Module 2: Digital Devices – Comprehensive Study Notes (SAM Training Module)

Laptops

  • Definition: A laptop or notebook is a mobile computer with a screen housed in a hinge (flip) and with a keyboard in the base.

  • Modern laptops:

    • Often as powerful as many desktop computers.

    • Weight typically less than seven pounds.

    • Could be less than an inch thick when closed.

  • Why laptops are popular:

    • Powerful rechargeable batteries enable thin, lightweight designs and mobility.

  • Input and pointing:

    • Usually include a touch pad or track pad that performs the same functions as a mouse.

    • At least one USB port for printers, external hard drives, headsets, and other peripherals.

    • You can plug in a mouse if you prefer it to the touchpad.

  • Multimedia and storage:

    • Camera and microphone may be included for video conferencing.

    • Storage commonly uses traditional spinning hard drives; solid state drives (SSDs) are popular due to durability and better battery life.

  • Operating systems:

    • Laptops available with Windows and Mac OS.

    • Google Chromebooks offer a popular, economical solution.

    • Chromebooks are primarily designed to be used when connected to the Internet and don’t offer much storage space.

  • Quick recall/check (select all that apply):

    • Items typically included on a laptop: touchpad/trackpad, keyboard.

    • Correct selections: a touchpad/trackpad and a keyboard. Not typically a mouse or nonrechargeable battery.

    • Answer: a and b.

Recycle electronics

  • Why recycle electronics:

    • Electronic devices contain limited resources (valuable metals like silver, gold, nickel) and toxic materials (lead, mercury, PCBs).

    • Recycling keeps these resources in use and prevents them from ending up in landfills, groundwater, and air.

  • How to recycle:

    • Search online for local recycling centers; some may charge a fee for items like TVs/monitors, but many states require residential e-waste to be accepted at no charge.

    • Stores like Home Depot partner with nonprofits like Call to Recycle, which accepts rechargeable batteries for free.

    • Materials extracted are reused (e.g., to make new batteries, sunscreen, silverware, etc.).

  • Manufacturer programs:

    • Device manufacturers (e.g., Apple) offer gift cards or trade-in programs to refurbish or recycle used devices.

  • Notable statistics:

    • There are over 4,000 pounds of aluminum in every 100,000 iPhone sixes.

    • Apple sells over 200,000,000 iPhones a year, which compounds aluminum recovery.

  • Practice question: places you can recycle electronics (select all that apply):

    • Options: a) Device manufacturers, b) Community recycling centers, c) The landfill, d) Some hardware and electronic stores.

    • Correct: a, b, and d. (The landfill is not a recommended recycling option.)

Describe processing techniques (Part 1 of 33)

  • Multitasking and process management:

    • An average computer workload may involve about 50 processes competing for the OS.

    • The OS handles multiple requests by multitasking and providing process and memory management to run many tasks concurrently.

    • Prioritization of processes determines which wait briefly and which execute; this occurs in tiny fractions of a second called time slices, often not perceptible to users.

  • Program, process, thread concepts:

    • A program is a set of instructions.

    • A process is an activity executing those instructions.

    • A typical process consists of multiple commands, or threads.

  • Multithreading:

    • Within a single program, multi-threading allows multiple threads (commands) to run simultaneously.

    • Example: In a word processor, one thread might display text as you type while another thread resizes/reflows the document or checks spelling.

  • Parallel processing and multi-processor systems:

    • Computers with multiple processors support parallel processing.

    • Parallel processing distributes a task across many processors to complete parts of the task concurrently.

    • Multi-processing uses two or more CPUs to enable several programs to run concurrently, enabling faster task allocation between processors.

  • Quick check question:

    • A small sequence within a process is called: a) thread, b) program, c) activity, d) memory allocation.

    • Answer: a) thread.

  • Note on terminology: threads are the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed independently by a scheduler.

Evaluate hardware requirements

  • Purpose:

    • Determine if a computing device meets your needs by assessing CPU, RAM, and storage.

