UNIT2: COMPLEX DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM►

UNIT1: FUNDAMENTALS OF LAPTOP AND PORTABLE DEVICES

  • UNIT1: FUNDAMENTALS OF LAPTOP AND PORTABLE DEVICES

    Key Unit Competency: To be able to identify, use and maintain safely laptops and other portable devices.

    INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY

    Apply the following scenario:
    You are in computer lab with different devices on table.

    Figure 1.1. Mobile devices

    Answer the following questions:

    1. Name the devices you see on your table

    2. Describe parts of each device.

    3. Describe the common use and functions of these devices


    1.1. PORTABLE DEVICES
         
         Learning Activity 1.1

    1) You are sited in your computer lab, observe well each device and then answer following
         questions:

    a. Describe the portable devices available in lab;

    b. Discuss the similarities and differences between available devices;

    c. Enumerate other portable devices which are not in your lab.

    2) In supermarket A, a laptop costs 350,000 Rwf while in supermarket B, laptop of same
       quality costs 300,000Rwf. Select where you will prefer to buy your laptop and explain
         why.
     1.1.1. Portable devices definition

    A portable device is a device that can easily be carried. It is a small form of a
    computing device that is designed to be held and used in the hands.

    A portable device may also be called a handheld device or mobile device. Portable
    devices are primarily battery powered devices with base computing resources in
    the form of a processor, memory, storage and network access. Portable devices are
    becoming an increasingly important part of personal computing as the capabilities
    of devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones continue to improve.

    11.2. Types of portable devices

              a. Laptops

    A laptop computer is a portable personal computer powered by a battery, or an
    Alternating Current (A.C) cord plugged into an electrical outlet, which is also
    used to charge the battery. Laptops have an attached keyboard and a touchpad,
    trackball, or isometric joystick used for navigation. Sometimes, a wireless mouse
    can also be used on a laptop. A wireless mouse is a computer mouse that needs no
    wires to send signals from the mouse to a computer. Wireless mouse technology
    predominantly uses radio frequencies (RF) to send signals from the mouse to the
    computer. Like other radio technologies, this requires a transmitter and a receiver.
    The mouse transmits radio signals to a receiver, which is itself connected to the
    computer hardware, normally via a wire. This kind of wireless mouse is very reliable,
    and capable of transmitting the mouse’s movements to the receiver from across a
    room. A laptop also has a thin display screen that is attached and can be folded
    flat for transport. Laptop computer is also known as Notebook computer or simply
    Notebook.

    The memory and storage capacity of laptop computer is almost equivalent to the PC
    or desktop computer. It also has the hard disk, DVD/CD optical disk drive, different
    connectors etc.
               b. Smartphones

    A smart phone is a handheld personal computer with a mobile operating system and an
    integrated mobile broadband network connection for voice, SMS, and Internet data
    communication. Most if not all smartphones also support Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Smartphones are typically pocket-sized, as opposed to tablets, which are much
    larger. A smartphone is a cellular phone that performs most of the functions of a computer.

    A smart phone supports all features of PDA plus mobile phone features

    Smartphone characteristics/features

    • Media players

    • Internet access

    • Global Positioning System(GPS)

    • Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

    • Camera

    • Sensor

          c. Mobile phones (cell phones)

    A mobile phone or cell phone (is a long-range, electronic device used for mobile
    telecommunications (mobile telephony, text messaging or data transmission) over
    a cellular network. Today, this type of portable device is being dominated by smart
    phone as technology improves.

          
            
                     d. PDAs

    A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, or Personal
    Data Assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager.
    Newer PDAs commonly have color screens, audio capabilities and web browsers that
    enable them to be used as mobile phones (smartphones) or portable media players.
    Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets (communication within LAN) or
    extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide Area Networks. Many PDAs employ touch screen
    technology.
                       e. Tablets

    A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a mobile computer with a large screen,
    circuitry and battery in a single unit with no built in keyboard. Some tablets include
    detachable keyboards have been sold since the mid-1990s. Such tablets include
    iPad, HP Touchpad, Android)
    Tablets are very similar to smartphones. They have an Internet connection via a
    wireless connection including 3G/4G. Applications can be downloaded and installed.
    Sensors including speech recognition.

    Application Activity 1.1.

