“UNDERSTANDNG
UNDERST
TECHNOLOGY”
AUTHOR: MR. KRIS AYRE BSc
UR-TECH INDUSTRIES
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Table of Contents: U-TECH 2023
1. Copyright and Disclaimer..............................6
7.3.2. Brand names.................................30
2. Introduction....................................................6
7.3.3. Models..........................................30
3. The Basics....................................................10
7.3.4. Mainboard....................................30
3.1. Hardware..............................................10
7.3.5. Display Screen..............................30
3.2. Software................................................10
7.3.6. Memory........................................31
3.3. How Hardware and Software work
1. ROM..............................................31
together........................................................11
2. RAM..............................................31
3.4. Bits and Bytes......................................12
7.3.7. Disk Drives...................................31
3.5. Storage, Memory and Optical Drives...12
1. Speed..............................................32
3.5.1. Hard disk drives and SSD’s:.........14
2. Formatting......................................32
4. Operating Systems.......................................14
4.1. Filesystems...........................................17
Recorders (Optical Drives).....................32
4.2. The Desktop.........................................17
7.3.9. Interfaces......................................32
4.3. The First Desktop Operating Systems
1. VGA...............................................32
with folders..................................................17
2. HDMI.............................................33
4.3.1. Files..............................................18
3. USB................................................33
4.3.2. Folders..........................................18
4. Firewire..........................................33
5. Smartphones.................................................18
5. IDE or ATA....................................33
5.1. Manufacturers......................................20
6. SATA and eSATA...........................33
5.2. Brands..................................................20
7. SAS................................................33
5.3. Models..................................................21
8. PCI, PCI-X and PCI Express.........33
5.4. Features of modern smartphones.........21
5.4.1. Apps (Applications – programs)..21
Interconnect).................................33
5.4.2. Security and Privacy issues..........21
PCIe...............................................34
5.4.3. Settings.........................................21
7.3.10. Graphics......................................34
5.5. Hardware..............................................25
7.4. Software...............................................34
5.5.1. Buttons..........................................25
7.4.1. Firmware (ROM)..........................34
1. Power On/Off.................................25
7.4.2. Operating System (O.S. or OS)....35
2. Volume Up and Down....................25
7.4.3. Apps..............................................35
3. Key Combinations.........................25
7.5. Languages, Keyboards and Dictionaries
5.5.2. Touchscreens................................26
.....................................................................35
5.5.3. Batteries........................................26
7.5.1. Languages.....................................35
1. Lithium-ion Batteries.....................26
7.5.2. Keyboards.....................................35
2. Lithium Polymer Batteries.............26
1. The QWERTY Keyboard for English
5.5.4. Micro USB charging port.............26
...........................................................35
5.5.5. Headphone Socket........................27
2. Operation and Function Keys of the
5.5.6. SIM Card Holder(s)......................27
Keyboard............................................36
5.5.7. MicroSD Card Holder..................27
7.5.3. Dictionaries..................................36
6. Tablets and iPads..........................................27
7.6. Characters (Symbols)...........................36
7. Computers....................................................27
7.6.1. ASCII and Unicode......................36
7.1. Design..................................................28
7.6.2. OS Differences.............................37
7.2. Types....................................................28
7.6.3. Special Characters........................37
7.2.1. Desktop.........................................28
8. Peripherals...................................................39
7.2.2. Server............................................29
8.1. Interfaces..............................................39
7.2.3. All-in-one’s...................................29
8.2. Cables...................................................39
7.3. Hardware..............................................30
8.3. Plugs and Sockets.................................40
7.3.1. Manufacturers...............................30
8.4. Connections (hardware).......................40
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8.5. SCSI.....................................................40
11.2.2. Audio (Sound) File Formats (File
8.6. Firewire................................................40
Types .xxx).............................................49
8.7. USB Types............................................40
1. .WAV..............................................49
8.7.1. USB Type-A.................................40
2. .M4A MPEG-4 Audio....................49
8.7.2. USB Type-B.................................41
3. .MP3 MPEG-3...............................50
8.7.3. USB Type-C.................................41
4. .OGG Open Source........................50
8.8. USB Devices........................................41
5. .AAC All platforms supported.......50
8.9. Wireless................................................41
6. Streaming Audio (Internet Audio). 50
8.9.1. InfraRed (IR)................................41
7. .RA Real Networks........................50
8.9.2. Radio Frequency...........................41
8. .RM Real Networks.......................50
8.9.3. Bluetooth......................................42
11.3. Video..................................................50
8.9.4. WiFi and Mobile Internet Adapters
11.3.1. Webcams.....................................50
(dongles).................................................42
11.3.2. Video File Formats (File Types
1. USB Modem Dongle.....................42
- .xxx File Extension))............................51
2. WiFi Modem Router......................42
1. .MP4 Android................................51
8.10. SD and MicroSD Cards (Secure Digital
2. .AVI Microsoft...............................51
Cards)..........................................................42
3. .3GP 3GPP2...................................51
8.10.1. SD Cards.....................................42
11.4. Media Players.....................................51
8.10.2. Micro SD Cards..........................42
11.4.1. iPhone........................................52
8.11. Printers, Scanners and Fax machines. 43
11.4.2. Android.......................................52
8.11.1. Home printers.............................43
11.4.3. Windows.....................................52
8.11.2. Office printers.............................43
11.4.4. Mac OS X...................................52
8.11.3. Network Printers.........................43
11.4.5. Linux...........................................52
8.11.4. Scanners......................................43
12. How to use a computer..............................52
8.11.5. Fax machines..............................44
12.1. How to use a mouse and keyboard with
9. Data, Information, Files, Documents,
a windows-style desktop computer or tablet
Spreadsheets, Presentations, File Formats
.....................................................................53
(Types) and File Extensions.............................44
12.2. How to use a standard mouse.............53
9.1. Data, Information and Files..................44
12.2.1. Moving the mouse pointer..........53
9.1.1. What is data?................................44
12.2.2. Left Click....................................54
9.1.2. What is information?....................44
12.2.3. Right Click.................................54
9.1.3. What is a file?...............................44
12.3. How to use a standard touchpad
9.2. File Formats.........................................44
(notebook/laptop)........................................55
9.3. File Extensions.....................................45
12.4. How to use and ‘ get around’ (navigate)
9.4. File Formats and File Extension Table.45
the computer................................................55
9.5. Office Suites.........................................46
12.4.1. File Explorer (Navigation).........55
9.6. Documents............................................46
9.7. Spreadsheets.........................................46
Menu/Applications/Programs/Accessories
9.8. Presentations........................................47
/Utilities/Settings....................................56
9.9. PDF’s....................................................47
1. Applications/Programs...................56
10. Pictures – Photos – Images........................47
2. Accessories....................................56
11. Audio and Video.........................................48
3. Utilities..........................................56
11.1. Analogue to Digital Transformation...48
4. Settings..........................................57
11.2. Audio..................................................49
12.5. How to change settings in the computer
11.2.1. Bluetooth and Wired (cable) Audio
.....................................................................57
Devices...................................................49
12.5.1. Changing the desktop.................57
1. Bluetooth........................................49
13. The Internet................................................57
2. Cable..............................................49
13.1. Administration....................................58
13.2. Domain Names...................................58
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13.3. Websites.............................................58
13.9. Security and Privacy..........................67
13.4. Internet Browsers...............................58
13.9.1. Security.......................................67
13.4.1. Menus.........................................59
1. Firewall..........................................68
1. New Tab.........................................59
Ports..............................................68
2. New Window.................................59
Incoming Connections..................69
3. New Private Window.....................59
Outgoing Connections..................69
4. Cookies..........................................59
13.9.2. Privacy........................................70
5. History...........................................60
13.10. Building a Website...........................70
6. Downloads (folder)........................60
13.10.1. Content Management System
7. Bookmarks (folder)........................60
(CMS).....................................................71
8. Zoom..............................................60
13.11. QR Codes.........................................71
9. Print................................................60
13.12. Cryptocurrencies..............................71
10. Find..............................................60
13.13. Email................................................72
11. Edit...............................................60
13.13.1. Types.........................................72
12. Settings........................................61
13.13.2. Composing an email (How to
13. Help..............................................61
make an email).......................................72
14. Exit...............................................61
1. To: field..........................................72
13.4.2. HTML.........................................61
2. Cc: field.........................................72
1. HTML5..........................................62
3. Bcc: field........................................73
Supported Audio Formats.............62
4. Insert Attachment...........................73
Supported Video Formats..............62
5. Send an email.................................73
13.4.3. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)....62
14. Networking and Communications.............73
13.4.4. Plugins........................................62
14.1. Networking.........................................73
13.4.5. Extensions..................................62
14.1.1. WAN and LAN...........................73
13.5. RSS Feeds..........................................63
1. WAN..............................................74
13.6. IP Addresses.......................................63
2. LAN...............................................74
13.7. Symbols and Characters used.............63
14.1.2. Internet........................................74
13.8. Protocols and Ports.............................63
13.8.1. HTTP..........................................64
Technologies......................................74
13.8.2. HTTPS........................................64
SSH...............................................75
13.8.3. URL............................................64
L2TP.............................................75
13.8.4. TCP.............................................64
IPSec.............................................75
13.8.5. UDP............................................64
SSTP (HTTPS protocol)...............75
13.8.6. IP (Internet Protocol)..................65
SSL................................................75
13.8.7. IP Address...................................65
TLS...............................................75
13.8.8. FTP.............................................65
14.1.3. Wi-Fi...........................................75
13.8.9. FTPS...........................................65
1. IEEE 802.11 A/B/G/N/AC.............76
13.8.10. POP3.........................................65
14.1.4. Bluetooth....................................76
13.8.11. SMTP........................................65
14.1.5. USB............................................76
13.8.12. SSH...........................................66
14.1.6. Cables.........................................77
13.8.13. SSL...........................................66
13.8.14. TLS...........................................66
Performance Cabling for LAN's........77
13.8.15. Encryption................................66
1. DES................................................66
Performance Cabling for LAN's........77
2. AES................................................66
3. Fibre Optic.....................................77
3. RSA................................................66
FTTH or FTTP..............................77
13.8.16. VPN..........................................66
4. RJ11 Telephone..............................77
13.8.17. VoIP..........................................67
5. RJ45 LAN......................................78
13.8.18. Web Portal................................67
14.1.7. Modems......................................78
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14.1.8. Routers........................................78
15.4.4. Cards and Slots...........................85
14.1.9. Hubs............................................78
16. Data, Restore, Recovery and Backup........85
14.1.10. Switches....................................78
16.1. Data....................................................86
14.2. Communications................................78
16.2. Restore................................................86
14.2.1. Communication Information......80
16.3. Recovery............................................86
15. Fixing Problems and Repairs.....................80
16.4. Backup................................................87
15.1. Software (OS’s, Apps and Programs).80
17. Power Supplies, Electrical, Electronic,
15.2. Computers and Notebooks (Windows,
UPS’s, Chargers and Charging.........................87
Mac OSX and Linux)..................................81
17.1. Smartphones.......................................87
15.3. Android Smartphones and Tablets;
17.2. iPads...................................................87
iPhones and iPads........................................82
17.3. Android Tablets..................................87
15.3.1. Android Smartphones and Tablets
17.4. Notebooks..........................................87
................................................................82
17.5. Desktop and Server Computers..........88
15.3.2. iPhones and iPads.......................83
18. Free Software: Apps, Programs, OS’s and
15.4. Hardware............................................83
Utilities.............................................................88
15.4.1. Disk Drives, Hard Disks and
18.1. Computers..........................................88
SSD’s......................................................84
18.2. Smartphones.......................................90
15.4.2. DVD Drives (Burners)...............84
19. Keyboard Shortcuts....................................90
15.4.3. Memory......................................84
20. Technology Dictionary (Glossary).............91
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1. All content is copyright and owned by UR TECH INDUSTRIES.