  • CPU (processor):

    • Carries out the instructions that run the device.

    • CPUs are named by product line and generation (e.g., Intel Core i5 vs Core i3).

    • You don’t always need the latest chip for basic tasks.

  • 64-bit vs 32-bit:

    • For basic tasks (web, social media, word processing), a 64-bit processor is sufficient on most devices.

  • High-demand tasks:

    • Computer programming and web design require more processing power.

    • Intensive apps like high-end video editing and gaming require the most power.

  • GPU importance:

    • High-end users may need a dedicated GPU for graphics processing and display.

  • RAM (temporary working memory):

    • RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB).

    • More RAM allows more apps to run simultaneously; if the OS requires 2 GB, you should have at least 4 GB or more.

  • Storage:

    • Permanent storage is measured in GB or TB; examples include 1 TB HDDs or SSDs.

    • SSDs are more durable and portable than magnetic HDDs.

  • SSD vs HDD durability:

    • Answer: Solid state drives (SSDs) are more durable than hard disk drives (HDDs).

  • Quick reference example:

    • If an OS requires RAMext(OS)=2extGBRAM ext{(OS)} = 2 ext{ GB}, recommended RAM should be RAMext(recommended) ≥ 4extGBRAM ext{(recommended)} \,\ge\, 4 ext{ GB}

Use keyboards

  • What is a keyboard?

    • An input device with keys to enter data and instructions.

    • Design varies by manufacturer and OS.

  • Desktop keyboards:

    • Include letters, numbers, and a numeric keypad on the side.

  • Laptop keyboards:

    • Usually do not have a numeric keypad to save space.

  • Function keys:

    • Top row labeled F1, F2, etc., used for commands depending on program or OS.

    • Example: In Windows, F5 reloads a web page.

    • Function keys may also act as media control keys (play, pause, volume, brightness).

  • Modifier keys:

    • Lower corners have keys like Shift, Ctrl, Alt.

    • Used with other keys to issue shortcuts or type symbols.

  • Mac keyboards:

    • Use Option and Command as modifiers (e.g., Command + W closes a window).

  • Navigation keys:

    • Arrow keys to move insertion point.

    • Home and End to jump to top/bottom of a document.

  • Practical tip:

    • Experiment with keyboard shortcuts to unlock productivity.

  • Quiz question:

    • In a Windows Internet browser, which key reloads a page? a) F7, b) F3, c) F1, d) F5

    • Answer: d) F5

Use pointing devices

  • What is a pointing device?

    • A device that lets you move the pointer on a display to select text, click buttons, and move objects.

  • Pointer shapes:

    • Traditional arrow, I-beam, bar, hand, etc.

  • History:

    • The mouse was invented in the early 1960s by Doug Engelbart and revolutionized computing.

  • Mouse specifics:

    • Fits under the palm; tracked with an optical sensor.

    • Common features: left click, right-click shortcut menu, scroll wheel.

    • Some mice have touch-sensitive surfaces enabling gestures.

    • Gesture example: swiping right to go back in a web browser.

  • Laptop alternatives:

    • Touchpad/trackpad on laptops, with gestures like tap-to-click, swiping, and pinch-to-zoom.

  • Other pointing devices:

    • Stylus (used by artists and designers).

    • Trackball (rotated by fingers or thumb to move the pointer).

  • Quick quiz:

    • Which of the following are examples of pointing devices? a) keyboard, b) mouse, c) touchpad, d) scanner

    • Answer: b and c

Buy add-on devices

  • What are add-on devices (peripherals)?

    • Gadgets/accessories that extend the functionality of a computer.

    • These can be input, output, or mixed devices.

  • Examples and purposes:

    • Input-only: ergonomic keyboard, credit card scanner.

    • Output-only: printer, projector.

    • Mixed (input/output): VR headset, MIDI keyboard.

  • How to choose:

    • Visit manufacturer sites to study gadget specifications and compatibility.

    • Check if extra cables/hardware are needed to connect devices.

    • Read product reviews (positive and negative) for a complete view.

