Chapter 1: Digital Devices

Lesson 1.1 Digital Devices Main frame & Microprocessor

digital devices. In this section we're diving into the fascinating world of hardware, the tangible physical components that make all our digital experiences possible. Think of it as the foundation upon which all the software and applications we use every day are built.

Lesson 1.2 Personal Computer

Personal computers (PCs) are common in homes and offices. They come in many different shapes and sizes, such as desktops and laptops.

Lesson 1.3 Mobile Phones

Mobile phones use a SIM card to connect to a mobile phone network. SIM stands for subscriber identity module, and a SIM card is used to identify the subscriber to a mobile phone network.

Lesson 1.4 Smartphones

Smartphones are small computers with Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity to allow them to make phone calls and access the internet. They also include features of other devices such as cameras, media players and hand-held games consoles.

Lesson 1.5 Tablet and other digital devices

Tablet devices or tablets are bigger than smartphones, but have similar features. For example, a tablet device has a touch screen, apps and Wi-Fi connectivity to provide access to the internet.

Lesson 1.6 Home Entertainment System

Televisions display still and moving images on a screen. The quality of the image is set by the number of pixels that are used to display the image. This is referred to as the screen's resolution.

Lesson 1.7 Gaming & Media

Games consoles are designed to enable users to play video games on a television screen. Games are provided on disks or as downloads from the internet. They use controllers, which are often wireless, to control the characters, vehicles and/or objects in the game.

Lesson 1.8 Navigation and Automation

Navigation aids (such as Sat-Nav) can calculate the best route between two or more locations and can provide updates to the route if it is not followed accurately. They are commonly used in cars, delivery vans and ships. They provide visual prompts and alerts to help drivers take the correct route, such as by taking a particular turning. Specialist devices with audio alerts and waterproof and shockproof cases are available for walkers, cyclists and runners.

Lesson 1.9 Multifunctionality and Convergence

A smartphone is a type of mobile phone, which means that its primary function is to make phone calls. It can also be used to take photographs or to function as a navigation aid, fitness tracker, music player or handheld games console. Because a smartphone can perform such a range of different functions, it is classed as a multifunctional device.

Lesson 1.10 Input Peripherals1

Peripheral devices are devices that can be connected to a computer, such as a PC or tablet device. Peripherals can be connected inside or outside a computer and can be grouped into three types

Lesson 1.11 output Peripherals

Output peripherals are connected to a computer and output the results of the computer's processing in various forms, including: ■ electronic display ■ printed text ■ video ■ audio ■ tactile (touch) forms.

Lesson 1.12 Device Features

The digital devices that you use have a number of features, such as portability, performance and connectivity. Different devices will have different features.