2. Sharing this eBook is permitted (allowed).
3. UR TECH INDUSTRIES are void of any legal damages or legal liability for any loss caused by purchasing or seeking advice obtained from the information supplied in this ebook.
4. This technical handbook for understanding computers, smartphone and technology has been developed using over forty (40) years of knowledge.
5. You can always download the most recent (latest) edition (version) of this eBook free from this location:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kjeDcEo9TPalUzkX9mQJ0fXAR4edy8Zj
6. Contact urtechindustriesasia@gmail.com
7. This ebook is FREE. If you’d like to donate money for it, you can do that using PayPal.com
Account ID: urtechindustriesasia@gmail.com
8. This ebook will expand over time, as more content is gradually added.
9. I wrote this book for my Mum and Dad, because I wanted to help them understand technology, better.
Enjoy the book!
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Kris Ayre BSc (Author)
2. Introduction
Congratulations on downloading this book, “UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY (U-TECH).”
This book teaches you everything you need to know about technology from a novice to an intermediate user of technology.
In this book, we cover all aspects of computing technology and explain how modern technology devices work, as well as the history and the standards that they have emerged from. There is a dictionary (glossary) at the back section of this book, so that you can learn all of the words, acronyms and abbreviations used throughout this book and in the real world. This knowledge will give you all that you need to know: what each part is for and how to use it.
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This book allows you to understand what everything is for and which words to use, should you need to speak with a parts, sales or technical person when purchasing, replacing parts or fixing electronic equipment. UR-TECH provides you with the knowledge to be able to repair and manage devices yourself, as well as know what to do should you need to replace something or upgrade it (usually to get something faster).
Since the industrial revolution, man has revelled in making and improving machines to make work for human beings much easier and faster. Production and efficiency have greatly increased, leading to greater profits and an increase in the standard of living for humanity.
Today, computers drive, operate and control so much machinery and equipment that we rely on them for daily living such that they’ve become a part of our lives. Technology is beneficial for our world, particularly in a world of change, where stability is an important factor in driving that change using innovation. Reliability of your favorite communication device, may rank as a top listing of importance for technological products of choice.
The speed of computers, driven by their microprocessor chips or ‘chips,’ as they’re known in the I.T. (information technology) world, has exponentially (drastically) increased over the past 20 years.
Chips along with hard drive and software speed improvements have enabled computers to operate much faster than what they were around the turn of the millennium (the year 2000).
Computer graphics have dramatically increased in quality, with near-real graphics now available, making for crisp visuals when watching movies and playing games.
Gamers (people who love playing games a lot) are enjoying better and better quality as time goes by and they now expect fast, high-quality graphics.
Since the year 2000, mobile phone technology has surged, with the number of phone models and apps (applications) flooding the modern world.
Competition among rival companies for the ultimate position of first place in sales across the world market has emerged. Legal challenges for technology ownership is a realistic part of life in the ever-evolving technology industry.
Some companies have had to pay others for using their technologies without permission, yet with the phones already distributed across the world, there really was no choice to turn back and instead, move ahead as customers continue to pursue their phone of choice, expecting newer models and local support for their already purchased model.
The market has developed into a buyers shopping paradise, as more and more phone models are released with increasing frequency, making the way for a buyer's market - a wide range, better performance and competitive pricing.
Desktop computers, then notebook computers and now smartphone devices are the most popular throughout our society in 2023. People have swapped their big, bulky and heavy computers for smaller handheld phones and tablets. No more messy cables, wires, computer housing cases, big monitors or ‘screens,’ just a small device that you can carry around with you.
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Today, the technology is smaller and faster: less volume (size), less weight (lightweight) and higher speed. All of these factors mark and serve as an indicator how far we have progressed (moved forward) over the past 30 years.
The future is looking bright and positive, given the enormous improvements in technology generally, as a whole. Faster processors made of newer materials, cheaper storage, and newer technologies in human interaction such as speech recognition, biometrics improvements and human to machine instructions. Combining all of what we know and what we continue to invent and reveal to the world, is that technology helps us as human beings to repair and sustain health, by making our lives easier and sustaining health longer than 100 years ago.
From the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep, chances are that there will be some technological device there to assist you within your daily life.
Yes, there are ongoing security and privacy issues, however given the relatively short time since the inception of this new era, we have improved how we ‘patch up the holes,’ that we make as we evolve along the technology trail. Managing threats and removing risks is more important than ever before. One example is Play Protect, a Google Play Store service/feature which is basically in simple terms, a certification service to verify that the download on offer, has already been scanned/
checked for viruses and/or malicious ware (malware) that could potentially infect and damage your device. New app game companies may be fraudulent in nature, by promising you earnings as real money, but then prompted to pay them around $1 to receive the payout. Theoretically illegal, but not policed by Google.
Data transfer and management possibly remain the largest challenge in terms of keeping it under control and managed. As data became cheaper and storage volumes increased (which means that there is continually a need for a greater speed of computers), the transfer speeds over a network (cable and mobile internet) are now the limiting factor for people wishing to move files into ‘the cloud’.
Hence, the demand for faster data transfer inside (internally) a computer (or tablet and smartphone), outside (external) of a computer to another computer or device (by cable or via a local network) or outside of a computer via the internet to another computer or website, has increased.
The demand for speed and performance has increased massively, as consumers request tasks to be performed faster due to their increased workload. Society is driving technology development through consumer requests. The world is now operating in a consumption environment where people are living longer, working more and doing more in and throughout their lives, so there are more modern digital tasks to be performed. Multi-tasking has become a requirement and machines have allowed this to be exploited as best as we can to enable simpler living on earth.
What does this mean? Well, simply put – faster machines to cope with larger operating systems (OS’s), apps, storage and increased app features. All of these in-demand resources, are driven by better hardware and software. Interface innovation may also have an impact on the development, as data speed transfer rates seem to be an ongoing issue. Too slow equals not fast enough and many Page 8 /95
people complain of this issue often, particularly when cables and wireless technologies such as Bluetooth or network bottlenecks slow down the transfer speed rate in comparison to local speeds of the OS accessing the internal hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).
The speed of the new chip driven solid state drives or SSD’s, is now quite fast, however USB 3.0 is the bottleneck that slows down the data transfer speed rate, which frustrates consumers.
Firewire is faster than USB, but it never really became a commercial, standard connection option, so USB really stuck around based on popularity rather than speed superiority.
Hence there is room for newer and faster universal connections for data transfer. Firewire could have been it, but it was not adopted by manufacturers universally.
Wireless connections began to evolve into faster and faster data transfer rates. Terms such as Bluetooth, WiFi and HotSpot emerged onto the scene and made life far easier for people to be able to use their devices, but at the same time faced security problems as the technologies emerged at the start, however they improved towards the last decade…..of this century.