    • Consider service plans or extended warranties for expensive peripherals.

  • Quick example:

    • A fitness tracker is an example of a mixed device.

Troubleshoot storage devices

  • Importance:

    • Storage devices hold precious data, including files needed to run the OS.

  • HDD vs SSD failure modes:

    • HDDs have moving parts; older HDDs are more fragile and susceptible to head crashes caused by dust, dirt, or impacts.

    • A head crash occurs when the read/write head touches the spinning disk, causing unreadable sectors.

    • Data on affected sectors may be inaccessible; could prevent OS from starting or running diagnostics.

    • SSDs have fewer mechanical parts; failures are less common but can still occur due to corrosion, bad soldering, or other electronic issues.

  • Maintenance and data protection:

    • If problems occur, take the drive or computer for repair or replacement.

    • To minimize data loss, keep the area around the computer clean and handle devices carefully.

    • Regular backups are essential: back up to at least two places (e.g., an external hard drive and an online storage location).

  • Quick true/false:

    • Storage device problems can prevent a computer from starting up properly. Answer: Yes.

Select a PC operating system

  • The four most popular PC operating systems:

    • Microsoft Windows, Apple’s macOS, open-source Linux, and Google’s Chrome OS.

  • Common features:

    • All feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with a desktop workspace and file browser.

  • Decision factors:

    • Choice often depends on the computer you plan to purchase.

  • OS characteristics:

    • macOS runs only on Apple hardware.

    • Windows runs on a wide range of hardware from many manufacturers.

    • Chrome OS runs on Chromebooks; designed for web apps and often inexpensive with limited storage/speed, though newer Chromebooks are more capable.

    • Linux comes in distributions (e.g., Ubuntu is free; Red Hat is typically paid) and runs on diverse hardware including smartphones and tablets.

  • Software compatibility considerations:

    • Some software (e.g., Final Cut Pro 10) is Mac-only.

    • If you own an iPhone, macOS/iOS ecosystem benefits can be advantageous.

  • Virtual machines:

    • You can run multiple operating systems on one device using virtual machines.

    • Example: Parallels Desktop on Mac lets you run Windows 10, Linux, and Chrome OS in their own virtual environments.

    • Answer to a quick quiz: you can run multiple operating systems on one computer using what kind of machines? a) virtual, b) parallel, c) distributed, d) augmented

    • Answer: a) virtual

  • Example note:

    • Parallel’s Desktop on Mac for running Windows/Linux/Chrome OS in separate environments.

  • Display troubleshooting snippet (brief):

    • If your computer’s display isn’t working, check that the monitor is plugged in, reboot the computer, try another display, and ensure brightness controls aren’t turned down.

Solve Display Problems

  • Troubleshooting steps for a non-working display

    • Check if the monitor is plugged in correctly.

    • Reboot the computer.

    • Try connecting another display that is known to be working.

    • Ensure brightness controls (if available on keyboard) are not turned down.

    • If problems persist, it may indicate a serious hardware issue (e.g., damaged video card) requiring professional repair.

  • Troubleshooting blurry or distorted image/text

    • Adjust display settings in Mac OS (preference pane) or Windows (control panel).

    • Ensure the display is set to the default or recommended resolution (most computers auto-detect).

    • Windows gives 15 seconds to confirm resolution changes.

  • Multiple monitors

    • If only one monitor is working, adjust display settings to choose how the desktop is presented across displays.

  • Question: If the image seems stretched, your computer’s display may not be set to the default resolution.

Voice Input

  • Features and convenience

    • Makes devices more accessible and convenient.

    • Allows users to ask instead of type for directions, information, or to initiate calls, especially while driving.

  • How it works

    • Users speak into an installed microphone.

    • Speech recognition software interprets the input.

    • Speech recognition: A machine's ability to understand spoken words.

    • Technology uses pattern matching, analysis, and modeling to convert sound waves into meaningful information and commands.

    • Vocal cords vibrate, sending out sound waves.