    6. Describe the difference between PDA and Smartphone

    7. Compare a smart phone and Tablet

    8. According to the comparison between laptop, Smart phone, Cell
        phone, PDA and Tablet, which one is most useful? Explain why.

    1.2 LAPTOP COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

         Learning Activity 1.2.

    1) In the computer lab observe laptop computers and make groups and answer the
         following questions:

    a) Discuss common uses of laptop computer in schools and society in general

    b) Describe the external components of a laptop

    c) Describe the internal components of a laptop

    d) Investigate why laptop has Fn key on keyboard while desktop keyboard does not
        have it

    e) With your laptops connected to Internet, search for steps to be followed while
        applying for National ID at www.irembo.gov.rw site

    f ) In the computer lab, identify the following features of a laptop: AC power port,
        ethernet port VGA port, vents, HDMI port, USB ports, camera.

    g) Open a laptop and identify all its internal components 1.2.1. Common uses
        The first laptops were used primarily by business people who needed to access and
        enter data when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited due
        to expense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops.
        
    Some common uses for laptops

    Laptop is used in:
    • Education field (example: Laptops are used by teachers in preparation of
       teaching and learning materials)

    • Medicine field (example: Laptops are used by doctors to keep patient records)

    • Business field (Electronic commerce uses Laptops for example in marketing
      and selling products or good and services.)

    • Accessing online services (example: National ID application at www.irembo.
       gov.rw)

    • Entertainment field (example: Playing games and watching movies while
      traveling)

    • Communication field (example: when you send and receive an email in a
      public place)

    • Security field (example: Laptop can be used to fight against hackers: people
       who access personal information without authorization of the owner. Notice
       that accessing of personal information without permission is punishable crime).
     
    1.2.2. Laptop features

    The most significant feature of a laptop is its compact size. The design of the laptop
    places the keyboard, screen, and internal components into a small portable case.
    Common Characteristics/features of Laptops:

    • Small and portable;

    • An integrated display screen in the lid;

    • An integrated keyboard in the base;

    • They run on AC power or a rechargeable battery;

    • Laptops support hot-swappable drives and peripherals.

    1.2.3. Evolution (History) of laptops

    In 1983, Gavilan SC is the first machine marketed as a “laptop”

    In 1990, Intel introduces 80386SL processor which uses low power; quickly
                 incorporated into many laptops.

    In 1991, Apple PowerBook introduces First laptop Ethernet port. Modem speeds
                 reach 14,400 bits/sec.

    In 1996, First Pentium laptop with USB, first “three spindle” machine, with floppy
                 hard disk, CD-ROM.

    In 1999, Laptop manufacturers use PCI slot to enable Wi-Fi connectivity. Apple
                  brands WiFi as AirPort, incorporates a slot into all of its laptops.

    In 2005, Laptop computers outsell desktops for the first time.

    In 2010, HDMI ports become common on laptops. Apple iPad was introduced.

    The components of a laptop

    Components may be located in different places for different models.

    a. The external components of a laptop

    The Laptop and the desktop computers use the same types of ports so that
    peripherals can be interchangeable. Ports, connections, and drives are located on
    the front, back, and sides of the laptop due to the compact design. There are status
    indicators, ports, slots, connectors, bays, jacks, vents, and a keyhole on the exterior
    of the laptop.

    As port a laptop has an AC power port, an ethernet port, a VGA port a HDMI port, a
    USB port a sound in (microphone) port and a sound out (speaker) port. Beside these
    ports a laptop has a battery latch at its bottom
    On the user view, which is normally visible when a laptop is being used one can see
    the following components:

    1) Web camera               4) Keyboard              7) Left Click button
    2) LCD                            5) Touch pad
    3) Power button                6) Right Click button

    Note:
    • The location of the power button may depend on the mark of the laptop

    • Some laptops may not have an in-buitl CD/DVD disk drive while in other types,
      the CD/DVD disk drive can be located on left or right side. For those with no
      such drive an external drive that can be connected to the laptop through the
      USB port is often used.