In the early days, connecting to the internet from a home or business computer was done using a dial-up modem, which would act similar to a fax, whereby the modem connected to the computer, then dials into another receiving modem using (over or via) the telephone line (cable) and is then authorised (authenticated) by software to be granted access to the internet (basically, by the ISP or Internet Service Provider). The last dial-up modems to be made and released were 56k modems.
The 56k stood for (means) 56 kilobits per second (Kbits/s or Kbps), as the description of its transfer speed over a telephone line (cable or wire).
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) was a high-speed transfer service, allowing for large files to be sent over telephone wires (cables or lines). ISDN was classified as the first type of
‘broadband’ internet. Broadband was born and evolved into what it is today – a high-speed internet network facility that could be accessed from any home, business or organisation.
Today, WiFi is now easier than ever to connect a technical device to, whether it be a notebook computer, a tablet, an iPad or a smartphone – the ability to ‘get online’ is now far easier and more secure than it was in the developing days. Although it has its limitations, WiFi has proven successful for the world because of the convenience that it provides.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with robotics are paving the way for a smarter world.
We can look forward to more automated and self-governing AI, such that they are flooded with real-life situations which will make AI more, 'human.'
AI has the capability to mimic and 'learn' human behaviour, thus it is possible for AI to self-govern itself as an individual.
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Technology devices are divided into two (2) main categories: 1. Hardware; and
2. Software
3.1. Hardware
Hardware is the word used for any physical technology device, part or component. Basically, hardware is anything that you can physically touch or feel with your hands – a physical object.
Examples of computer and device hardware include: desktops , mini-towers, towers, servers, racks, mini-computers, notebooks (laptops), gaming consoles (Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox), memory chips, main boards, monitors/displays, cameras, batteries, SD cards, micro SD cards, USB
memory drives, cables, routers, WiFi modem routers, smartphones, printers, ink, keyboard and mice (plural of a mouse).
3.2. Software
Software is the word used for any virtual environment that you can see on your hardware – much like watching a movie on TV. The TV is the hardware (something you can touch) and the movie is the software (something you can view/see, but cannot physically touch).
The main types of software are:
1. Operating Systems (OS’s);
1.1. Microsoft Windows (desktop, server and tablet)
1.2. Apple Macintosh OS (desktop computer, server)
1.3. Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad)
1.4. Android (smartphone and Tablet)
1.5. Linux (desktop computer, server, webserver, Android) 2. Applications (apps)/programs; and
3. Firmware
The operating system (OS) operates the computer or device, usually visible or visually seen and accessible in the form of a visual virtual environment viewed upon a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a display (monitor, screen or a TV).
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Applications are software programs that are pre-installed and can also be installed by the user (any person who uses the computer or device).
Firmware is software that is installed into a ROM (read-only memory) microprocessor chip.
Firmware can be upgraded by downloading it from the device manufacturer’s website and installing it.
3.3. How Hardware and Software work together
Since the last half of the past century, operating systems have annexed computer hardware to work together as one which are the two main components that make up the computer. In other words, a computer is made of the physical parts which are controlled by the operating system. The operating system uses the computer hardware parts to follow instructions and execute commands that perform software (app) operations. This means, that the operating system is built of apps (also known as applications or programs on some operating systems or devices).
From the early days of IBM (International Business Machines) mainframes during the 1950’s, to Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android in 2023, the operating system has transformed society into a brilliant new way of being able to perform human tasks used in our daily living as well as for productivity. Hardware and software have developed together in parallel, with manufacturers having to understand each others’ products.
Generally, software should be matched to hardware capabilities. In other words, if you use an old OS such as Windows 95 to control a new computer, there may be problems with both installation of the OS or operation of both the OS and the hardware (the computer itself).
Technical Talk
Hardware is powered by either mains electrical power or battery. The software then controls and uses (operates) the hardware to perform functions or tasks that the user instructs to the machine hardware and pre-installed apps (apps that were already installed) or post-installed apps (apps that the user has installed) to then perform individual software tasks such as open a folder, read the contents of a USB memory drive, perform a function or send an email.
Software generally controls hardware on any technological device and connects to software as well as hardware, regardless of the operating system used. Older systems were usually only operating one function at a time, so back then things were quite simple. Today, software performs tasks at fractions of a second.
Software and hardware work together in tandem to follow instructions from the CPU via the user or other machine(s).
Commands are directed by the user to the computer which performs the tasks required.
All contents of the OS (Operating System) and the user’s documents, music, pictures and videos etc., are stored on a storage device, also known as a hard disk, disk drive, solid state drive or memory device (such as a USB drive, also known as a thumb drive or memory stick). The first discs before hard disk drives were floppy disks. Like hard disk drives which have a round disc that Page 11 /95
physically spin, data is magnetically stored onto the disks as bytes with allocated addresses (locations) by the OS.
3.4. Bits and Bytes
A bit is a binary digit. It is in the format as either a number 1 (one) or a 0 (zero). They are called bits. If it is represented as a 1, its command is either ON, YES or TRUE. If it is represented as a 0, it is either OFF, NO or FALSE. Electricity from the computer is released if it is a binary digit (bit) which equals 1, to turn on a device or part in your computer using transistors. This is called Boolean Logic. Logic gates are transistors which allow or restrict the flow of electricity to other transistors and to the rest of the computer or device. Each transistor has different properties that can change the state of each binary digit. These are represented in what are known as Truth Tables (a table of zeros and ones). A byte is 8 bits (8 x bits). This is how memory chunks are used in computers: bytes.
Every microprocessor (or microchip) has millions, billions or even trillions of transistors, allowing the OS to process calculations and perform actions or tasks at high speeds.
Bits and bytes are data, stored by the computer on a hard drive, in memory, on an external device such as a USB memory stick or drive, MicroSD card for smartphones and computers or on a DVD
disc. The operating system organises and stores bytes at allocated addresses within the drive.
3.5. Storage, Memory and Optical Drives
The two types of memory/storage are ROM (Read Only Memory - a DVD, or a USB Read-Only Installer Disk) and RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a DDR4 RAM CHIP, which is accessible by the device via the user. RAM disks are readable and writable (RW). You can only read data or information from a ROM disk or drive, however with a RAM disk you can read and write data or information to these devices. Read means that you can view or copy data or information from a ROM disk but you cannot edit or paste data or information to a ROM disk. So, on a RAM
drive, you can read, write, copy, paste and edit files, pictures, audio or video – basically any type of file.
Examples of RAM disks include: hard disk drives, solid state drives, USB drives and DDR4 RAM
(memory chips).
Some DVD’s are readable, writable (R) and re-writable (RW), which means that they are very versatile (useful or handy) for many situations. DVD±R is a DVD that can be only written (burnt) once. The term ‘burn a disc,’ or ‘burn a DVD,’ means to write some data, files, documents, music or videos to disc.
DVD±R is a DVD disc that can be written only once. This means that you can burn files to disc or copy another disc to this disc, but you can only do it one time and you cannot delete/erase the contents of the disc.
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DVD±RW is a DVD disc that can be rewritten as many times as you want. This means that you can copy files to a disc and erase them. Basically, it means you can use the DVD as a storage disc to add or remove copies of your files from your computer or change the disc however you would like to use it. Therefore, you can erase/delete everything on the DVD and then copy new files onto the disc.
ROM = Read Only Memory (readable but not writable storage space, such as internal memory, a CD ROM or a DVD ROM)
RAM = Random Access Memory (readable and writable storage space, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, USB drive or writable DVD disk) Table: Optical Disc media from the past and present.
MEDIA
TECHNICAL NAME AND CAPABILITIES
CD
Compact Disc; can write data only once; store up to 700MB of data CD-R
Compact Disc Recordable; can write data more than one time but cannot delete data (data can only be added until the disc is full) CD-RW
Compact Disc Rewritable; can write and erase (delete) data as often as you like!
DVD
Digital Video Disc; store from 4.7 – 17GB of data
DVD-R
Digital Video Disc Recordable; can write data more than one time but cannot delete data (data can only be added until the disc is full) DVD-RW
Digital Video Disc Rewritable; can write and erase (delete) data as often as you like!
Blu-ray
Blu-ray Disc; store up to 50GB of data such as movies
Computers are now an important part of most businesses everyday across our world, increasing productivity and improving lives. Home and work use of computers has made our lives easier.
Stable functioning software is the objective of every software developer, although due to budget or human resource restrictions, apps may be released containing bugs, making the user experience from non-functional at all to working with errors or frozen states, potentially deeming them unusable. These are commonly known as ‘bugs.’
Even with apps from large companies, there may be a software ‘patch’ update release for the OS or program that you have installed on your machine or device. Most of the time it should improve interoperability, performance or add new features to an app or OS, however in some instances there Page 13 /95
may appear to be no difference at all. ‘Bugs,’ are found in software, which causes a problem for users, where some type of error occurs or the software freezes and the computer may need to be restarted.
3.5.1. Hard disk drives and SSD’s:
Hard Disk Drives and Solid State Drives have been the storage capacity devices which have had and continue to offer enormous success across the world in millions of computers and other smart devices. Smartphones all use SSD’s – basically, they are all just 1 big microchip processor and one memory chip, which is where everything is stored and runs, or operates as fed into by the OS, via user input. The days of moving parts have gone. Electrical has taken over mechanical!
