Computers and Mobile Devices
Types of computers and mobile devices include:
- Laptops, tablets, and desktops
- Servers and terminals
- Smartphones, digital cameras, e-book readers, portable and digital media players and wearable devices
- Game devices
- Embedded computers
Mobile Computers and Desktops
A mobile computer is a portable personal computer, designed so that a user easily can carry it from place to place A personal computer (PC) is a mobile computer or desktop 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 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, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen
- A handheld computer is a computer small enough to fit in one hand
- 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
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
Virtualization is the practice of sharing or pooling computing resources, such as servers and storage
devices
– Server virtualization uses software to enable a physical server to emulate the hardware and computing
capabilities of one or more servers, known as virtual servers.
A server farm is a network of several servers together in a single location. A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
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 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
Supercomputers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer – and the most expensive
– Capable of processing many trillions of instructions in a single second
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to an environment that provides resources and services accessed via the Internet
Mobile Devices
A smartphone is an Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an address book,
a calculator, a notepad, games, browser, and numerous other apps
Many smartphones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to an on-screen keyboard, 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
Short Message Service (SMS)
• Mobile to mobile
• Mobile to email
• Mobile to provider
• Web to mobile
Multimedia Message Service (MMS)
• Mobile to mobile
• Mobile to email
A digital camera is a mobile device that allows users to take photos and store the photographed images digitally
– Smart digital camera
– Point-and-shoot camera
– SLR camera
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
Embeded Computers
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
- Consumer electronics
- Home automation devices
- Automobiles
- Process controllers and robotics
- Computer devices and office machines
Port an 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
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- NFC
Protecting Hardware
To help reduce the chances of theft, companies and schools use a variety of security measures
– Physical access controls
– Alarm system
– Physical security devices
– Security or device-tracking app
– Require identification
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