IT - Unit 1: Digital Devices

Digital device

A physical piece of equipment that uses digital data for various purposes.

Personal computer

A general-purpose computing device used for tasks like word processing, web browsing, and multimedia consumption.

Server

A device used to manage access to web pages, email, files, and printers for multiple users or clients.

Mobile device

A portable digital device used for internet access, communication, and various applications.

Entertainment system

A device dedicated to providing entertainment, such as watching TV shows, movies, and playing games.

Navigation system

A device that uses GPS technology to locate and plan routes to a chosen destination.

Multifunctional device

A device capable of performing multiple functions, such as input, output, and processing.

Digital camera

A device used to capture photos and videos and store them as digital data.

Data capture and collection system

A system that inputs and stores data through methods other than direct data entry, such as sensors or automated processes.

Communication device

A device that facilitates the movement of data between two other devices, enabling communication and data transfer.

Education & Training uses of digital devices

The application of digital devices in educational settings, including interactive whiteboards, virtual learning environments, and online learning websites.

Personal uses of digital devices

The utilization of digital devices for personal purposes, such as entertainment, online shopping and banking, and controlling home appliances.

Social uses of digital devices

The use of digital devices for social interactions, including social networking sites, instant messaging, and Voice over IP (VoIP) communication.

Retail uses of digital devices

The application of digital devices in retail environments, such as Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems, stock management, and online retail websites.

Organizational uses of digital devices

The utilization of digital devices in organizational settings, including administration, video conferencing, and design and manufacturing processes.

Creative Task uses of digital devices

The application of digital devices for creative tasks, such as 3D graphics creation, photo/video editing, and graphic design.

Input device

A device used to enter information into a computer system, such as text, commands, or other data.

Output device

A device used to send data from a digital device to a user or another device, such as displaying text, images, or producing sounds.

Keyboard

An input device used to input alphanumeric characters, symbols, and commands into a computer system.

Mouse

An input device used to control a cursor on the screen and select objects by clicking or dragging.

Microphone

An audio input device used to capture and input sounds into the computer system, such as voice recordings or audio input for communication.

Webcam

A device used to capture and input digital video or still pictures into a computer system, commonly used for video conferencing or online streaming.

Game controller

A device used to control video games, often in the form of a gamepad or joystick, providing input for gameplay actions.

Sensor

An input device that takes readings from the environment, such as temperature, light, or motion, and converts them into digital data.

Scanner

A device that converts physical documents or images into digital data for viewing, editing, or storage on a computer system.

Graphics tablet

A device with a flat board and a stylus that allows data input similar to using a pen and paper, commonly used for digital art or precise graphical input.

Monitor

An output device that displays the user interface of software being used on a computer, presenting visual information to the user.

Projector

An output device that projects a visual display onto a wall or screen, commonly used for presentations or large-scale displays.

Printer

An output device used to produce physical copies of documents and images from a digital format.

Plotter

A specialized printer designed to print out vector graphic images on large paper, commonly used for architectural or engineering drawings.

Speakers

An output device that produces audio output from a computer's digital audio signal, allowing users to hear sounds, music, or other audio content.

Actuator

An output device that produces motion to control or move physical objects or systems based on digital input.

Hard disk drive

A magnetic storage device commonly used as primary storage in a computer system, storing digital data persistently.

Solid state drive

A flash storage device used as portable storage or primary storage in mobile devices and laptops, providing faster data access and improved durability compared to traditional hard disk drives.

USB flash drive

A portable flash storage device commonly used for transferring data between computers, often referred to as a thumb drive or memory stick.

SD card

A flash storage device commonly used in digital cameras and smartphones for storing photos, videos, and other digital data.

Optical disk

An optical storage device used for storing music, films, software, or other digital data, such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.

Manual data processing

The process of entering data into a computer system manually, such as marking examination papers or inputting data through physical means.

Automatic data processing

The process of data entry performed by systems rather than individual users, such as Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) for processing lottery tickets or automated data collection processes.

Accessibility device

A device used to aid people with disabilities in accessing computer information, such as screen readers, adaptive keyboards, or eye-tracking devices.

Real-time operating system

An operating system that processes data immediately upon entry, used in time-sensitive applications like traffic lights or manufacturing robots.

Single-user single-task operating system

An operating system that can only be used by one person at a time and runs a single application or task at a time.

Single-user multi-tasking operating system

An operating system that allows a single user to run multiple applications or tasks simultaneously, switching between them as needed.

Multi-user operating system

An operating system that allows many users to make use of a computer system and its resources simultaneously, enabling concurrent user access and resource sharing.

Operating system role: networking

The role of an operating system in providing networking capabilities, including protocols like TCP/IP and network utilities for communication between devices.

Operating system role: security

The role of an operating system in providing security measures, such as anti-virus software, firewalls, and user authentication, to protect the system from unauthorized access or malicious activities.

Operating system role: memory management

The role of an operating system in efficiently assigning and managing memory resources for different applications, optimizing memory usage and preventing conflicts.

Operating system role: multi-tasking

The role of an operating system in allowing multiple applications or tasks to run simultaneously, providing time-sharing and resource allocation among them.