    • Microphone captures sounds and converts them into digital signals (binary data reflecting frequency, speed, measurements).

    • Software converts words into phonemes (smaller units).

    • Uses statistical analysis to match phonemes to known patterns and adds new phonemes to its database to improve accuracy.

    • Guesswork is crucial because human speech is imprecise (e.g., "Where is the nearest coffee shop" vs. "Where's nearest coffee shop").

    • Language modeling: Incorporates grammar rules, known pronunciations, and other patterns to enable intelligent guesswork and continuous improvement with use.

  • Question: Speech recognition refers to a computer’s ability to record and edit human speech: False.

Use of the IoT in Daily Life

  • Definition: The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of many interconnected monitoring devices rapidly changing daily life.

  • Home/Office Occupancy-Detecting Devices

    • Smart thermostats: Save energy by heating/cooling only when someone is present; adjust settings based on local weather forecasts via internet connection.

    • Smart plugs, light switches, light bulbs: Can be configured to light homes at sunset; can deter burglars by simulating presence.

    • All-in-one home security devices: Monitor temperature, humidity, air quality; capture video; have motion sensors that trigger sirens and notify phones of suspicious activity.

    • Video doorbells: Alert users before someone rings the bell; allow communication through a phone app even when away.

    • Smart locks: Automatically unlock upon arrival, allow temporary access, lock up during morning rush.

    • Convenience: Many devices respond to voice commands (Alexa, Siri) and are controlled from smartphones.

  • Automotive Devices (on the go)

    • Monitor car's fuel efficiency.

    • Log trip mileage.

    • Translate engine codes.

  • Question: A video doorbell can assist you by alerting when someone approaches your door & allowing you to talk to a visitor even when you’re not home.

Using Programming Languages

  • Definition: A language used to write instructions a computer can execute.

  • Purpose: Create apps, games, and other software.

  • Characteristics: Each language has its own vocabulary and syntax (rules for constructing statements).

  • Evolution of Programming Languages

    • Machine languages: First programming languages; use binary instructions (ones and zeros) directly hardwired into microprocessors; very prone to error and limited by processor.

    • Assembly language: Evolved from machine languages; uses words instead of binary digits; still low-level (each command corresponds to a specific processor's instruction set).

    • High-level languages: Use human-friendly vocabulary and syntax; more flexible in terms of instruction types and compatible processors.

    • Work with a compiler to translate code into lower-level language or machine code.

    • Optimized for specific tasks or OS (e.g., Java for Android apps, C++ for game design/Microsoft Office, Objective-C/Swift for iOS/Mac apps).

    • Python: Easy to learn and versatile, good for beginners.

  • Question: The rules that cover how to construct statements in a programming language are called syntax.

Donating Computer Equipment

  • Purpose: Organizations like Free Geek take donated equipment, refurbish it, and use it for job skills training programs.

  • Benefits: Provides valuable skills, offers affordable refurbished desktops (e.g., $$50) after training.

  • Question: Benefits of donating computer equipment include all obvious reasons.

Recycling Ink and Toner

  • Problem: Americans discard over 350 million ink/toner cartridges annually, contributing to e-waste (takes thousands of years to decompose).

  • Environmental impact: Production of a single toner cartridge uses up to 9 pounds of raw materials.

  • Recycling Solutions

    • Printer manufacturers: Many provide prepaid shipping labels and boxes for returning cartridges, often refilling them (consumes less energy than making new ones).

    • Office supply stores (e.g., Staples): Offer rewards programs for purchasing and recycling cartridges.

    • Stores (e.g., Costco): Accept cartridges for recycling and offer refill services (can save up to 70% vs. new).

    • Recycling companies (e.g., Evolve Recycling): Pay for used cartridges and cover shipping, serving as a fundraising tool for organizations.

  • Benefits of recycled cartridges: Reduce waste and energy consumption.

  • Question: Recycling companies and printing manufacturers may provide prepaid shipping labels for you to send in your used cartridges.

Defining Random Access Memory (RAM)

  • Recommendation: Purchase as much RAM as affordable for new computers/phones.