4. Operating Systems
The first operating system was developed in 1956, by General Motors
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_operating_systems).
It was called a mainframe, because of the big cabinet casing that housed the computer.
It consisted of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. IBM were next on the scene and developed their own mainframe operating systems. Operating systems would develop at an ever expanding rate up until the present day.
From big to small, they have massively reduced in size over the past 66 years of development.
People are more reliant on technology than ever, driving big business even bigger, employing more people, helping lives on a daily basis and assisting the future development of new human technologies for use here on earth and in other areas of the universe.
OS’s have hugely developed during the past 60+ years, but today the variety is far greater than yesteryear with business and home consumers benefiting on a higher level compared to at the beginning, when they first appeared on the market, for sale to customers.
The two (2) main types of operating systems for all-in-one’s, desktops, notebooks and servers are: 1. Commercial (Paid); and
2. Open-Source (Free)
Here is a list of the most popular operating systems used today: 1. Unix (Paid)
2. Linux (Free)
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4. Mac-OS or iOS (Paid)
5. Windows (Paid)
6. Android OS (Paid for when purchasing the device)
7. Chrome OS (Paid for when purchasing the device)
8. FreeBSD (Free)
9. OpenBSD (Free)
There are many operating systems to choose from today.
Technology is far more compatible than what it was 25 years ago, so it is possible to install and operate OS’s onto computers built or designed and recommended originally for a different OS.
For example, it is possible to install a Linux OS distribution onto an Intel processor mainboard system, designed for Microsoft (MS) Windows.
Let’s take a look at these popular operating systems from the past up unto today: 1. Unix: Unix was developed as a commercial (paid) software product for sale back in the 1970’s and was sold to and bought by various companies and groups. Today, Unix is owned by Novell. Unix is traditionally a command-line OS, with no GUI (Graphical User Interface), just white or green text on a screen. Its filesystem is based on a hierarchy standard, which utilises a non-GUI directory structure, similar to GUI desktop systems such as MacOS and Linux. Microsoft Windows uses a different type of filesystem hierarchy structure (see Filesystems below in Section 3.1).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filesystem_Hierarchy_Standard
1.1.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenSolaris
2. Linux: Linux was invented in 1991 and today hosts the most number of internet web servers in the world, such as Apache. Linux is the graphical user interface (GUI) version of Unix. This means that it can be seen visually the same as the 'windows' style of desktop operating systems. It is fast and secure like Unix. Linux comes in many flavours, which means that it is made by different manufacturers with different models.
There are so many Linux distributions. Below is a list of the most popular Linux OS
distributions.
2.1. CentOS
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2.3. Debian
2.4. Debian Edu
2.5. Fedora
2.6. Kali
2.7. Linux Mint
2.8. Novell Open Enterprise Server
2.9. Oracle Linux
2.10. Red Hat Enterprise Linux
2.11. Red Hat Linux
2.12. SUSE Linux Enterprise
2.13. Tails
2.14. Ubuntu (Ubuntu comes in many flavours)
https://ubuntu.com/desktop/flavours
2.14.1. Kubuntu (Plasma desktop with office suite applications) 2.14.2. Lubuntu (Simple and easy to use)
2.14.3. Ubuntu Budgie (Modern and fast)
2.14.4. Ubuntu Kylin (Chinese)
2.14.5. Ubuntu Mate (Traditional)
2.14.6. Ubuntu Studio (Music, Video, Graphics, Multimedia) 2.14.7. Xubuntu (Lightweight and stable)
2.14.8. Ubuntu Unity (Beautiful design)
3. MS-DOS: Microsoft (MS) Disk Operating System (DOS) was introduced commercially in 1981 and finished public releases of its OS in the year 2000. It is incorporated into their main commercially selling product, Microsoft Windows.
4. Microsoft Windows for desktop and Windows phone.
5. Apple MacOS for desktop and iOS for Apple iPhone smartphones and iPads.
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6. Google Android for tablet, TV and smartphone.
Terminals: all of these OS’s use terminal applications, to write to the kernel (to program the computer). The kernel is the main part of the OS, which interacts with and controls: the CPU, memory, devices and applications (hardware and software). MS-DOS itself can be categorised as a terminal emulator which runs inside of the Microsoft Windows Operating System.
4.1. Filesystems
Filesystems are made of a directory structure, which means that for both non-GUI systems such as Unix and GUI systems, they are designed to be just like a physical filing cabinet from the days before computers. They include the filing cabinet (the root directory or base drive), which contain folders and then inside the folders, files are contained (i.e. - they are stored or placed into their proper directory/folder location).
Basically filesystems are either:
1. Non-GUI (lines of code with no visual graphics such as Linux); or 2. GUI (visual graphics such as Windows, MacOS and Linux) See the link below for all of the filesystems available.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_system
4.2. The Desktop
The desktop is a hierarchical filing and management GUI (Graphical User Interface) system which allows users to organise in order, files and folders with the freedom of movement for those virtual objects. It is a visual stepping stone into the virtual graphical world of digital electronic data management and is used across the world on desktops, servers, tablets and smartphones. It is the same style of management system, spread across a spectrum of operating systems. It powers most modern machines.
List of Operating Systems: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_operating_systems
4.3. The First Desktop Operating Systems with folders
The first desktop operating system with folders was the 'oN-Line System,' (NLS), developed by Douglas Engelbart, in the 1960's at the Stanford Research Institute, USA.
It was further developed by Xerox and then Apple Computers. The Macintosh computer proved a hit, followed by Microsoft Windows.
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Linux was developed later, in 1991 and became the GUI (Graphical User Interface) for Unix operating systems.
The basic idea is that the desktop file system operates as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) presented as a 'picture,' displayed in the same way that a television set does. It is organised into a virtual desktop file management system (DFMS) environment, made up of files and folders.
Just the same as a physical filing cabinet, the windows desktop style of operating systems are designed to allow users to store files in a personalised manner - i.e., folders can be created (made) anywhere within the hard drive, using the desktop file management system. Files can be stored in any folder, if you have access permissions to open the folder. All file and folder management is operated by using a left and right click action for the left and right buttons located at the front of the mouse, when using a mouse; or the left and right buttons under the touchpad for a notebook computer.
4.3.1. Files
A file can be of any type - i.e. a .mp4 file is a video file. A .docx file is a document file etc. etc.
Files are stored, rearranged and moved according to the user's requirements of each file.
4.3.2. Folders
Much like a metal filing cabinet tower, folders act like real folders inside a real filing cabinet. The virtual DFMS, is a virtual copy of a real (physical) filing cabinet. Just like a real filing cabinet has sliding folders with paper files inside them, the DFMS also has Folders which contain Files. That is the entire window-style file management system is presented as a GUI - the entire system is moulded using Folders and Files.
5. Smartphones
The first smartphone to be commercially released was the ‘ Angler,’ developed at IBM in 1992 by Frank Canova. It was the first modern mobile phone to have advanced features, including: internet access, a web browser, email, camera, picture viewer, music player, video player, games, a clock, a calendar and a flashlight.
In today’s fast-changing world, we look at the different types of smartphones in use in 2023.
We tell you the basics of how to use a smartphone and what you can do with it.
Smartphones are basically computerised mobile telephones which most of the modern world carry today. This means that they are operated by an operating system (OS), have a filesystem, a desktop, menus, apps (aka programs for Windows users) and settings like a desktop computer, but it’s on your phone. You can access files within your phone internally - just the same way as a computer, as well as being able to access files from; and send to: external storage media such as a MicroSD card or other multimedia memory storage unit or device.
Novices will find this useful, because there are so many technology platforms out there in 2023, that it could take an expert to know what exactly there is out there and how to use it.
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Android, iOS (iPhone), Windows and Blackberry are the main operating systems (OS’s) on smartphones today. The licenses for each operating system may be different. For example, Android is based on an open-source (free and open public license) operating system called Linux, which is basically free for anyone to copy and distribute with clause and exceptions (which means that you should not profit off it without permission from the creators), as there may be commercial license fees applicable, depending on the company, however phone companies such as Huawei, Vivo, Oppo and Samsung modify the Android operating system (OS) to match their hardware as well as add their own customised set of applications with limited software updates and firmware (hardware encoded software) updates. These manufacturers that use Android OS’s, custom tailor each phone for the most recent and stable version of Android and vice-versa: that is to say, the current stable Android operating system release at the time of each model’s development, is customised to match the hardware of the phone under production.
Most modern smartphones have multi-functionality powered by gigahertz plus processors with long lasting batteries off charge. Typically, a new modern smartphone could have:
• 64-256 Gigabytes (GB) of internal storage memory
• 1 or 2 x Micro SD card memory slots
• 2 x SIM card telephone service slots (dual SIM card)
• 3 – 5 x video cameras (2 x front, 3 x rear/back)
• 1 x flashlight (torch)
• A fingerprint sensor (1 x rear biometric)
• 1 x rechargeable battery
In this section, we cover a wide description of phones on sale in 2023. With the onset of COVID-19, technology has become even more in demand because of social isolation along-side an ever-increasing demand for technology, particularly with the modern generation: smartphones have become an integrated part of our modern generation. People are now reliant on their smartphone at all times – in other words, 24 x 7. Many people leave it switched on at night before they sleep to use the in-built alarm clock which will wake them up the next day.
The smartphone has become an essential tool for daily life in many regards, due to it’s versatile capabilities and hand-readiness to operate quickly and easily, as well as the ability to access the internet. Smartphones can organise your life – for enjoyment and work. Many people now rely on their smartphones for operating their business or for their employment.
Manufacturers have created brands as their product item list, and run a series of each model - such as the Apple iPhone (iOS) 12 or the Huawei P40 Pro with Android 10.
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Today in 2023, there are many old and new manufacturers on the mobile phone market from different countries. Once considered as the founders of mobile phones and associated technologies, American manufacturers still hold high rankings of popular handheld and mobile devices.
China now stands as a strong and futuristic competitor capable of producing quality products with ample features at a reasonable price. Manufacturers seek to make a profit, so it’s no surprise that there are some large companies in the world today selling mobile phones and making a lot of money.
The number of mobile phone users per country (world-wide) has grown and continues to grow at an amazing rate. Most teenagers in modern nations own a mobile telephone.
Listed, are some commercial manufacturers according to their OS (operating system) type: 1. Android: Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Motorola plus more.
2. Blackberry
3. iOS: Apple (iPhone and iPad)
4. Windows: Microsoft, Nokia (can run emulated Android apps) 5.2. Brands
• iPhone
• Samsung Galaxy
• Windows Phone
• Blackberry
• Motorola
• Xperia
• Nokia
• Sony, Sony-Ericsson
With the advent of smartphone technology, most original manufacturers are still in operation, while many new manufacturers are now on the scene (mostly from China), giving consumers more choices of phone models at reasonable prices.
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Model names or numbers vary between manufacturers. People can pre-order the latest model, before it is released. They pay for it ‘pre-released’, so that when the model is released for sale to the public, they will be allowed to have the product as a priority, for the customer.
5.4. Features of modern smartphones
Almost all modern smartphones consist primarily of apps and settings. Those are the two (2) main categories of modern smartphones.
5.4.1. Apps (Applications – programs)
Smartphones made the era of apps happen. Apps, or applications as they are fully known as, are driving the smartphone market. The app market is huge and big business also, for those able to develop something useful and popular. Downloading apps from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store allows people to have software/programs checked for any malicious components.
Installing as a stand-alone installer, a .apk file or the new. xapk installer file is also possible through some app developers.
To do this for Android, you must first enable the My Files app on your phone to have access to the .apk and .xapk files. Go to Settings/Biometrics & Security/Install unknown apps/ then select
My Files and then click on the ' Allowed from this source' button to allow access to the installer file(s).
Some websites which have .apk files for Android, include:
• apkmonk.com
• apkmirror.com
5.4.2. Security and Privacy issues
You should be aware that Android smartphones have their ports open. This means that to fully and correctly configure or ‘Firewall’ your Android smartphone, you can ‘Root’
your device and install other ROM’s (Custom OS’s of Android or other OS’s) onto your smartphone.
5.4.3. Settings
The settings section of your smartphone contains everything you need to change and control your phone. The most common settings sections are:
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1.1. WiFi
1.1.1. Creating a WiFi Mobile Hotspot
Creating your own WiFi connection is easy. Simply select Mobile Hotspot on your phone under Settings/Connections/Mobile Hotspot and Tethering/Mobile Hotspot,
then Configure Mobile Hotspot from the menu and create an SSID Network name, then a password (minimum of 8 characters required) and also make sure you select the best security available such as WPA3 personal (the most secure) or WPA2
personal, if no WPA3.
1.1.2. Connecting to a WiFi network
Connecting to a WiFi is easy: all you need is the SSID Network name and the password, then press ‘ Connect’ and you should establish a WiFi wireless network connection.
1.2. Bluetooth
1.2.1. Bluetooth connected devices have become very popular over the past ten (10) years. Bluetooth speakers are now used across the world, to play audio from your mobile phone. Ear buds are also popular.
1.3. Flight mode
Disable all communications by turning Flight mode ON.
1.4. Mobile networks
This is simply your mobile phone company or telecommunications carrier company.
1.5. Data usage
Reports your data usage.
1.6. SIM card manager
This is where you can manage and change the name of your SIM card or turn it OFF.
1.7. Mobile HotSpot and Tethering
1.7.1. Create and modify mobile WiFi networks (called a Hotspot) to share anywhere
‘ on the go, ’ as well as sharing an internet connection by plugging in a USB cable - in this section.
1.7.2. Bluetooth tethering
This allows a smartphone to share its internet, audio and video using Bluetooth to another Bluetooth device such as another smartphone, tablet, computer or printer.
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USB tethering allows a person to share an internet connection from their smartphone using a USB cable to a computer or tablet which has a USB port on the receiving end
– i.e. plug the USB charging cable from your smartphone into your computer or tablet, to use the internet from your smartphone. Sharing a connection from one (device) to another is called ‘ tethering.’
1.8. More connections settings
2. Sounds and Vibration
2.1. Sound mode
2.1.1. Sound
2.1.2. Vibrate
2.1.3. Mute
3.
Notifications
3.1. Turn notifications for app actions and replies on or off 4. Display
4.1. Brightness
4.2. Font size and style
4.3. Screen zoom
4.4. Full screen apps
4.5. Screen timeout
4.6. Home screen
4.7. Easy mode
4.8. Navigation bar
4.9. Show charging information
4.10. Screensaver
5. Wallpaper
5.1. Change the background image of the screen and the lock screen image.
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7. Lock Screen
8. Biometrics and Security
Add fingerprint biometric and face recognition security to secure your phone.
9. Privacy
10. Location
11. Account and backup
11.1. Google Account/Apple ID.
11.2. Backup to a storage device or to the cloud over the internet.
12. Advanced features
13. Digital Well-being and parental controls
14. Device Care
14.1. Clear your memory to give you free space. Optimise your power use.
15. Apps & Devices
15.1. Installation: go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for what app, game or movie that you want. Scroll down the list of available apps from your search. Select the one that you want and if it suits your requirements,
press the ‘Install’ button. It will then begin to download and then auto-install by itself.
15.2. Uninstall / Remove the app: Search for the app on your phone. Hold down the app icon that you want to uninstall/remove. A menu of options will appear. Select ‘Info’ or
‘ Uninstall.’ It should then be removed from your phone or device.
You can also uninstall an app from your phone or device by going to Google Play Store or Apple App Store. In the Google Play Store, click on your account icon, then select
‘ Manage Apps and Devices. ’ There are two (2) sub-menus: 1) Overview: this is where you can ‘ check for any updates’ available for your phone or device; and
2) Manage. Click on this section, to view all of your installed apps. Scroll down to the one(s) you want to remove, then select it by touching its icon or name and then you will see the option of Uninstall. Click that button. Apple’s iPhone and iPads app removal procedure is similar. They call it ‘ Remove app,’ instead of ‘Uninstall.’
16. General management
17. Accessibility
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18.1. Android’s app updates are found as mentioned in No. 15 above: Apps & Devices.
Apple’s app updates are similar to Android’s. Go to the Apple App store, click on your profile icon/account, then scroll down to ‘Pending updates and release notes.’ Then there are two (2) choices: 1) Update only a certain app that you tap on; or 2) ‘Update All.’
19. User manual
20. About phone
This tells you what name and version of operating system that you have on your phone.
21. Developer options
This is where you can manipulate your phone for app building and testing apps that you have made using Android .apk files for Android smartphones. Activating Developer Options gives users access to Android smartphones, allowing users to install and test apps on their smartphones, before publishing them to the Google Play Store.
5.5. Hardware
Mobile phone hardware has obviously changed considerably since its creation from carrying around a big brick-sized handheld battery with a cable attached, to a small pocket-sized device which fits in your pocket – mobile phones, also known as cell phones in the U.S. , have dramatically reduced in size and made a huge advance in technologies with the invention of the smartphone. The mobile telephone has evolved into a mini-computerised telephone.
5.5.1. Buttons
1. Power On/Off
The most important hardware button is the power on and power off button. This turns the smartphone on and off. You may have to press and hold down the power button for 3-5 seconds to turn your smartphone On or Off.
2. Volume Up and Down
Sound is an important element for every smartphone. Basically each smartphone features video and audio; or explained in another way, ‘audiovisual functionality’ combined into the device.
To turn the sound up, you press the Volume Up button (+) to turn the volume up and press the Volume Down button (-), to turn the sound down.
3. Key Combinations
You can use ' key combinations,' to perform a certain or specific function, such as a hardware reset
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default (original) settings that came with the smartphone when you bought it new from the shop or dealer/seller.
5.5.2. Touchscreens
Touchscreens replaced the physical hardware keyboards of the past on the initial smartphones which has allowed for less reliance on hardware and also giving the user more options by using a touchscreen system or 3rd-party installed keyboard. They are software or virtual keyboards (no physical hardware buttons).
5.5.3. Batteries
Batteries are what really allow mobile phones to be portable and taken practically anywhere with us. Batteries are evolving at a rapid rate, improving in the capability of staying charged for longer and longer (the number of hours and days at a time that the battery will supply charge to the phone without it needing recharging). So, batteries are staying charged for longer, charge quicker with advanced and more powerful wattage using 250 volt mains power. USB phone chargers are more powerful these days, with stronger charges and longer battery time without needing to recharge your smartphone or device.
On average, smartphone batteries are expected to last 2-3 years, although some may burn out earlier than that and some may last longer.
1. Lithium-ion Batteries
These batteries were released by Sony in 1991 and became widespread across the globe for use in mobile phones.
2. Lithium Polymer Batteries
First released in 1997, these batteries are the latest batteries used in smartphones, notebook computers and other portable or wireless devices such as drones, UPS’s and electric vehicles.
The use of plastics alongside newer and more advanced materials shall prove that modern techniques of powering anything is highly possible, as we venture into and explore electricity more and more.
5.5.4. Micro USB charging port
This port has changed in versions and also contains brand-specific hardware designs to 'privatise'
their product, as specifically ' their own brand' of USB port style (shape). E.g. - Samsung, iPhone.
The only generic shaped USB cable with an associated port, is the Android standard charging port.
Micro USB
USB Type C
Lightning
Mini USB
Android phone and
Google Nexus,
iPhone and iPad
Digital cameras and
tablet
Nokia tablet and others
GoPro's.
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The standard size for a headphone socket (hole) is 3.5 mm. This is pretty much an international standard.
5.5.6. SIM Card Holder(s)
Modern phones have two (2) x SIM card holders and one may be combined as a MicroSD card holder, within the one holder (unit).
5.5.7. MicroSD Card Holder
These can be individual and dedicated singular holders or combined (as above) with a SIM card slot as well, together as the one holder.
6. Tablets and iPads
Android Tablets and Apple iPad series are quit a new invention that need to only charge their battery by/via a USB cable, which makes them easy for transporting.
They come in a variety of screen sizes and specifications. There are many Android OS tablet manufacturers and tablets available across the world. Their price has reduced dramatically, whilst their features and quality have improved.
iPad’s and iPad mini’s are made by Apple and hence, are a part of their product range, which uses the iOS to operate their devices.
7. Computers
1. Design
2. Types
3. Hardware
4. Software
5. Symbols and Characters
6. Language and Keyboard
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Computers traditionally have been ‘boxed shaped’ or ‘square-shaped,’ but really its geometrical name is a ‘ Cuboid’.
Since the mainframe in the 1950’s, the cuboid shape of computers has remained by the most part, the same and became a standard design shape for computer hardware design. The idea behind the shape is to offer protection, space and accessibility for interchangeable parts. Most commonly, memory chips (or boards), graphics cards and hard drives have been and still are the main interchangeable parts which require replacing the most. Memory can break due to various reasons such as overheating, electrical surge, dust or mishandling it by not releasing static electricity from your body and touching it whilst fitting it to the mainboard: inserting new memory mini-board chip modules or removing them, are ways in which they can ‘ blow.’
In these situations, memory modules such as DDR types of memory can be blown from static electricity, that has built up inside your body as you create friction (electricity) by even just being alive (humans are electric!) or rubbing up against some thing or being which has an electrical charge or is made by yourself. Static electricity can be released from your body, by touching an
‘ earthed’ object or a ‘ negatively charged’ object or electrical source, such as a negative wire (black wires) which usually attract the positive static electrical charge ( positives and negatives attract).
Rubbing your feet on carpet and touching a metal pole will release the built-up static charge from your body and transfer it to the metal, emptying or releasing the static electricity from your body to the metal. It is important to remember that you must then not walk or move when removing or inserting memory modules such as DDR or any other type of microchip memory module.
7.2. Types
7.2.1. Desktop
The desktop computer really comes in several styles. Any box-shaped device, typically cuboid in shape, is classed or termed as a desktop computer. There were several types created by several companies from the 1990’s and progressed towards containing more functionality to the case-housing (the physical metal and/or plastic box itself) – particularly and substantially after the year 2000. The world suddenly became in a computer frenzy over the new home machine...capable of great things.
Send faxes, emails, write documents and the list became endless…..for what was capable or possible to do on a home desktop computer. Of coarse then, the business world adapted and took advantage of desktop computing for business, by buying in bulk – there were desktop machines on every desk in the office and even allocated to boardrooms.
Space, position, size and functionality became important factors when considering purchasing a desktop computer. Ergonomics started to play an important factor or role around the year 2000.
It was all about compactibility and space efficiency in the office or work place environment.
Compaq, DELL and IBM have made ergonomically designed desktop computers since the 1990’s and those companies sold many of their products throughout the world.
The desktop computer typically was laid or positioned in two (2) positions: 1) Vertically and 2) Horizontally. The ‘laying down,’ or horizontally layed and positioned cases were the classic desktop Page 28 /95
shape and style of computer - popular and common in homes and offices. They were common-place: everywhere. Then the positioning changed, to one of a vertically stationed layout. They were known as a ‘tower.’ Towers were popular, because they did not take-up or consume ‘desk space,’
which in the modern technological era, was becoming an issue, as more and more equipment filled up desk space. The third (3rd) generation of cuboid desktop computer case housings, were the mini-tower.
The mini-tower was exactly the same in concept as a tower, however it was roughly half (½) to three-quarters (¾) of the size (also called a ‘mid-tower’). The next generation to follow, was the
‘ cube’, or ‘ mini-PC.’
7.2.2. Server
The server is the connecting and storing point for a company or organisation, such that it is the central computing point for a group of computers or users onsite or offsite. In effect, this means that whether people were at the same physical location or were logging in remotely from a home or office, they connect to a server to activate some type of activity. Servers typically came in the form of a tower, at first. Servers were made from quite tall and big cases which could fit into their housings...many CD, DVD and hard drives as well as have extra space for memory and connectors such as modems, SCSI or USB ports. So the server boxes had very large spaces to house (or fit) many components and provide a broad range of functionality or features.
Maintenance is quite involved on a server, requiring constant servicing or configuring as well as data management tasks such as data retrieval and network management.
7.2.3. All-in-one’s
1. Apple iMacs
The iMacs were an early compact all-in-one machine that contained only one (1) physical device, meaning that the display and whole computer were fitted into the one housing case or case housing. Basically the monitor was built into the computer case housing, so that they were technically classed as an ‘all-in-one,’ desktop computer for the home or office.
2. Mini cube PC’s
These computers emerged as a novelty at first, but held their place in the market on a smaller scale. They are still made and offer a very tiny option for owning a computer. The great thing about cube PC’s, is that they are so small and can do tasks the same as a traditional tower desktop computer.
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Hardware traditionally has been bulky and large in volume/size, as well as weight.
Size has reduced and speed has increased, giving consumers more satisfaction as we head into the future of scientific technology and improve human ergonomics (the human comfort factor); and interaction (biometrics, voice commands, wireless gloves etc.).
7.3.1. Manufacturers
Some of the biggest computer manufacturers in the world today, include: HP, IBM, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo and others.
7.3.2. Brand names
Dell were once a big name in computing, but IBM has always had a stronghold on product and marketplace success, which is why they like microprocessor company Intel, who continue to innovate with their advances in technologies for the public with new and exciting products.
Apple iBooks proved to be popular during the 1990’s until present day, alongside some of the competitors such as IBM, Dell, HP, Sony, Acer and Asus.
7.3.3. Models
Just as with cars, computer hardware manufacturers create brand names and models for sale, to generate a profit. Since 1990 – 2023, many companies have created their own popular computer hardware desktop, tower, notebook and server models for consumers with all types of demands and system requirements.
An iBook, Netbook, Notebook, or other type of computer will have its own model, the same as smartphones. The Apple iPad Mini is a smaller model of the iPad computer tablet. IBM’s Lenovo has been revamped into a modern and faster notebook computer. Lenovo is now owned by the Chinese.
7.3.4. Mainboard
The mainboard or ‘motherboard,’ is the main circuit board which holds all the components in place, connecting to one another, surrounding and joining the CPU, hard drive(s), graphics chips and expansion slots for adding individual circuit boards or modules such as those for memory, graphics, firewire, USB, telecommunications ports (telephone, ADSL, LAN (Local Area Network) and fax.
7.3.5. Display Screen
This is the graphical interface to which you look at in order to interact with the computer or device.
Since the invention of touchscreens many devices now use this form of technology as their keyboard input method. Basically, this means that the keyboard is software and not hardware.
Technology has advanced a fair way, although 3-D hologram visual graphics may be the next form of technological achievement.
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Memory has come a long way during the past 70 years. It has gotten smaller, faster and bigger in storage space. There are two different types of storage: RAM and ROM.
1. ROM
ROM stands for ‘Read-Only Memory.’ This is only available for reading data and not writing data to any device or module – some examples include: a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM and Firmware attached to the mainboard of any device.
2. RAM
RAM stands for ‘Random Access Memory,’ and is available space to write and read data to and from a device or module, including hard drives or solid-state drives as well as USB memory drives (Flash drives or Thumb drives).
7.3.7. Disk Drives
The first drives were called Floppy Disc drives and began as a square-shaped floppy disk device.
Floppy disks were ‘floppy’ and moveable (not rigid, but flexible in nature, except for the smallest disk, the 3.5 inch floppy disk – they had a hard shell, or casing which was made of plastic). Floppy disks were available in three (3) sizes:
1. 8-inch;
2. 5.25 inch; and
3. 3.25 inch disks.
Disk or ‘disc’ drives have various shapes and forms, from smaller, quieter and faster disk drives to heavy, hot and at times noisy hard disk drives.
The second drives were called Hard Disc Drives or HDD’s for short. The third type of hard disc drives which are currently used today for a computer are called Solid State Drives or SSD’s.
The main difference between HDD and SSD drives, is that HDD’s are mechanical drives which have a spinning disc and SSD’s have no moving parts, which means no friction, long life, very high speed and reliability.
Hard disks have come a very long way from slow speed to extremely fast CPU processor actions, enacted by the OS. Basically the spinning HDD’s get hot, noisy, need repairs, break-down and are slow.
SSD’s are basically one big microchip, similar to a USB drive, but much bigger.
So the technology has travelled far in terms of utilising microchips to imitate a HDD.
SSD’s are brilliant because they have no moving parts, which means that they do not wear out from friction or ‘wear and tear’ and are lightning fast.
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Generation one of HDD’s began at 5400 RPM (revolutions per minute).
Generation two of HDD’s were 7200 RPM, generation three of HDD’s were 10,000 RPM and generation four (4) of HDD’s were 15,000 RPM, before SATA was introduced.
2. Formatting
Formatting of hard drives (HDD's) is much slower than the formatting of SSD's.
Formatting is a slow process, if a low-level (zero all data) format is undertaken. The 'quick format'
option is the fastest but does not completely erase all of the data (which is good if you wish to recover any deleted data, using computer forensics tools).
7.3.8. CD and DVD Players and Recorders (Optical Drives) As audio and video technologies advanced onto optical discs, the hardware to play and record them also advanced – simultaneously or together at the same time so that they can be used with optical disc drives.
The modern DVD rewriteable recorder players, can do just about everything you need to with sound, movies or data. You can now write, read, erase or copy files and folders to a DVD –
practically anything you need to do with these mediums is now possible. This extends to data – so any type of file can be stored on a DVD.
Notebook (laptop) computers are built with CD or DVD slots for their player recorders. So, what this means is that just the same as a notebook battery, they can be unlocked and removed or replaced with a new one from the manufacturer or computer parts supplier.
Apple were one of the first companies to remove the DVD optical drives and replace it with a USB-C port.
7.3.9. Interfaces
An interface is a physical hardware connector piece which allows for one device to connect to and communicate with another device. For example, SCSI, Firewire and USB are interfaces. Interfaces will require some type of software in order to be able to use it. For example: USB is a hardware interface that is built into almost every computer or notebook on earth, but requires USB software to be able to use it. Your operating system will have USB drivers and any other software which requires USB integration so that the OS can function using USB connections. Any USB 3rd party software from the manufacturer may also be needed, in order to provide USB functionality for a device connected to the computer or device.
1. VGA
VGA or Video Graphics Array, came onto the scene in 1987 brought to us by IBM as a graphics standard.
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HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a standard for high-speed and quality video and audio transfer between computers (as well as tablets) and displays or monitors. HDMI is a modern interface, first developed in 2002.
3. USB
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface connection port and plug were first introduced in 1996 as USB 1.0. USB 2.0 was available in 2000 and USB 3.0 was available in 2008. Today, computer hardware technology now supports USB 3.0 (USB version 3.0).
The speed has greatly increased from v1.0 to v3.0.
USB connectivity has become known as the main physical connecting interface technology on the planet today. We charge our mobile phones using USB, connect printers to our notebook via USB
and connect our phones and computers together for transferring (moving or copying) files across from a mobile phone to a notebook or desktop/tower/server computer. See also the Peripherals section on USB for a complete breakdown of the different types of USB.
4. Firewire
Firewire became an interface type, developed by many companies - primarily Apple and Sony in 1986.
5. IDE or ATA
The first ATA (AT Bus Attachment) connection interfaces for hard drives were renamed under a new name to IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). So the interface was IDE. The disc drive labelled as an IDE Hard Disk Drive.
6. SATA and eSATA
Serial AT Attachment and External Serial AT Attachment were introduced in 2009 and seen as the main standard of connector for HDD’s and SDD’s.
7. SAS
Serial Attached SCSI is a relatively new interface, developed in 2004, it has achieved higher speed and other improvements in comparison to SATA interfaces. These are good for servers with high volumes of data.
8. PCI, PCI-X and PCI Express
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
PCI, PCI-X (Peripheral Component Interconnect eXtended) and PCI-e (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) launched onto the scene in 1992, 1998 and 2003, respectively and decades later are still used and considered the standard of interface connectors for mainboards. PCI board Page 33 /95
slots gave board/card manufacturers an interface that was and still is, widespread, allowing for greater development of PC technologies. Gamers typically enjoy building big gamer towers with more speed and greater volumes. PCI was adapted very well across the world and is virtually on every motherboard.
PCI mainboard slots are great because you can insert almost any usual or unusual device to your computer tower or mini-tower, giving people flexibility to explore their hobbies or business interests right at home or in their office.
PCIe
The PCI Express or PCIe became quite popular because of its compact size.
It was used for several years before losing market interest from developers and manufacturers.
7.3.10. Graphics
Graphics resolution has dramatically increased and improved since its first inception.
High Quality visuals with fast performing standalone graphics processors power the latest hardware-resource demanding games and movies for a richer picture and experience. In the beginning, graphic resolution and fine quality was not established like it is today in 2023.
High resolution and smooth graphics are standard in the new smartphone era.
7.4. Software
Software is all virtual – that is (i.e.), we cannot physically touch it. It is only something that we can see and hear operating through the hardware, processing its commands. So in effect, software controls hardware rather than hardware controlling software. Hardware will interact (communicate) with software, but software controls hardware. Software is very powerful and can be used to connect to hardware over the internet to a remote location and control it. This makes software, extremely valuable in the computing world because, being able to control a device from a remote (distant) location, gives a user (a person) control over a machine or machines that can be used for many purposes.
Software exists in these three (3) formats:
7.4.1. Firmware (ROM)
Firmware is used only by the computer and embedded into a microprocessor chip called the BIOS.
It can be upgraded.
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7.4.2. Operating System (O.S. or OS)
The operating system, or OS, is the main software that operates (‘runs’) the computer. Some examples of an operating system include: Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OSX, Linux, Google Android and Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad's).
The first OS to be invented was called the GM-NAA I/O and was created by General Motors and North American Aviation in 1956 for use on an IBM (International Business Machines) mainframe computer.
7.4.3. Apps
Apps, also known as applications or programs, are what we use to undertake tasks to satisfy our needs – for work, relaxation, interest, pleasure or entertainment. Applications are essentially programs that do tasks for us. An internet browser, a text document writer, an email app, photo-editing software or other apps are usually installed in with the OS so that you can use it on your device.
Before smartphones, applications or programs were available in either Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh versions – the two (2) main manufacturers of OS software in the world up until the early 2000’s.
7.5. Languages, Keyboards and Dictionaries
Software language support has developed over the years, with most languages and dictionaries now supported by major operating systems and office suite software applications on offer.
7.5.1. Languages
Commercial (paid) and open-source (free) operating system software and office applications support most languages or are increasingly adding languages to include every language and dictionary. For example, the English language is available for selection in many variants of the English language, including: Australian, British, American or Canadian. To change the language or add languages, this section is usually classified under Language, Region, Locale or Input headings, depending on the operating system.
7.5.2. Keyboards
If you install multiple languages in/on your device, you should be able to switch between languages from your desktop taskbar or in your settings section. This can also be done from your keyboard.
Most smartphones have this feature as a button to press and toggle between input languages.
1. The QWERTY Keyboard for English
The ‘QWERTY’ keyboard layout is a very old and traditional keyboard layout that has undergone modifications over the years. First introduced in the 1880’s onto typewriters, its name derived from the first six letters on the first row of the keyboard. The QWERTY keyboard is what modern English language computer and smartphone keyboard layouts use across the world in 2023. It is the Page 35 /95
original layout design for the English language and remains an international standard keyboard layout, today.
2. Operation and Function Keys of the Keyboard
KEY
USE
Alt
Used with F (Function) Keys (at the top of the keyboard: F1-F12), Ctrl and Shift keys to perform actions. A helpful action to close any window or app as well as shut down the computer, is Alt + F4.
Multi-Function
Also called ‘The Windows Key’
Key
Fn
Function key
Ctrl
Control key
Shift
Shift key
Caps Lock key
Caps Lock key is used to change all lettering to UPPERCASE
(CAPITAL LETTERS)
Tab
Tab key is used for moving to the next insert point in a document Esc
Escape key is used for exiting a document, application or active user session (to quit from something that you are using)
Del
Delete key is used to delete one character in a backwards direction (moving left) or multiple characters when selected
Backspace
Backspace key is used to delete one character at a time moving in a backwards direction (moving left)
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_keyboard_shortcuts for more information.
7.5.3. Dictionaries
Dictionaries are usually contained within word processor applications (software), under the heading of 'Spelling,' which may also be termed or phrased as a 'Spell Checker.'
To access the dictionary, within your word processor, click on the Spelling icon or button.
A pop-up dialog box should appear. In this box, you will have many options to change the dictionary and to 'add' new words to your dictionary of choice.
