Device Basics
Thursday, February 1, 2024 9:32 PM
I. Computer - multipurpose device that accepts input, processes data,
stores data, & produces output.
a. Process data by performing calculations, modifying docs and
pics, drawing graphs, and sorting lists of words or numbers
i. Processing handled by central processing unit (CPU).
b. Computer program - instructions that tell a device how to carry
out tasks
c. Software- programs preset on a comp. to do a specific task
d. Input- whatever is typed, submitted, transmitted on a computer
e. Output- result produced by a computer
i. 1st comps programmed to connect wire circuitry a certain
way
f. Stored program- a series of instructions for a computing task
can be loaded into a comp's memory
i. Allows to use comp for one task, then easily switch to a
different task
g. Computers run 3 main types of software:
i. Application software
ii. System software
iii. Development tools
h. Application software- set of programs that helps a person carry
out a task
i. System software- help the comp system monitor itself in order
to function efficiently
i. Operating system
j. Development tools- creating software applications, web sites,
operating systems, and utilities
II. Circuits and Chips
i. Small circuit boards and integrated circuits are the
essence of digital electronics
ii. Data bits are like electrical signals that travel over circuits
a. Integrated circuit- set if microscopic electronic circuits etched
onto a thin semiconducting material
i. I.e. microchip, computer chip
b. Semiconductors- (silicon and germanium) substances w/
properties of both a conductor and insulator
c. System board- houses all essential chips and provides
connecting circuitry btwn them.
III. Components
a. Form factor - size and dimensions of a device or components,
such as circuit boards and system units
i. Component, clamshell, slate
b. System unit- tech-speak for the part of a digital device that hold
the system board
IV. Maintenance
a. 4 components:
i. System unit
ii. Keyboard
iii. Screen
iv. Battery
b. Cleaning
i. Don't use harsh cleaning products
ii. Never immerse device in liquid
iii. Don't spray cleaning agents directly on device, on cloth
c. System unit
i. Keep the unit clean and prevent it from overheating,
electrical surges, and damage
ii. Dust with a microfiber cloth & disinfectant w/
antibacterial wipes
iii. Low vacuum setting to remove dust from fan vents
iv. Protective case or bags
v. Only plug into surge-protected outlet
d. Touchscreens
i. Many made from Gorilla Glass to resist scratching and
cracking
ii. Many have oleophobic coating to repel oils from
fingertips
iii. Plastic screen protector is a good defense
e. Battery
i. Most contain a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery
ii. Can overheat or worse explode
iii. Charge when low battery
iv. Avoid totally discharging battery
v. Remove device from charger when fully charged
vi. If device gets hot, turn it off
vii. Disable unused apps that constantly connect to the
internet
viii. Switch to airplane mode when in area w/ no cell coverage
Digital Devices Page 1
, Device Options Contents
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1:06 PM
I. Enterprise Computers
a. EC- Powerful computers are typically used in businesses and gov't agencies
i. Supercomputers, mainframes, and servers
b. Have the ability to service many simultaneous users and process data @ fast speeds
c. Supercomputers- fastest computers in the world
i. Can tackle complex tasks that reg comps can't
ii. Uses include: breaking codes, modeling weather systems, and simulating
nuclear explosions
d. Mainframe- a large expensive comp capable of simultaneously processing data for
hundreds of thousands of users
i. Main circuitry is housed in closet-sized cabinet
ii. Used to provide centralized storage, processing, and management for large
amounts of data
iii. Banks depend on mainframes to ensure reliability data security and centralize
control
e. Servers- computers that serve data to computers in a network
i. Google search results and websites provided by servers
ii. IBM and Dell offer devices classified as servers that are especially suited for
storing/distributing data on networks
iii. Abt the size of a desk draw and often mounted in racks of multiple servers
II. Personal computers
a. PC- designed to meet the computing needs of an individual that run windows
software
b. Desktops- fits on desk & runs on power of wall outlet
i. Keyboard is separate
ii. Popular for school and offices
c. Portables - run on battery power
i. Easy for transportation
d. Laptops (notebook computers)
i. Small and lightweight
ii. Clamshell design w/ a keyboard as the base
e. Tablets - portable computing device featuring touch-sensitive screen used for input
and output
i. Uses specialized OS
ii. Slate tablet - configuration a narrow-frame screen for a keyboard
f. Smartphones- mobile devices w/ features similar to a tablet/comp
i. Provides telecommunications over cell phone networks
III. Niche Devices (all contain a microprocessor)
a. Raspberry Pi- full computer system that is lil larger than a deck of cards
i. Can be connected to a keyboard and screen for a full comp experience
b. Game consoles- devices for playing computer games
c. Portable media players- handheld devices that can store and play music
d. Smartwatches - multifunctional devices that include a camera, thermometer,
compass, calc, cell, GPS, media player, and Fitness tracker
e. Activity trackers- monitors steps and heart rate
f. Smart speakers- listen for and carry out voice commands to control other devices or
search internet
g. Smart appliances - fridges, washing machines, etc controlled by integrated circuits
called microcontrollers
i. Combine sensors w/ processing circuitry
IV. Choosing a Digital device
a. Consider type, plan of usage, budget, platform, and check device's specifications
b. Computers that operate the same way and use the same software are compatible
c. Prices depend on microprocessor speed, amount of memory, screen size, size and
weight
d. Computer ads are loaded with jargon and acronyms like RAM, ROM, GHz, GB, USB
Digital Devices Page 2
Thursday, February 1, 2024 9:32 PM
I. Computer - multipurpose device that accepts input, processes data,
stores data, & produces output.