    • A desktop monitor can be connected to a laptop. In such cases, using the
      function key can allow one to toggle the screen from the laptop to the desktop
      monitor or view both at the same time.

        b. The internal components of a laptop

    The central circuit board (motherboard) makes up a complex electronic system. A
    motherboard provides the electrical connections by which the other components of
    the system communicate. It includes many components such as Central Processing
    Unit (CPU), Random Access memory (RAM), etc. Laptop motherboards and other
    internal components installation vary by manufacturer and are proprietary.
    Internally and at the top a laptop after removing te cover there is access to the
    motherboard, speakers, cooling fans, wireless card, CMOS battery and audio board
    while under the bottom cover there is access to the hard drive and RAM module but
    this configuration may change from laptop mark to another

       Application Activity 1.2

    1) Suppose that your computer laptop is not connected to Internet. If there is no
         wireless connection,

    a) which of the following cables can be used to have the connection?

    i. VGA (Video Graphic Array) cable;

    ii. Network cable;

    iii. AC Power cable.

    b) Describe the role of the remaining cables.

    2) Choose from a laptop in the computer lab one document in PowerPoint and
        project it by using the Projector of your school.

    3) Connect a desktop monitor to a laptop computer and then do the following:

    i. Display the contents from the laptop to both screens;

    ii. Display the contents from the laptop to only desktop monitor;
        Differentiate HDMI port from USB port.
        Open a laptop and identify all its internal parts

    1.3. Compare and contrast laptop and desktop components

    Both desktop and laptop computers can perform most of the same functions.
    However, these two kinds of computers are built very differently and the parts
    are not interchangeable. Few components can be shared between desktops and
    laptops like the expansion devices that are attached to laptop devices with USB
    ports, parallel ports, and PC Cards.

    Laptop components are proprietary. So you may not be able to use components
    made by one laptop manufacturer to repair a laptop made by another manufacturer.
    Therefore, that technicians may have to obtain certification for each laptop
    manufacturer they support. The following table summarizes the specifications
    between a laptop and desktop computers.
    Expansion devices are attached to laptops and desktops differently. Laptops have
    limited space so the expansion bays on laptops are designed to allow different
    types of drives to fit into the same bay. Drives are hot-swappable and are inserted or
    removed as needed.

    As both desktop and laptop computers are electronic devices, they manage power.
    The optimization of power management can be configured differently through the
    Control Panel feature of the running operating system. This configuration of power
    management can also mark the difference between a laptop and a desktop.

    Application Activity 1.3

    Go through the steps for power option Edit plan. To do this in Windows 10 go
    through these windows: “Control panel”window, “Hardware and Sound”window,
    “Power Options” window, Create a Power Plan and Edit Plan Setting. Then:

    1. Set your laptop so that it can turn off the display:

    i. After 3 minutes when powered by battery

    ii. After 7 minutes when plugged in

    3. Discuss different reasons why there is no need of large cooling devices
        in a computer lab containing laptops.

    4. Discuss the similarities and differences between a laptop and desktop
        expansion components

    5. Open a laptop and a desktop and identify the difference between their
        motherboards

    1.4. SMARTPHONES, PDAs, TABLETS

    Learning Activity 1.4.

    All companies deal with large amount of data. Using different portable devices, users
    can collect and access data from the outside of the organization.

    1. Identify the portable devices other than laptops that are used in your
        school to allow teacher and student to access materials on Internet.

    2. Discuss the common uses and features of those identified devices in
        above question

    The Smartphones, PDAs, tablets are new types of small personal computing devices
    that have been introduced in the mid-1990s and these are referred to as handheld
    computers. This type of computer is named handheld computer because it can fit in
    one hand while you can operate it with the other hand. Because of its reduced size,
    the screen of handheld computer is quite small.

    1.4.1. Common uses and standard services of Smartphones, PDAs and
          tablets

    Like the laptops, these computers are used by mobile employees whose jobs require
    them to move from place to place.

    They are used in different fields like the following:
    • Communication (example: - when you send and receive an email)
     
    −− Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – voice/video calls.

    −− Instant text message ex: chatting using WhatsApp

    −− Streaming music/video content

    −− Communication via social networking applications)

    • Entertainment (example: when you play games and watch movies while
       traveling)

    • Business (Electronic commerce uses these computers for example in marketing
    and selling products or goods and services.)

    • Education field (Smartphones, PDAs and tablets are teaching and learning
       tools. They are used in performing calculations, note taking etc.)

