices

Devices that use alternative methods of inputting data other than direct data entry

Barcode Scanners

A system used in retail which captures data by reading the widths of dark and light bars.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

A system used to detect marks made on pre-printed forms, such as lottery tickets. It identifies the position of marks to determine what numbers have been selected.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

A method used to verify the legitimacy of a cheque. Special magnetic ink is used to print a coded sequence at the bottom of the cheque. A MICR device then scans the magnetic fields of the characters to read the code

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Uses radio waves to automatically identify and track via electronic tags which communicate data to a reader

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Allows data to be transferred to and from a computer by directly interfacing with a router with an ethernet cable or connecting wirelessly

Wireless Dongles

Allow for the transfer of data to a router wirelessly or to connect to a mobile broadband network

Wireless Access Point

Router

Switch

Ethernet Cables

Fibre Optic Cables

WiFi

Bluetooth

Broadband