Module 1.3 "Recognizing Computing Devices" Study Guide

Lesson 1.3 "Recognizing Computing Devices" Objective(s)

• 2.1 Explain common computing devices and their purpose.

Computers (1.3.1)

• All computing devices contain a motherboard, a processor, and storage.

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Desktop Computers

• Also called personal computers (PCs)

• Designed to sit on, under, or close to a desk.

• Come with peripherals like a screen (monitor), keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

• Easier to fix, upgrade, and keep cool

• Not easy to move around

• Don't have a battery inside, so you always have to plug them into a wall in order to operate.

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Notebooks & Laptops

• Smaller, lighter, and don't use as much electricity

• Have batteries inside

• Easy to carry

• Touchscreen capability

• Camera at the top of the screen for video calls

• Easily connect to the Internet without wires

• Can run almost all the same programs that desktop computers can.

• Harder to fix because all the parts are tightly packed together inside the case.

• More expensive than desktops with similar features

• Less computing power than comparable desktops.

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Hybrid Laptops

• 2-in-1 laptops

• Touchscreen like a tablet

• Also come with a keyboard like a laptop

• Use the same systems as regular laptops

• Have stronger processors than a tablet

• Cost more than either a laptop or a tablet.

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Servers

• A powerful computer that's used to store lots of information or to do special jobs for many people at once

• Hosting websites, handling emails, or managing databases.

• Mainly used for businesses

• More memory, more storage capacity, and more processing power.

• Built to have backups for important parts (power supplies/hard drives)

Mobile Devices (1.3.2)

Hand-held Devices

• Mini computer with a touchscreen, no keyboard, using a specialized operating system (OS).

• Non-Upgradeable

• eReaders have a unique type of screen called e-ink that you can see clearly in any light, and it doesn't use up much battery. great for reading, they don't have the same power or screen quality as a tablet, so they're not as good for other things like playing games or watching videos.

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Wearable Devices

• Smartwatches and fitness trackers

• Work best when they're connected to a smartphone.

• Really handy for reading and replying to text messages, talking on the phone, helping you with your workout, playing music, finding your phone when it's lost, and they even tell you the time.

Gaming Devices (1.3.3)

• Power mostly comes from the video card, and typically the only thing you can upgrade is the storage

• One major difference is that gaming consoles also contain a graphical processing unit (GPU), while that's not typically included in regular computers.

• Often use a high-definition TV for their display.

• Use something called ray tracing, which makes the light and reflections in games look like they do in real life.

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Augmented & Virtual Reality

• Augmented reality (AR) puts computer-made images, like cartoons or objects, into the real world around you. You can still see everything else, but these extra images look like they're part of your world.

• Virtual reality (VR) is different because it takes you all the way into a new world, or being inside a video game. It feels like you're really there.

The Internet of Things (IoT) (1.3.4)

• Early 2000s.

• When you add an Internet to just about anything in your home, you're joining something called the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Manufacturers add sensors to some devices, enhancing their capabilities.

• These devices are connected to the home network, and out to the Internet. As with any Internet connection, IoT devices need to be secured to protect your data.

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Popular IoT Devices

• Lightbulbs

• Security cameras

• Doorbells

• Smart speakers

• Smart TVs

• Smartwatches

• Home appliances

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IoT Televisions

• Smart TVs let you watch videos and listen to music online, play games, and look things up on the internet.

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IoT Speakers

• Smart speakers are IoT devices you can talk to. They can answer back with information from the Internet, like telling you the weather, how your favorite team is doing in a game, or by playing music.

• Can connect several together

• Also can control other gadgets in your house, from your streaming devices to smart lightbulbs.

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IoT Lightbulbs

• Can control them with an app on your phone.

• Turn them on or off

• Make them brighter or dimmer

• Change their color

• Set a timer

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IoT Security Devices

• Security cameras

• Smart doorbells

• Can record any movement and let you check what's going on when you're not there.

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IoT Wearable Devices

• Track your health and fitness