  • Definition: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile, temporary storage area that holds information while a device is on.

  • Function: Stores data that the processor and other devices can read from and write to, allowing data to be changed.

  • Importance: Without RAM, files remain in read-only locations (like a hard drive), essentially inaccessible.

  • Usage: When a device turns on, the operating system, apps, and opened documents load into RAM.

  • Capacity: More RAM (e.g., 12 GB vs. 4 GB) allows more apps and documents to run simultaneously.

  • Temporary nature: Files in RAM are cleared when a document is closed, an app is quit, or the computer is shut down.

  • Necessity of saving: Users must save files to permanent locations (e.g., network drive, flash drive) as they work.

  • Question: Is RAM a permanent storage solution? No.

Identifying Smartphones

  • Definition: A mobile device, a portable computer that connects wirelessly to other devices.

  • Beyond basic calls: Functions as a reminder, navigation tool, tipping calculator, camera, etc.

  • Core functionality: Makes calls via cellular network, typically includes hardware for Wi-Fi, GPS, data processing, image sensing, long battery life.

  • Operating systems: Controlled by mobile OS (e.g., Android, Windows Phone, iOS).

  • Included tools: Texting, video chat, directions, music, web browsing, email, calendar management, photos/videos.

  • Additional apps: Can install apps for word processing, video editing, games, etc.

  • Form factor: Fits in the palm of a hand.

  • Usage patterns: Some find small size best for data consumption (watching clips, scanning email); others find them perfect for productivity tasks (typing documents, editing spreadsheets).

  • Global prevalence: Most commonly used digital device worldwide.

  • Question: Smartphones are designed to include hardware for data processing, image sensing, and long battery life.

Storing Data in the Cloud

  • Scenario: Laptop damaged, but presentation is safe in the cloud.

  • Definition: Cloud storage is an internet service providing remote data storage.

  • Accessibility: Allows users to sign into a cloud service from any internet-connected device to access files.

  • Data management: Providers keep data synced to high-capacity servers with redundant backups.

  • Consumer benefits: Safest and easiest way to back up contacts, photos, music, documents, or entire computers.

  • Collaboration: Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Dropbox allow sharing and collaboration on documents through links.

  • Security and privacy: Major cloud services are considered safe, encrypting data; however, users should consider security/privacy as a third party has access to data.

  • Recommendation: Choose carefully and always back up backups.

  • Question: Cloud storage is an internet service that provides remote data storage.

Buying a Computing Device

  • Key considerations

    • Device's purpose: How it affects choice of form factor (desktop, all-in-one, laptop, tablet, two-in-one, smartphone).

    • Platform/Operating System: Compatibility with required software (Windows, Chrome OS, Mac OS); ease of collaboration.

    • Hardware specifications: Aim for fastest processor, largest storage, and most memory within budget.

    • Check special hardware requirements for specific software.

  • Research and advice

    • Search reviews and comparisons on reputable sites.

    • Ask knowledgeable friends, co-workers, or technology forums.

  • Extended warranty/service plans: Study closely to decide if it's right for you.

  • Overall: More knowledge beforehand leads to a more informed decision.

  • Question: Hardware specs include which of the following? RAM & CPU.

Using Tech in Manufacturing

  • Goal: Streamline production and increase competitiveness.

  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

    • Benefits: Accelerates production; better planning; more precise machine tooling; reduced waste; better consistency; increased flexibility.

    • Just-in-time manufacturing: Computers and mobile devices enable ordering parts/materials to arrive only when needed.

    • Reduces inventory costs.

    • Allows production customized to consumer preferences/demand.

  • Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications: Computers monitor assembly lines and equipment for safety and efficiency.

  • Robots: Play crucial role in manufacturing, performing dangerous, detailed, or monotonous work.

  • Prior to manufacturing

    • 3D printers & CNC machines: Used by product designers to create prototypes for testing new ideas.

    • CNC (Computer Numerical Control): Automation of machine tools (routers, cutting devices); allows extremely precise and repeatable cuts in various materials.

