digital devices

• Mainframe computer


  Large, powerful computer that can do a lot of complicated jobs, can be used by many people at the same time
• Microprocessor


  Device that controls what a computer does. Input → Process → Output
• Desktops


  • Upgrades possible
  • Peripheral devices required
  • Large/heavy
• Laptops


  • Have a screen, Keyboard, the track pad, battery
  • Portable
• Specialist phone


  Meets accessibility needs (e.g. Braille for the blind or deaf)
• Smartphone


  • Connected to Wireless - Fidelity; connects computers to a network by the use of signals
  • ~Multifunctional (convergence) ~Operating system
  • ~Apps can be downloaded
• Advantages of multifunctional devices

  • Reduce cost
  • Compact and portable
• Features of digital devices


  • Portability
  • Performance (faster storage means better performance)
  • Storage
  • User interface (CLI, menu driven, GUI, voice/gesture)
  • Connectivity
  • Media support
  • Energy consumption
  • Expansion capability
  • Security features
• Input, peripherals


  • Keyboard, microphone, scanner, camera, sensors
  • Pointing devices (mouse, joystick, track pad)
  • Output peripherals (printers, projectors, speakers, media players)
• RAM (Random Access Memory)

  Temporarily stores info currently in use, fast, volatile, energy efficient and durable
• ROM (Read Only Memory)


  Stores startup instructions, Basic Input/Output System, non-volatile, flash memory
• Software


  • Operating system
  • utility
• Operating system


  Memory management, Resource management, Security, Interrupts, Peripheral
• Software update


  Fixes bugs, increases compatibility, adds new features
• Free software


  Software that can be modified or distributed (no restrictions), source code available to users
• Proprietary software


  Distributed under its brand name
• Freeware


  Proprietary software free of charge
• features of an ssd

  • non-volatile
  • low power consumption
  • fast read/write speed
  • expensive
  • quiet
• features of hdd

  • cheap
  • more storage used
  • an actuator arm/ write head/ manetic disk/ motor
• Utility software 


  bckups

  defragmentation

  compression

  formatting