Operating system role: device drivers

The role of an operating system in managing and providing software programs called device drivers, which allow peripherals to communicate with a computer system and enable their proper functioning.

Graphical user interface

A user interface designed around graphical icons, images, and visual elements, commonly used on personal computers and smartphones, providing a visual and intuitive way to interact with the system.

Command line interface

A user interface that involves entering commands or text-based instructions to perform actions, often used for advanced configuration, system administration, or networking tasks.

Menu driven interface

A user interface that presents a menu with a list of options for the user to choose from, providing a structured and guided way of interacting with the system, commonly used in self-service kiosks or automated systems.

Adapted interface

An interface that alters its presentation and layout to better support the user or accommodate specific technologies, such as adjusting font size for visually impaired users or providing touch-friendly controls for mobile devices.

Factors affecting operating system performance: hardware

Factors related to hardware components that can impact the performance of an operating system, such as insufficient memory for the operating system and running applications, outdated or incompatible hardware, or hardware failures.

Factors affecting operating system performance: malware

Factors related to malicious software that can negatively affect the performance of an operating system, such as viruses, worms, or other malware that corrupt data, consume system resources, or hinder system operations.

Factors affecting operating system performance: virtual memory

Factors related to virtual memory usage that can affect the performance of an operating system, such as excessive use of virtual memory leading to thrashing (excessive swapping of data between physical memory and disk) or insufficient pagefile size for efficient memory management.

Utility software

Small programs designed to manage and maintain computer systems, providing specific functionalities like disk cleanup, antivirus scanning, system optimization, or file management.

Application software

Software that allows users to perform specific tasks or applications on an IT system, such as word processing, spreadsheet analysis, graphic design, or video editing.

Productivity software

Software used to enhance work-based tasks and improve productivity, such as word processing software for creating documents, spreadsheet software for data analysis, or project management software for organizing tasks and resources.

Graphics/multimedia software

Software used for creating, editing, or manipulating graphics, images, or multimedia content, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, photo editing software, or video editing software.

Personal software

Software used for personal purposes, typically in home environments, such as home finance management software, educational software, or personal productivity tools.

Communication software

Software used for communication and information sharing between devices or users, such as email clients, web browsers, or instant messaging applications.

Image file types: BMP

A file format used for high-quality images, such as photographs, with lossless compression and support for various color depths.

Image file types: JPG

A file format used for high-quality images, such as photographs, with lossy compression suitable for sharing over the internet or storage with reduced file size.

Image file types: GIF

A file format used for simple images on the web, such as logos or animations, with support for transparency and limited color palette.

Image file types: PNG

A file format used for high-quality images that require transparency, such as graphics or images with sharp edges, supporting lossless compression and various color depths.

Image file types: SVG

A file format used for vector graphics that can be displayed on a web page, allowing scalability without loss of quality and easy editing of graphical elements.

Video file types: AVI

A file format used for high-quality video, often during production or editing, with support for various codecs and audio formats.

Video file types: MP4

A file format used for playing videos on mobile devices and internet streaming, providing a good balance between video quality and file size.

Video file types: MOV

A file format used for internet streaming and playback on Apple devices, supporting high-quality video and audio codecs.

Video file types: MKV

A file format used for HD video, commonly downloaded over the internet, supporting multiple audio and video streams, subtitles, and chapters.

Application file types

File types associated with specific applications, such as DOCX for Microsoft Word documents, XLSX for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or PPT for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

Software licenses

Legal agreements that define how software can be distributed, used, or modified, protecting intellectual property rights and specifying user rights and restrictions.

Open source software

Software that allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source code freely, promoting collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development.

Proprietary software

Software that retains intellectual property rights and restricts source code access, typically requiring a license or payment for usage, modification, or redistribution.

Implications of emerging technologies

The potential effects and consequences of new and emerging technologies on personal, social, and business environments, including opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: user experience

Factors related to the user's perception and satisfaction with an IT system, including ease of use, performance, availability, and accessibility of the system.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: user needs

The specific requirements and tasks that the user wants to perform using an IT system, considering their goals, preferences, and limitations.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: specification

The detailed list of components, features, and capabilities required for a computer system to run the necessary software and meet the user's requirements.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: compatibility

The ability of an IT system to communicate and work seamlessly with other devices, software, or systems, ensuring interoperability and data exchange.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: connectivity

The options and methods available for a device to connect to a network, such as Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet, enabling data transfer, communication, and remote access.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: cost

The financial considerations associated with purchasing, operating, and maintaining an IT system, including upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and potential return on investment.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: efficiency

The effectiveness and resource utilization of an IT system in completing tasks with minimal wastage, optimizing performance, energy consumption, and time efficiency.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: implementation

The time and effort involved in putting a new IT system into effect, including planning, deployment, configuration, testing, and training.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: productivity

The speed and effectiveness of completing tasks using an IT system, improving efficiency, output quality, and overall productivity.

Factors affecting choice of IT system: security

The measures and safeguards in place to protect an IT system from security threats, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, or other cyber-attacks.