  • Societal impact: Manufacturing technology, robots, and automation are expected to displace human workers.

  • Question: Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) offers which possible benefits? Accelerates production, better planning, more precise machine tooling, reduced waste, better consistency, increased flexibility, reduced inventory costs, customized production.

Managing Input and Output

  • OS role: Operating system constantly manages input and output.

  • Buffer: An area of memory that temporarily stores input and output data.

    • Example: Typing fast, OS buffers keystrokes and displays them as it catches up.

  • Spooling: A form of buffering that handles large amounts of data.

    • Stores data in a queue on the hard drive for later retrieval and processing.

    • Allows OS to manage multiple print jobs concurrently (e.g., Word, Excel, emails) by writing each job to a spool and performing them in sequence.

    • Before spooling, computers were unresponsive during printing.

Identifying Characteristics of Cloud Computing

  • Definition: Accessing a virtualized pool of internet resources instead of purchasing/hosting hardware/software locally.

  • Five defining characteristics

    1. On-demand self-service: Any user can configure it (e.g., Gmail settings).

    2. Broad network access: Any internet-enabled device on almost any OS can use the service.

    3. Pooled resources: Multiple users access shared computer resources, not a single server (e.g., Dropbox files on multiple servers, accessed from one dashboard).

    4. Elasticity: Ability to provision/de-provision resources to meet sudden demand changes (e.g., Shopify expanding during holidays, then contracting).

    5. Measurability: Tracks changing demands transparently; allows monitoring infrastructure usage and costs.

  • Benefits: Supports more flexible, affordable, and responsive computing solutions.

  • Trend: More services are shifting to cloud-based models.

Describing Common Cloud Computing Models

  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    • Description: Provides access to software on a subscription basis (free or paid).

    • Mechanics: Software physically resides on the vendor's computers; vendor manages usage via your account.

    • Benefits: No manual installation or upgrades; accessible and configurable from any connected device.

    • Examples: Microsoft Office 365, Google G Suite, Sales Cloud (Salesforce), Adobe Creative Cloud, SAP (HR, ERP tools).

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)

    • Description: Provides the underlying equipment (platform) for organizations to build and run their own applications.

    • Services: Multi-platform development environments, storage, server virtualization, networking tools, business intelligence, analytics tools.

    • Purpose: Programmers build and maintain custom apps.

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

    • Description: Allows users to essentially rent infrastructure (e.g., data center space, networking components, middleware).

    • Control: Customers manage their own hardware, software, and users.

    • Access: Tools accessed through an interface almost as directly as if physically in the data center.

    • Benefits: Easily scale services up or down; control user access to provider apps.

  • Payment model: All three models often operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, enabling more innovation and access.

Describing Major Cloud Providers and Services

  • Industry growth: Multi-billion dollar industry due to increasing reliance on cloud services.

  • Provider focus: Some serve all three major categories (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS); others focus on one.

  • SaaS (Software as a Service)

    • Diversity: Most diverse category with many app providers.

    • Leaders: Microsoft Office 365, Google G Suite (office productivity/collaboration); Sales Cloud (CRM); Adobe Creative Cloud (creativity/design); SAP (HR, ERP).

  • PaaS (Platform as a Service) & IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

    • Customer needs: PaaS for computing power, storage, networking to develop IT solutions; IaaS for virtual hardware and data systems for enterprises.

    • Dominant players: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud (due to high capital costs).

    • Other players: IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud.

  • Blending categories: Providers increasingly blend SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS to improve services.

    • Examples: AWS now offers backend support/database integration; Azure integrates with Office 365 Enterprise Solutions/data center tools.

    • Result: Blurs lines, focuses on business names over acronyms.

Avoiding Risks of Digital Technology

  • Individual impact: Risks affect each person differently.

  • Physical Risks

    • Sleeplessness: Bright screens reduce melatonin levels, making it harder to sleep (average adult gets 6.8 hrs vs. 7-9 recommended).

