CHAPTER 3: COMPUTER AND MOBILES DEVICE

CHAPTER 3: Computer and Mobiles device

Types of computers include:

• Desktop ad mobile computers
• Server and terminals
• Smartphones, digital cameras, e-book, readers and portable media players
• Game devices
• Embedded computer

Desktops and Mobile Computers

A personal computer (PC) is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time

A mobile computer is a portable personal computer, designed so that a user easily can carry it from place to place

A desktop, or desktop computer, is a personal computer designed to be in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table

A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base

A tablet is a thin, lightweight mobile computer that has a touch screen

A handheld computer is a computer small enough to fit in one hand

Servers

A server is a computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices on a network

• Rack server
• Blade server
• Tower server

A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer — and the most expensive

Server vs Supercomputer

Terminals

A terminal is a computer, usually with limited processing power, that enables users to send data to and/or receive information from a server, or host computer

A thin client is a terminal that looks like a desktop but has limited capabilities and components

Most retail stores use a point of sale (POS) terminal to record purchases, process credit or debit cards, and update inventory

An ATM (automated teller machine) is a self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network

A self-service kiosk is a freestanding terminal that usually has a touch screen for user interaction

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to an environment of servers that house and provide access to resources users access through the Internet.

 Mobile Devices

A smartphone is an Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, games, browser, and numerous other apps

Many smartphones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to a touch screen, some have a built-in mini keyboard on the front of the phone or a keyboard that slides in and out from behind the phone.

A digital camera is a mobile device that allows users to take photos and store the photographed images digitally

A portable media player, sometimes called a personal media player, is a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media.

An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader), or e-reader, is a mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books and other digital publications

Game Devices

A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

A handheld game device is a small mobile device that contains a screen, speakers, controls, and game console all in one unit

Game controllers include gamepads, joysticks and wheels, dance pads, and a variety of motion-sensing controllers.

Embedded Computers

An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product

Ports and Connections

A port is the point at which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with a computer or mobile device so that the peripheral device can send data to or receive information from the computer or mobile device

A connector joins a cable to a port. A connector at one end of a cable attaches to a port on the computer or mobile device, and a connector at the other end of the cable attaches to a port on the peripheral device.

A USB port, short for universal serial bus port, can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices together with a single connector

Instead of connecting peripheral devices directly to ports on a mobile computer, some mobile users prefer the flexibility of port replicators and docking stations.

Instead of connecting computers and mobile devices to peripheral devices with a cable, some peripheral devices use wireless communications technologies

Protecting Hardware

Some schools and businesses use cables to lock computers and help prevent theft of equipment

Hardware can fail for a variety of reasons: aging hardware; random events such as electrical power problems; and even errors in programs or apps

• Undervoltage
• Overvoltage or power surge

A surge protector, also called a surge suppressor, uses electrical components to provide a stable current flow and minimize the chances of an overvoltage reaching the computer and other electronic equipment

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that contains surge protection circuits and one or more batteries that can provide power during a temporary or permanent loss of power

Health Concerns of Using Technology

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a technology-related health condition that affects eyesight

Ergonomics is an applied science devoted to incorporating comfort, efficiency, and safety into the design of items in the workplace

Technology addiction occurs when the technology consumes someone’s entire social life.

Some of disadvantage of using technology