Module 2.2- Computing Devices

Question 1

Smartphones

Answer 1

• equipped with powerful processors, memory, storage, all in a compact form
• handles calls and texts as well as run complex applications, access the internet, and can be used for remote work or mobile productivity tasks

Question 2

Tablets

Answer 2

• larger version of smartphones and offer a more spacious screen, which is useful for tasks that require more visibility e.g. reading documents
• many tablets can now support external keyboards and peripherals, and therefore are increasingly being used as laptop replacements
• part of a growing mobile-first world, where users expect to access applications, networks, and data from anywhere

Question 3

Laptops

Answer 3

• provide the best of both worlds: mobility and power
• users rely on them for tasks ranging from simple word processing to more demanding jobs like video editing, coding, or graphic design
• advantage of laptops is their portability, allowing users to work from anywhere

Question 4

Desktops

Answer 4

• typically more powerful and customisable, and offer room for upgrades e.g. adding more storage, increasing RAM, or upgrading the graphics card
• preferred in environments where performance is key e.g. gaming, design, and enterprise-level computing
• can run operating systems like WIndows, macOS, or Linux, and rely on internal components like CPUs, RAM, and storage to perform tasks (laptops)

Question 5

Servers

Answer 5

• “Managers” of IT infrastructure
• handles wide range of critical tasks e.g. managing websites and databases to dunning enterprise applications
• designed to be reliable and scalable, and often run 24/7 in data centers, ensuring that websites stay online, emails are delivered, and internal systems run smoothly

Question 6

Types of Servers

Answer 6

• File servers- handle file storage and retrieval across a network
• Web servers- deliver web content to users
• Database servers- store and manage large volumes of data
• key difference between servers and personal computers if their focus on performance and uptime
• designed for high performance, multiple users, and minimal downtime
• built to support many users and often include features like redundant power supplies, RAID storage, and advances cooling to ensure they stay online even under heady load

Question 7

IoT (Internet of Things)

Answer 7

• specialised devices that connect to the internet to perform very specific tasks
• range from smart devices like thermostats, lights, and cameras, to industrial sensors that monitor machinery in factories or manage energy usage in buildings
• Smart devices at home- smart thermostats, voice assistants e.g. Amazon Alexa, or even smart fridges, are designed to make life more convenient by connecting to the internet and allowing remote control or automation
• Industrial IoT- play a massive role in gathering data, manage ring operations, and ensuring efficiency e.g. sensors might monitor temperatures in a warehouse, and send alerts if something goes wrong
• often work behind the scenes, collecting data and automation tasks

Question 8

Why are Computing Devices important?

Answer 8

• Smartphones and tablets- keep users mobile and connected
• Laptops an desktops- serve as primary productivity tools
• Severs- form the backbone of IT, handling large-scale operations and data management
• IoT devices- used for increasingly automating tasks and gathering data across various environments