    • Bright light also increases ghrelin, a hunger hormone, potentially leading to overeating.

    • Text neck: Occurs when looking down at a device.

    • Neck muscles support head (approx. 10 lbs); tilting down forces muscles to carry up to 60 lbs.

    • Results in soreness, pinched nerves, disc herniations, muscle degeneration.

  • Mental Health Risks

    • Dopamine reliance: Some become reliant on dopamine surges from notifications.

    • Irritation/inability to function: Irritation when offline, only able to express self through social media; inability to prioritize/complete routine tasks.

    • Technology addiction: Can lead to anxiety, depression.

  • Social Risks: Alienating friends/family by not focusing on them.

  • Legal Risks: Identity theft, invasion of privacy if accounts are not secured.

  • Action: Pinpoint personal impact to take steps for a safer digital life.

Backing Up Data

  • Purpose: Creates copies of documents, apps, accounts, and other data in case originals are lost or damaged.

  • Prioritization: Focus on important data not easily reconstructible.

  • Principle: Ensure current versions exist on more than one drive or location (e.g., laptop to cloud storage).

  • Windows Backup Tools

    • Recovery drive: Creates a drive to reinstall the OS if the hard drive fails.

    • Requires a blank USB drive.

    • Backs up only startup files.

    • File History tool: Backs up data files (documents, music, pictures, videos).

    • Specify storage location (e.g., cloud storage).

    • Configure how often and which folders to back up.

    • Copy command in File Explorer: Saves periodic versions of a file to another location as you work; allows deletion when no longer needed.

Saving a File to OneDrive

  • Feature: Enables opening files from any connected device, regardless of where they were created.

  • OneDrive type: Remote storage (on an external device, accessible from a network); a type of cloud storage (internet service).

  • Access: Requires an internet connection and subscription (not a private network).

  • Seamless experience: Create on smartphone, open on laptop; any internet-enabled device logs into the same OneDrive storage location.

  • How to save

    • During creation: Specify OneDrive as storage location.

    • Example: In Word on phone, tap Save, choose OneDrive, select subfolder, enter file name, tap Save.

    • To open from another location: Use a file manager (e.g., Open dialog box in Word), click OneDrive location, navigate, and open.

    • Moving/copying: Can also save by moving or copying in File Explorer.

  • Potential drawbacks: Service outages, security risks.

  • Security advice: Avoid storing sensitive information; always protect login credentials.

Defining Application Software

  • Definition: A computer program used to perform a specific task (an "app").

  • Ubiquity: Everything on computers/smartphones requires an app (messaging, video editing, writing, spreadsheets).

  • Main categories

    1. Productivity apps: Create documents, presentations, databases for personal/business projects.

    • Examples: Google Docs, Slack, Evernote, Microsoft Office suite.

    1. Graphics and media apps: Enable video, audio, photo, graphics editing; computer-aided design (CAD).

    • Examples: Adobe Creative Cloud, Apple Final Cut Pro/Logic Pro, AutoCAD.

    1. Communications apps: Email/messaging (WhatsApp, Microsoft Outlook); video conferencing (Zoom, FaceTime); web browsers (Edge, Safari); blog platforms (WordPress).

    2. Security apps: Store passwords, defend against malware/viruses, create VPN for secure browsing.

    3. File, disk, and system management apps: Organize/locate files (Windows File Explorer, macOS Finder).

    • Also considered system software as they administer system resources.

    • Device's OS includes utilities for systems management (e.g., disk utility apps to reformat hard drives, remove unused files).

Defining Input Devices

  • Definition: Any device used to input data and instructions into a computer.

  • Types of Input Devices

    1. Manual input devices: Require physical manipulation to instruct the computer.

    • Examples: Physical keyboards, mice, touchscreens.

    • Adapted devices: For users with limited hand mobility (e.g., eye gazing, pointing devices, sip-and-puff technology).

    1. Digital input devices: Capture and process video, audio, or data digitally.

    • Examples: Webcams, digital microphones, digital cameras (record moving images as digital signals).