a. Process data by performing calculations, modifying docs and
pics, drawing graphs, and sorting lists of words or numbers
i. Processing handled by central processing unit (CPU).
b. Computer program - instructions that tell a device how to carry
out tasks
c. Software- programs preset on a comp. to do a specific task
d. Input- whatever is typed, submitted, transmitted on a computer
e. Output- result produced by a computer
i. 1st comps programmed to connect wire circuitry a certain
way
f. Stored program- a series of instructions for a computing task
can be loaded into a comp's memory
i. Allows to use comp for one task, then easily switch to a
different task
g. Computers run 3 main types of software:
i. Application software
ii. System software
iii. Development tools
h. Application software- set of programs that helps a person carry
out a task
i. System software- help the comp system monitor itself in order
to function efficiently
i. Operating system
j. Development tools- creating software applications, web sites,
operating systems, and utilities
II. Circuits and Chips
i. Small circuit boards and integrated circuits are the
essence of digital electronics
ii. Data bits are like electrical signals that travel over circuits
a. Integrated circuit- set if microscopic electronic circuits etched
onto a thin semiconducting material
i. I.e. microchip, computer chip
b. Semiconductors- (silicon and germanium) substances w/
properties of both a conductor and insulator
c. System board- houses all essential chips and provides
connecting circuitry btwn them.
III. Components
a. Form factor - size and dimensions of a device or components,
such as circuit boards and system units
i. Component, clamshell, slate
b. System unit- tech-speak for the part of a digital device that hold
the system board
IV. Maintenance
a. 4 components:
i. System unit
ii. Keyboard
iii. Screen
iv. Battery
b. Cleaning
i. Don't use harsh cleaning products
ii. Never immerse device in liquid
iii. Don't spray cleaning agents directly on device, on cloth
c. System unit
i. Keep the unit clean and prevent it from overheating,
electrical surges, and damage
ii. Dust with a microfiber cloth & disinfectant w/
antibacterial wipes
iii. Low vacuum setting to remove dust from fan vents
iv. Protective case or bags
v. Only plug into surge-protected outlet
d. Touchscreens
i. Many made from Gorilla Glass to resist scratching and
cracking
ii. Many have oleophobic coating to repel oils from
fingertips
iii. Plastic screen protector is a good defense
e. Battery
i. Most contain a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery
ii. Can overheat or worse explode
iii. Charge when low battery
iv. Avoid totally discharging battery
v. Remove device from charger when fully charged
vi. If device gets hot, turn it off
vii. Disable unused apps that constantly connect to the
internet
viii. Switch to airplane mode when in area w/ no cell coverage
Digital Devices Page 1
, Device Options Contents
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 1:06 PM
I. Enterprise Computers
a. EC- Powerful computers are typically used in businesses and gov't agencies
i. Supercomputers, mainframes, and servers
b. Have the ability to service many simultaneous users and process data @ fast speeds
c. Supercomputers- fastest computers in the world
i. Can tackle complex tasks that reg comps can't
ii. Uses include: breaking codes, modeling weather systems, and simulating
nuclear explosions
d. Mainframe- a large expensive comp capable of simultaneously processing data for
hundreds of thousands of users
i. Main circuitry is housed in closet-sized cabinet
ii. Used to provide centralized storage, processing, and management for large
amounts of data
iii. Banks depend on mainframes to ensure reliability data security and centralize
control
e. Servers- computers that serve data to computers in a network
i. Google search results and websites provided by servers
ii. IBM and Dell offer devices classified as servers that are especially suited for
storing/distributing data on networks
iii. Abt the size of a desk draw and often mounted in racks of multiple servers
II. Personal computers
a. PC- designed to meet the computing needs of an individual that run windows
software
b. Desktops- fits on desk & runs on power of wall outlet
i. Keyboard is separate
ii. Popular for school and offices
c. Portables - run on battery power
i. Easy for transportation
d. Laptops (notebook computers)
i. Small and lightweight
ii. Clamshell design w/ a keyboard as the base
e. Tablets - portable computing device featuring touch-sensitive screen used for input
and output
i. Uses specialized OS
ii. Slate tablet - configuration a narrow-frame screen for a keyboard
f. Smartphones- mobile devices w/ features similar to a tablet/comp
i. Provides telecommunications over cell phone networks
III. Niche Devices (all contain a microprocessor)
a. Raspberry Pi- full computer system that is lil larger than a deck of cards
i. Can be connected to a keyboard and screen for a full comp experience
b. Game consoles- devices for playing computer games
c. Portable media players- handheld devices that can store and play music
d. Smartwatches - multifunctional devices that include a camera, thermometer,
compass, calc, cell, GPS, media player, and Fitness tracker
e. Activity trackers- monitors steps and heart rate
f. Smart speakers- listen for and carry out voice commands to control other devices or
search internet
g. Smart appliances - fridges, washing machines, etc controlled by integrated circuits
called microcontrollers
i. Combine sensors w/ processing circuitry
IV. Choosing a Digital device
a. Consider type, plan of usage, budget, platform, and check device's specifications
b. Computers that operate the same way and use the same software are compatible
c. Prices depend on microprocessor speed, amount of memory, screen size, size and
weight
d. Computer ads are loaded with jargon and acronyms like RAM, ROM, GHz, GB, USB
Digital Devices Page 2
