Digital Devices and Computer Systems

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering digital device categories, embedded and physical computing, high-performance computing, mobile devices, and accessibility.

What is the key difference between a general-purpose computer and a microcontroller?

A general-purpose computer is a multi-function system that runs an operating system to handle many complex tasks at once, whereas a microcontroller is a compact single-chip device optimized to perform one specific control task repeatedly.

How is a computer "user" defined?

The person who uses a computer system.

What is a microprocessor?

The device that controls what a computer does; it takes data as input, does something with it, and provides output.

What does it mean to upgrade a computer?

To make a computer better and able to do more things.

What is a peripheral device?

Equipment that is connected to a computer and used with it.

What are three types of personal computers?

Desktop Computers, Laptop Computers, and Single-Board Computers (SBC).

What is meant by an 'all-in-one' computer?

A computer that combines the monitor with the PC hardware.

What are 'desktop replacements'?

Laptops that tend to be larger than other laptops, featuring a bigger and better-quality screen and higher performance levels.

How is the term 'portable' defined?

Easy to carry or move.

What is an actuator?

A machine part that turns energy into physical movement.

What is embedded computing?

Computing hardware that is fixed into position and carries out a specialist task.

What is physical computing?

Interactive systems that can sense and respond to the world around them.

What are several examples of devices that overlap both embedded computing and physical computing?

Smoke detector, smart thermostat, robot vacuum, car parking sensor, automatic door, automatic plant watering system, drone, washing machine, automatic coffee machine, smart traffic-light controller, electronic door lock, smart-home controller, and industrial robot.

What are the three theoretical units outlined in the 1st Year Course Structure?

1. Digital Devices, 2. Connectivity, 3. Operating Online.

What is Wi-Fi?

A way of connecting computers or other electronic machines to a network or the internet by using radio signals rather than wires.

What is an application (app)?

A program that allows a user to perform a task.

What is a virtual keyboard and which Windows keyboard shortcut activates it?

A keyboard displayed on and used via a touch screen; it can be opened using the shortcut $\text{Win key} + \text{Ctrl} + \text{O}$.

Why is a supercomputer best suited for climate prediction modeling?

Supercomputers possess massive processing power and parallel CPUs needed for complex mathematical calculations and high-volume data simulation.

Why is a mainframe or server cluster chosen over a desktop replacement for bank transaction processing?

Mainframes/servers provide multi-user capability and fault-tolerant architecture required to handle simultaneous concurrent transactions without system downtime.

What are the main characteristics of basic mobile phones?

Basic cellular devices designed primarily for voice calls and SMS text messaging that run lightweight operating systems, offer long battery life, and may include simple utilities like an FM radio, flashlight, or basic camera.

What are specialist phones and what are examples of their uses?

Custom-built devices engineered for specific industries, extreme environments, or unique user needs. Examples include satellite phones for remote communication, ultra-rugged phones for construction and military use, or simplified, large-button medical-alert phones designed for seniors.

What defines a smartphone?

Advanced mobile computers built on complex operating systems (like Android or iOS) featuring high-resolution touchscreens, app stores, internet browsing, advanced multi-lens cameras, and powerful processors capable of running demanding software and multitasking.

Why would a wildlife photographer on a $3$-week expedition in remote rainforests select a specialist satellite device over a smartphone?

Specialist satellite communication devices connect directly to orbital satellite networks, enabling emergency messaging and voice links anywhere on Earth regardless of ground coverage.

Why are basic mobile phones capable of remaining powered on for up to two weeks without recharging?

They consume minimal energy due to monochrome or low-power screens and lightweight non-demanding operating systems, enabling battery standby times measured in weeks.

Why is a smartphone suited for editing $4\text{K}$ videos and live-streaming on the go?

Smartphones are equipped with multi-core processors, advanced GPUs, and full mobile operating systems (like iOS or Android), allowing them to execute demanding software tasks, multitask, run high-speed apps, and stream directly over cellular or Wi-Fi networks.

How do tablets compare to smartphones in terms of physical size, features, and connectivity?

Tablets are bigger than smartphones but share similar features (touchscreens, apps, and Wi-Fi connectivity); some also feature SIM card slots to access mobile networks when outside the range of a Wi-Fi signal.

What mobile phone statistic was recorded for Sri Lanka in $2015$?

Sri Lanka had more mobile phones than people; for every $100$ Sri Lankan citizens, there were $113$ mobile phones.

What is accessibility?

A measure of how easy something is to use, especially by people with disabilities.

What feature makes the Alto $2$ a specialist accessibility phone?

It is a 'talking phone' that reads the names of contacts and text messages aloud to its user.

Why do smartphones have shorter battery life and require more frequent charging than other mobile phones?

Because they combine so many features (cameras, media players, hand-held games consoles, touchscreens, and advanced operating systems), causing them to use significantly more power.