    1. Motion input devices: Guide on-screen elements using gestures.

    • Beyond game controllers: car input screens, rehabilitation tools, surgical devices for remote operation.

    1. Other digital input devices

    • Optical scanners: Convert printed text/graphics to editable digital versions.

    • RFID readers: Use radio signals to read tags, track movement/location.

Defining Output Devices

  • Definition: Data processed into a usable form (e.g., printouts, screen images, music through earbuds).

  • Output methods

    • Physical output: Produces tangible forms (e.g., printouts).

    • Digital methods: Issues intangible output (e.g., music).

  • Physical Output Devices

    • Printers: Laser, inkjet, 3D printers.

    • 3D printer: Uses additive manufacturing (adds materials one horizontal layer at a time) to create 3D objects from plastics, resins, metals, powders, food products.

    • Braille printers: Produce embossed printouts with raised dots for visually impaired users.

  • Digital Output Devices

    • Displays, speakers, earbuds, interactive devices (e.g., motion-sensing).

    • Earbuds/headphones with microphone: Listen privately, provide voice input.

    • Tactile output: Increasingly common.

    • Force feedback: Sends resistance to a device in response to user actions (e.g., VR gloves making experience feel realistic).

Describing Display Devices

  • Definition: A form of digital output that conveys text, graphics, and video, constantly refreshing.

  • Common technologies: Most computers, smart TVs, tablets, smartphones use LCD or OLED.

    • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Liquid compound between sheets of material; presents sharp, flicker-free images when illuminated.

    • LED (Light-Emitting Diode): An LCD display that uses LEDs (semiconductors) for illumination.

    • OLED (Organic LED): Includes a carbon-base layer of self-illuminating molecules, allowing for thinner screens than traditional LCDs.

  • Display comparison factors

    • Resolution: Number of pixels.

    • Dot pitch: Distance between pixels.

    • Response time: How quickly each pixel turns on/off.

    • Brightness: Light intensity.

    • Contrast ratio: Difference in intensity between brightest white and darkest black.

    • Advantage of OLED: Can produce truer black contrast ratio.

  • Assistive displays: Combine multiple technologies for visually impaired individuals.

    • Many displays also include speakers or audio technology.

    • Screen reader display: Translates on-screen text into audio.

    • Refreshable Braille display: Outputs content in raised format for touch readers; output changes with user interaction.

Storing Data on Optical Media

  • Examples: CDs, DVDs.

  • Purpose: Useful for large media files (movies, music) and portable, long-term solutions.

  • Definition: Type of storage medium: flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, lacquer; written/read by a laser.

  • Mechanism: Binary data recorded in an etched pattern as disc spins.

  • Advantages (despite declining popularity):

    • Portable, stable, relatively durable.

    • Capacity: DVD stores up to 8 GB; Blu-ray stores 50+ GB.

    • Resists heat, cold fluctuations, magnetic interference, power surges (unlike hard drives).

    • Can archive data for decades without quality loss (if not cracked).

  • Usage: Most computers lack optical drives, but external drives available.

  • Disc types:

    • Read-only: Cannot write additional data.

    • Rewrite: Can write over existing data (slower than hard drives).

Using Online Storage Sites

  • Definition: Digital storage of electronic files on the internet, not on a local computer.

  • Physical location: Data resides on one or more remote servers maintained by a cloud storage provider.

  • Access: Connect to the internet, log into account from any internet-connected device (convenient for switching devices).

  • Subscription models: Generally offer limited free storage (2-10 GB) with paid plans for larger capacities (2+ TB).

  • Integration with productivity apps: OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive integrate storage with Office 365, iCloud Apps, Google Workspace.

    • Note: Gmail mail counts against Google's free storage.

  • Other popular providers: Box, Dropbox (all encrypt data, offer redundant backups).

  • Risks: Loss of access if internet goes down or company is compromised.

  • Recommendation: Backing up files to a device you control (e.g., external hard drive) provides an additional layer of protection to complement cloud convenience.