    • Smartphones, PDAs and tablets have storage which can store information like
       contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses)

    • Smartphones, PDAs and tablets can remind you of appointments (clock, alarm
        functions)

    1.4.2. Common features of Smartphones, PDAs and tablets

    Smartphones, PDAs, tablets have operating systems which allows them to run
    multiple applications. Their Operating systems have features like contacts, email,
    calendar, appointments, tasks, games, media etc.

    Examples of mobile operating systems:

    a. Apple’s iOS

    b. Android OS

    c. Windows Phone OS

    d. BlackBerry OS

    Apart from the operating system, tablets have in common a wi-fi, capability to have
    their memories expanded, a high resolution display with touch technology and a
    QUERT keyboard

    Application Activity 1.4.

    Using a smartphone or a tablet or IPad do the following:

    1. Download and install one of these applications from Play Store:
        WhatsApp, Google Chrome and Facebook.

    2. Send an email message to one of the classmates and ask him/her to reply.

    3. Search the application called “Polaris Office” in Play Store install it and
        state its function?

    1.4.3. Standards Service of Smartphone, PDA and Tablet

    Some of the services that can be found in smartphones, PDA, and tablets include;

    • Appointment calendar

    • MP3 player

    • Web browser

    • E-mail access, in addition to text messaging

    • Mini-keyboards or onscreen keyboards

    • Bluetooth

    • Character recognition (allowing for handwritten input)

    • Synchronization of information with desktop or laptop computers

    • Voice recording

    • Digital camera

    • Video recording

    • Location tracking through GPS(Global Positioning System)

    • Wi-Fi

    • Microsoft Office (MS) compatible applications (Native with Pocket PC operating
      systems; Palm operating systems may require third-party software)

    1.5. LAPTOP AND PORTABLE DEVICES CLEANING PROCEDURES
     
          Learning Activity 1.5

    Observe the figure below and answer the followed questions

    1. Discuss what would happen if a drink was spilled into the keyboard of a
        laptop.

    2. How can you prevent this laptop to be damaged?

    3. What can you do if the laptop and water are in contact?

    4. What can you consider while choosing cleaning materials and products?

    5. Describe different laptop parts which can be cleaned.

    6. How can you keep waste products after cleaning a laptop?

    As laptops are mobile, they are used in different types of environments. Some
    environments can be hazardous to a laptop. Even eating or drinking around a laptop
    creates a potentially hazardous condition.

    It is important to keep a laptop clean and to ensure that it is being used in the most
    optimal environment possible. Proper routine cleaning is the easiest, least expensive
    way to protect and to extend the life of a laptop.

    It is very important to use the right products, cleaning materials and procedures
    when cleaning a laptop. Always read all warning labels on the cleaning products.

    Before starting to clean any part of a laptop, turn it off, disconnect all attached
    devices, disconnect it from the electrical outlet and remove its battery. To remove
    the battery move the battery lock to the unlocked position, hold the release lever in
    the unlock position and remove the battery.

    To clean laptop keyboards blow compressed air between the keys then slide a soft
    cloth over the laptop keyboard in order to remove the dirt. The cleaning can be
    done using compressed air whereby this air is blown into the laptop through the
    vents. Use tweezers to remove any debris.

    To clean LCD screens slide a soft cloth slightly moistered with water or LCD cleaner
    over the laptop display. A special attention should be taken on using products
    specifically designed for cleaning LCD displays.

    To clean touch pads slide a soft cloth over surface of the touch pad gently with an
    approved cleaner. Never use a wet cloth and use a soft cloth with only approved
    cleaning solution.

    Application Activity1.5

    1. Clean a keyboard and a screen of a laptop in the computer lab.

    2. Discuss different Laptop Keyboard, LCD screen and touchpad Cleaning
        materials, products and Procedures.


    END OF UNIT ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

    1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer
        below:

                  Laptop computer

                  Tablet

                 Smartphone

    2. Describe what is used for standalone and networked laptop computer.

    3. Compare smartphone features and cell phone features

    4. Is a Laptop hardware maintenance difficult comparing to a desktop
        computer maintenance? Explain.

    5. Give a clear difference between VGA and HDMI connectors.

    6. Explain how you can take care your laptop.

    7. Exchange a track of music from one device to another. What do you use?
        Are there other.


UNIT2: COMPLEX DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM►