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DIGITAL DEVICES - ISMAIL DHAN
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foreword
learning objectives
This book has been written to correspond to the Edexcel GCSE ICT Single (2IT01) or Double (2IT02) Award. This book will develop students understanding on Topic 1 Personal Digital Devices.
• To know the developing range of personal digital devices that are available to individuals and how this can impact on the way people live their lives.
Digital Devices Author: Ismail Dhan
• To be able to identify the developments in the features, functionality and potential uses of such digital devices.
How do people use
digital devices? Digital Devices: They surround us every day of our lives, from when you wake up till you go to sleep and you may not even realise it. This chapter looks into this and shows you the evolution of technology and how it has transformed the way we live.
HOW DO PEOPLE USE DIGITAL DEVICES?
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digital
devices Digital devices are a common feature in the daily lives of people around the world. They are used for a variety of reasons, which include education, communication, entertainment and to help people be more eďŹƒcient at performing daily tasks. We will be looking at all the dierent types of Digital Devices and their functionality in this book.
HOW DO PEOPLE USE DIGITAL DEVICES?
Watch this video as it shows the evolution of technology and how we use it from our home lives to business and work.
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HOW DO PEOPLE USE DIGITAL DEVICES?
Mobile Phones This was the most common piece of technology that people used. However, the most commonly used piece of technology is now the Smartphone. We will cover the features of a Smart phone later. Although Mobile phones aren’t as widely used anymore, it is still useful to know the features of this device and how it has evolved over the years. Main functions of a Mobile phone include: • Make voice calls whilst on the move. • Send short text messages (SMS) to other mobile phone users.
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HOW DO PEOPLE USE DIGITAL DEVICES?
It's been 4 full decades since mobile phones first made an appearance, watch the video below to see how far they have advanced.
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HOW DO PEOPLE USE DIGITAL DEVICES?
How it has evolved The mobile phone has developed over the years to become multifunctional. They have taken on functions that are done by other devices. This is also known as convergence. E.g. With most modern smartphones you now can: • Browse the internet. • Listen to music. • Watch Videos. • Use as a Satellite Navigation. • Save data such as sound and images on the phone or on a removal data card. • Take photos or Videos. • Make or receive video calls.
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Personal computers Personal Computers: From desktops to netbooks, there are many different ways for us to access the internet and our files. This chapter looks into the pros and cons of different types of computers and which one may be right for you.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
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desktop computers A desktop computer is a personal computer, which is designed to fit on top of a desk or large workspace. They are the types of computers that are typically found in oďŹƒce environments. It usually has several units that are connected together to work as one complete digital device.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Desktop computers typically come with the following input and output devices parts and peripherals: • A monitor to view images and information • A keyboard and mouse to input information and navigate around the screen • Include Hard disks and optical drives • Include powerful processors (CPU)
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PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Laptop computers A laptop computer (sometimes referred to as a Notebook) is a battery or AC powered personal computer. This is usually a lot smaller in size to a desktop computer and even smaller than a briefcase. It is designed to be transported and used in temporary spaces such as airplanes, libraries, offices and at meetings. Features of a laptop include: • Battery powered. • Can be used with a wired electricity supply. • Combined monitor, keyboard and pointing device. • Can have a built in web cam. • Include Hard Disks and Optical Drives. • Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity built in. • Wired connectivity including USB, Firewire and HDMI.
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PERSONAL COMPUTERS
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Netbook computers Hard Disk Drive
Temperature SSD (Solid State Drive)
A netbook computer is similar to a Laptop computer however they're typically smaller and more compact than a Laptop Computer. Features of a Netbook computer include: • Strong and Robust. • Quick boot up time due to having a Solid State Hard Drive. • No optical disks or Hard drives. • Designed for using the internet and storing information on the cloud (cloud computing).
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
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Tablet computers
A tablet computer is a small portable computing device that accepts input and interaction directly on its screen without the need of an external keyboard or pointing device. Features of a Tablet computer include: • Very light and easily portable. • Touch screen interface. • Keyboard functionality is onscreen (virtual keyboard). • Bluetooth and wifi connectivity enabled • Some also have 3G for wireless communication. • Built in camera for taking pictures and recording videos. • Can download a variety of apps.
Camera
Virtual Keyboard
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
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recording devices Recording Devices: You can record in many different ways from video recording via phones and camcorders or recording/capturing an image via a digital camera. This chapter looks into cameras and camcorders and the difference between them both.
RECORDING DEVICES
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cameras and camcorders A digital camera is a device which captures photographic images in digital form. A digital camcorder is designed to capture sound and video and store this in a digital form. The stored images or videos can then be uploaded onto a computer device for viewing or editing purposes.
RECORDING DEVICES
Features of a digital camera and camcorder include: • Zoom in feature (optical zoom or digital zoom). • Take photos. • Record sound and videos. • View images and videos on the built in LCD screen. • Store files on removable storage cards such as SD cards.
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• Edit the image or video using built in software. • Connect to a TV or other device to view the recordings using USB or HDMI connections. • Download the files onto a computer device via Bluetooth or USB.
RECORDING DEVICES
With the advanced technology in DSLR cameras, are they making camcorders obsolete?
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Entertainment devices Entertainment Devices: The most common forms of technology are the entertainment devices in our homes, from TVs to games consoles and home cinema systems. This chapter looks into the different types of digital devices you would usually find in an average household.
ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
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Personal
Media Devices A personal media player is a portable device, which can store and play digital media such as audio, video and images.
ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
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personal music players Features of a personal media player include: • They are small and lightweight and can be very easy to carry around – usually pocket size. • Use solid-state memory storage. This means when the device is jolted, the songs wont skip or jump tracks. • It can hold a lot of different types of media including sings, podcasts audio books and videos). • Can be locked to stop it being turned on accidentally. • Can include playlist features to listen to favourite songs in order. • Usually have simple features for use e.g. a jog wheel.
Menu Screen
Jog Wheel
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games consoles and home entertainment systems A video games console is a device which allows games to be played on a television or through a digital projector. Games consoles have evolved significantly over the years and now allow multiplayer functionality over the internet.
Home entertainment systems are devices which are used around the house to provide high quality audio and video throughout a house.
ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
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The features of a games console includes: • High quality and high resolution output for HD gaming. • Optical drives such as CD, DVD and Blu-ray. • Wired and wireless connectivity which includes USB, Bluetooth, Wi-fi and Ethernet. • Online Multiplayer gaming capabilities. • Multifunctional features including internet browsing, watching movies, watching streaming content e.g. YouTube, communicating with other people/players via chat forums. Games consoles require some peripherals to enhance the gaming experience, these can include: • Wireless controllers - This will allow you to control the game from a good distance (around 20-30 feet). • Wireless headsets – Chat to other console users over the internet while playing. • Webcam/microphone to communicate and carry out video chats. • Motion sensors for hands free gaming.
ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES
digital televisions A digital TV is a way of receiving your TV signal in a digital format. This allows TV companies to broadcast higher quality sound and images. Features of a digital TV include: • More channels than an analogue TV. • Digital Radio stations accessible on the TV. • High quality images and sound. • Electronic Programme guide (EPG) which displays program information on screen. • Accessible subtitles and sign language descriptions. • Interactivity such as voting and shopping capabilities. • Allows more control such as recording programmes and setting timers, pause live TV. • SMART TVs now have internet capability to allow people to stream films.
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sat nav systems Sat Nav Systems: These help us navigate using satellites that send signals to digital maps whilst traveling. These are very useful when going to places you have never been before. This chapter looks into these and shows the multiple devices that you can get sat navs on.
SAT NAV SYSTEMS
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Satellite
navigation Satellite Navigation Systems use GPS (Global Positioning System) and are predominantly used to plan routes and give directions. They can be used by drivers, pedestrians and geocachers. They are usually referred to as ‘Sat Navs’.
SAT NAV SYSTEMS
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It is important to note that Sat Nav and GPS functions are now found in many other digital devices. E.g. Smartphones and media players have GPS receivers built in. This, combined with route planning apps, such as google maps, means Smartphones can also be used as Sat Navs. Sat Nav features include: • A small touch screen display which shows the map and route. • Speed check functionality which can tell them if they are going too fast. • Check for speed cameras along the journey. • Live traffic reports. • Find alternative routes to avoid traffic or motorways. • Find local places of interest or conveniences such as petrol stations or museums. • Bluetooth connectivity to connect with car speaker systems so that directions can be heard.
Suction Cup
Touch Screen Built-in Speakers
SAT NAV SYSTEMS
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SAT NAV SYSTEMS
Advantages and Disadvantages There are many advantages and disadvantages of using your Smartphone as a Sat Nav device.
Advantages: • Small, lightweight and easy to carry around. • If you already have a smartphone, you can download a variety of Sat Nav Apps at little or no extra cost! • You always carry your smartphone with you, therefore there is no need to carry an additional Sat Nav device.
Disadvantages: • Some Sat Nav apps with additional features can be expensive to buy. • You will need to use your mobile data for internet access. • You may be charged if you use it abroad or go over the data limit. • Using GPS on a smartphone will drain the battery life significantly. • It can take a while to update which may mean you miss important instructions as you are driving or walking.
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Credits
Author: Ismail Dhan Project Lead: Abdul Chohan Project Coordinator: Sofiya Patel Graphic design, illustration & animation: Elaine Hawkins & Christopher Brennan
All image and video content are free from copyright, obtained from official databanks, or have given the Essa Foundation permission to use their copyrighted content. Video content Chapter 1. (How technology has changed the world):YouTube/atf1082 p.5. (From Brick Phones to Phablets: 40 Years of Cell Phones):YouTube/ What’s the Big Deal? p.7. Chapter 3. (Are Camcorders Dead?):YouTube/TheCameraStoreTV p.19. Channel Link: www.youtube.com/thecamerastoretv
Every effort has been made to contact the appropriate owners of content. Any enquiries regarding content please contact the following e-mails. BrennanC@EssaAcademy.org HawkinsE@EssaAcademy.org
©
Images Cover. (Macbook):Unsplash/Thom (Taking Photo With Smartphone):GetRefe/Refe (View Inside):Flickr/Michael Saechang (Welcome To My Rig):Flickr/CJ (Camera):Splitshire/NA (iPhone):Unsplash/Trent Yarnell (Cameraman):LifeOfPix/NA (Camera):Unsplash/David Condrey (Desktop Speakers):Jeff Sheldon/ Unsplash (Macbook and iPad):Stocksnap/Luis Llerena (Camera Lens):Unsplash/Paul Skorupskas All other images included on the cover are included in the credits below.
Chapter 1. (iPhone Photo):Unsplash/Trent Yarnell p.TOC (Taking photo with smartphone):GetRefe/Jay Wennington p.4. (Sea in a phone):GetRefe/n.a p.4. (Evolution: my first cell phone, a year 2000model Qualcomm next to the current iPhone 6):Flickr/Wes Dickinson p. 4. (Old mobile phones):SplitShire/n.a p.4. (Smart phone in hand2):GetRefe/Jan Vašek
Chapter 2. (Macbook):Unsplash/Thom p.TOC. (Desktop Apple iMac):Stocksnap/Luke Chesser p.10. (View Inside):Flickr/Michael Saechang p.10. (Multitasking):Flickr/Jakob Lawitzki p.10. (Welcome to my rig):Flickr/CJ p.10. (HDD vs. SSD Test):Flickr/Simon Wullhorst p.13. (iPad):Flickr/FHKE p.14 Chapter 3. (Camera Equipment):Unsplash/Dustin Kirkpatrick p.TOC. (Camcorder):Lifeofpix/na p.17 (SLR Camera):Splitshire/na p.17 (Cameraman):Unsplash/David Condrey p.17 (Cinelerra-CV Video Editor):Flickr/Linux Screenshots p.17