Chapter 1 Review

M.2 SATA vs M.2 NVMe

Both are compact and efficient, but M.2 NVMe has much faster performance tasks like loading large apps or transferring big files.

Internal Wi-Fi

Allows access to wireless networks at home, or public places. 

USB-A

Traditional rectangular USB port. Still used for peripherals like mice & flash drives. 

Audio Jack

Connects headphones, microphones, or headsets. 

SD Card Reader

Helpful for importing photos or expanding storage

Gyroscope

Measures the rotation and rate at which an object rotates around a central axis.

SD Readers

Transfers data between devices without relying on cloud services or internet access.

eSIM

Faster setup, remote provisioning, switch carriers or plans without needing to physically replace anything.

Wi-Fi Tethering

Transforms your phone into a wireless access point.

USB Tethering

Direct, wired connection between mobile device & computer 

Roaming

Connects to a network outside of the user's home carrier.

APN Settings

Determines how the device connects to the internet & sends multimedia messages via the mobile network.

LTE

4G standard, dependable speeds suitable for most activities and is power efficient.

5G

Better latency, speeds, and device capacity, but shorter range and lower penetration through buildings.

MDM

Centralized place that puts security on devices. Keeps data safe and doesn’t disrupt productivity.

Certificates

Secure communication and authentication, acts like a "digital passport.”

Local Sync

Transfers data directly between devices locally. It’s faster, more secure and flexible, but has more technical involvement.

Hybrid Approach

Local sync for sensitive or large files, cloud sync for everyday content

Hard Drive Disk (HDD)

Slower, break over time due to spinning disk. Best used for high storage capacity at a lower cost.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Faster boot speeds and app launch. No moving parts means it won't break over time. Higher cost per gigabyte. Best used for quick file access/load times and when a budget is less of a concern.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary storage that helps run multiple active applications at the same time. Volatile memory, doesn't hold onto contents when it's not powered. Common component that is replaceable in laptops.

Batteries

Let's a laptop hold power without having to be plugged in. Some are removeable and some are not.

Expansion Slots

It's those slots that the GPU plugs into. Enables device to do more than what it originally could do like better graphics or faster Wi-Fi.

Universal Serial Bus Type C (USB-C)

Most commonly used port. Reversible, fast, most specifically used for charging and data transfer. There is no limit to how fast the port itself works. The only limit is the speeds of the device it's connected to

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

Most commonly used video cord. Supports both video and audio all in one cord. Mostly used for screen mirroring or projectors. 

DisplayPort

Supports higher resolution and faster refresh rates. More commonly used in professional use, good for daisy chaining multiple monitors. 

Ethernet Port

Wired ethernet. Faster speeds because you're connected directly to the router.

Before attempting an upgrade, always what?

Consult manufacturers documentation and take static precautions.

Capacitive Touchscreens

Uses electromagnetic properties of the human body to register input. Supports finger gestures.

Resistive Touchscreens

Uses two thin layers. When pressed together, it's registered as input. Supports stylus', gloved hands, more commonly found in work environments.

Accelerometer

Detects when a device is rotated and shaken, changes phone screen from landscape to portrait. Good for fitness tracking.

Proximity Sensor

Detects when something within close proximity to the screen. Turns off input & screen.

Ambient Light

Automatically adjusts screen brightness depending on the brightness of the environment. Dark = darker screen. Light = brighter screen.