Digital devices, their
functions and use
By Robert Barlow
Data devices we use daily
► Ovens
► Washing machines
► Tractors
► Motor cycles
► Medical equipment
► Lighting
► Watches
► Cars
► Hearing aids
► Aircraft
► Heating systems
Digital devices that form part or all
of It systems
► Business Use
► AND
► Personal Use
IT Systems
► MFD – Multifunctional devices
► AIO – ALL in One
► Standalone computer
Multifunctional devices
► Smartphone
► Camera with wifi
► Printer that scans and copies
AIO – All in one
► Printers
► Other examples lets google
Standalone computer
► Not reliant on any other computers or digital devices to function used
independently
► Laptops, netbooks, static pc tower, games console
Personal computer
► General purpose – range of size, power, capacity and affordable
► Often lightweight and portable
► First came onto the general market in the 1970s as ‘micro-computers’.
Untill then computers were large pieces of equipment taking up entire
rooms.
► PC’s combine multiple digital functions, store large amounts of data
produced in spreadsheets and word-processed documents. Also provide
storage and manipulation for images, music and videos.
► Standard for pcs to have:
► Access internet
► Sound and other media software
► Integrated microphones and webcams
PC execute software
► Such as Microsoft office:
► Employed by users
► Connect to other digital devices to share Data (smartphone, tablet, camera
etc)
Mainframe computer
► Take up large amounts of space
► Used by very large organisations – amazon, ebay, IBM etc
► Government agencies can rely on this too
Not to be confused with servers
► Servers are powerful computers that provide network services such
as network applications, storage etc, for users on the same or other
computers
Research
► Using google search for businesses that use large mainframe
computers.
► Make a list and try identify for what purpose
Mobile devices
► Name given to any digital device which can be carried around ‘easily’
and is usually WiFi enabled.
► Mainstream manufacturers:
► Samsung woop woop
► Apple
► LG
► Microsoft
► Motorola
► Huawei
► Name me some others?
Mobile phones:
► Are the must have personal item enabling connectivity anywhere
► Unless? (Explain my BTEC peeps)
research
► Find me original mobiles from 1994 with the introduction of IBM
► Functions: email access, internet, touchscreen.
► Cost – especially flagship models
smartphones
► Were ahead of their time it could be compared to Alexander Graham
Bell who invented the telephone but who could he call?
► Original smartphones were used to access the internet but who had
it.
Servers
► Provide services to other computers on the network
► Network could comprise of cables which connect the server to other
computers perhaps a small office or provide digital services such as
here.
► Linked together via a infrastructure
► Servers are not just for storing data but also software
► As the data is stored centrally it can be backed up from one location
► Servers also allow shared access to printers and scanners
The Cloud
► Servers that geographically separate from the user
► The servers often offer a form of storage service
► Find me some places that use a virtual back up service:
Entertainment systems
► Multifunctional, comprising sound and vision
► Manage music and video files which contain a large amount of data
► Can quickly reduce the available capacity of a PC or mobile deice
► Entertainment systems can be operated from a central server
► Central servers for home use have become much more affordable and
simple to use – example Spotify
► Recording, mixing and editing built in.
Examples
► MP3 and MP4
► Home video theatre
► In-car
► Apple TV
► Now TV
► Music centre
► DAB radio
► Roku, Amazon fire, Chromecast
► Any more?
Smart TV, games console,
commercial use
► Combine multiple entertainment options which formally would require
multiple devices
Research
► How did the digital revolution begin:
► Get into small groups and present me your info