7.6. Characters (Symbols)
7.6.1. ASCII and Unicode
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) was one of the first character coding systems invented that used 128 code points, of which only 95 are printable. Unicode has millions of Page 36 /95
code points and incorporates ASCII as the first 128 code points in its set. Because Unicode contains many more code points and characters, most computers today use Unicode.
7.6.2. OS Differences
Different OS’s use different symbols to other systems for the file system structure.
The first main difference is between Microsoft DOS or Windows and; Unix, Linux and Apple Mac OS’s.
Basically, MS DOS uses a backslash for its directory structure and Unix style OS’s use a forward slash, the same as what a URL in a web browser does.
Platform/App
Example
Slash
WWW
http://website.com/about
/ (forward-slash)
Apple MacOS/Linux/Unix/
/home/user/documents
/
Microsoft Windows
C:\Users and Groups\
\ (back-slash)
7.6.3. Special Characters
Technologies have made full use of the QWERTY keyboard special characters. The most commonly used characters used on the internet include the @ (at) and # (hashtag) symbols.
List of Special Characters on a QWERTY Keyboard Table
Special Character
Name: Meaning
Special Character
Name: Meaning
~
Tilde: about,
=
Equal: used in software
approximately or
development;
roughly
mathematical operator
`
Accent: some non-
{
Left squiggly bracket:
English words use
used in software
accents to highlight a
development
letter or sound
!
Exclamation mark or
}
Right squiggly bracket:
point: A punctuation
used in software
symbol used to express
development
surprise
@
At symbol: used in
[
Left square bracket:
emails to indicate
used in software
transmission of data to
development
a certain domain
#
Hash: used in software
]
Right square bracket:
development and on
used in software
social media to declare
development
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username or group
name
$
Dollar sign
:
Colon: used in URL’s,
such as
m; or
ftp://ftp.example.com
%
Percentage: a fraction
;
Semi-colon: used in
represented by whole
software development
and decimal numbers
^
Exponent: used in a
“
Double-quotes: used in
mathematics equation
titles, or written speech
to represent the power
of a number
&
Ampersand: a symbol
‘
Single Quote: used to
meaning the word
describe the name of
‘and’
something such as ‘U-
TECH’; used as an
apostrophe in
punctuation
*
Asterisk: star symbol
<
Left angled bracket:
or mathematical
used as a starting
multiplication symbol
symbol to commence
HTML language code
(
Left rounded bracket
>
Right angled bracket:
used as a finalisation
symbol for HTML
language code to close
the command or
operation
)
Right rounded bracket
,
Comma: used in
punctuation to list
items, names, places
etc.
-
Dash, Hyphen or
.
Full-stop or Period:
Minus sign
used to separate
(mathematics)
domain name parts
such as
used as a symbol to
represent the
finalisation of a
sentence in punctuation
_
Underscore: used for
?
Question mark: used in
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query computing
U-TECH_2023.pdf
database commands; a
punctuation symbol
used in a question
+
Plus: addition
/
Forward slash: used in
mathematical symbol
MacOS, Linux & Unix
OS directory structures;
and in website
addresses, such as
http://www.example.co
m/
|
Vertical bar: used to
\
Backslash: used in
separate text
Microsoft directory
structures
8. Peripherals
A peripheral is categorised as any externally connected device to a computer, network, tablet or smartphone. Technological devices are divided into two (2) categories: 1) wired or cabled; and 2) wireless (no cables or wires). So basically a peripheral device such as a mouse, keyboard, monitor, external hard drive, printer or other attached device to the computer, tablet or smartphone can either be connected via (using) a cable of some type with some type of connector, such as USB, or it can be connected wirelessly, such as InfraRed (IR), Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF). So there are a number of ways to connect peripheral devices to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
8.1. Interfaces
Interfaces are the facing part of a component to be extended or added on to. Past interfaces include: SCSI (pronounced /scu-zee/), to current day interfaces such as U.S.B. or USB, the acronym for Universal Serial Bus connector interface. These interfaces allow for connecting devices together for either electrical charging purposes or for data connectivity.
USB still remains one of the most frequently and widely-used interface technologies today in 2023, with most technological devices incorporating some type of USB port to connect it to some other device or for some other device to connect to it. Versatility is the main advantage using USB as an interface to perform tasks.
Interfaces can be located on the mainboard inside the computer, on the outside of the computer (externally), on other devices such as modems or routers or on cables with plugs and sockets.
Common interface connections include: connecting your mobile phone to your computer or connecting a battery storage pack device to your mobile phone to charge up your mobile phone.
8.2. Cables
Electric cables carry between 230-250 Volts (V) for mains power supply. 230 Volts and 250 Volts are commonly used voltages by consumers in the home or business, across the world. Some devices Page 39 /95
use two (2) electrical pins and some use three (3). The third pin acts as an earth, which some devices require and is usually the colour green.
8.3. Plugs and Sockets
Plugs are divided into two (2) main types: male and female.
So, when requesting a part for your computer, phone, tablet or cable, consider whether its interface connection is male (a plug of some type) or female (a socket of some type).
8.4. Connections (hardware)
There are many types of connections in a computer, phone and tablet, although each differ in the type and amount of connections used within. Some use pins with slots and the materials are copper, steel, solder, alloys, silicone and plastic.
8.5. SCSI
SCSI, pronounced /scuzzy/, was first introduced in 1981 which proved a popular interface connector to connect certain devices including scanners and printers with computers. It was used by many advertising companies because of its robustness and up to 60 Mbps data transfer rate with 16
devices connected. SCSI phased out and is no longer used in modern computing.
8.6. Firewire
Firewire was created to a standard, the same as USB and other types of technologies, which aim to develop the technology and utilise it worldwide. Manufacturers usually adopt new technologies which have been standardised - which pretty much means that it has been created for commercial use.
Firewire never really kicked off as the new popular technology, unfortunately, because it is fast and potentially had scope for improvements.
Microsoft Windows 10 stopped support for Firewire however there may be workarounds to get it working, so I hear online.
Linux has full support for Firewire devices and connections.
8.7. USB Types
There are three (3) types of USB devices:
8.7.1. USB Type-A
This is the original USB connection: flat-headed and rectangular in shape.
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USB Type-B are a group of square shaped connectors with rounded edges. These are most commonly used for connecting printers and storage devices to desktop, notebook or server computers.
8.7.3. USB Type-C
USB Type-C are the latest USB connections to be made – small, slimline and rounded like USB
Type-B.
8.8. USB Devices
Universal Serial Bus or USB, commenced as USB v1.0 in it’s initial release and is now currently set at USB v3.0, released in 2008.
Most devices or peripheral accessories today are USB 2.0 or USB 3.0.
They come in many shapes and sizes. The price has reduced dramatically and the variety has increased.
8.9. Wireless
Radio frequency (RF) communications have been used for a long time with devices and systems such as ‘walkie-talkies,’ two-way hand-helds, CB (citizens band) radio, radio stations and now WiFi.
RF technologies and communications or ‘comms,’ have come a long way since their inception more than a hundred (100) years ago. RF is used within many industries including the medical and industrial fields. Bluetooth uses RF technology to connect audio and video between externally connected peripheral devices. It is all wireless technology, but each connection type uses different methods to connect using radio frequency.
8.9.1. InfraRed (IR)
InfraRed remote controllers have been used for a long time. Most TV’s are operated wirelessly, or remotely, using a remote control which uses IR to send instructions or commands, to the TV, such as volume up or volume down. IR is simply a red beam of light, which is emitted (sent) with encoded binary information to a receiving device, that allows a remote control to perform certain commands, such as: change the channel up or down, increase or decrease the volume and others, particularly with TV’s (televisions).
8.9.2. Radio Frequency
RF has played a big part in connecting devices together for use in medicine, industries, the office and the home.
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Bluetooth technology connects devices using UHF RF (Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency) and allows for the transmission of data such as audio and video from a device such as a smartphone to a receiving Bluetooth device. Many devices today are Bluetooth enabled – that is, they have Bluetooth built-in to the device. Some examples include: speakers, printers and notebook computers.
8.9.4. WiFi and Mobile Internet Adapters (dongles)
WiFi has become the popular convenient word during the past 20+ years, with WiFi routers popping up in every shop, business and home. Small local networks can attach a WiFi modem router and get online using cable internet (optic fibre) or wirelessly.
1.
USB Modem Dongle
These are mobile devices used for notebook computers or tablets to dialout and connect to a mobile network to access the internet using prepaid or account services for 3G/4G/5G internet.
Each dongle is assigned an IP address.
2.
WiFi Modem Router
These devices are what connect you wirelessly to the internet from inside your home, office, hotel or business. This device is one of the most popular peripherals on the planet, today.
8.10. SD and MicroSD Cards (Secure Digital Cards)
8.10.1. SD Cards
SD cards were first developed for and used with towers and notebooks for transferring files across from another device such as a digital camera, which were very popular during the 1990’s before the smartphone exploded onto the scene with cameras and flashlights. The SD card was soon replaced with the much smaller, M icroSD card. These are popular for use in Android smartphones, cameras and computer cradles with SD slots. SD slots can read MicroSD cards, using a ‘cradle,’ which allows the MicroSD card to ‘fit into’ the SD slot.
8.10.2. Micro SD Cards
Today, MicroSD cards have their own slot interface inside almost all, smartphones. They are small and usually come with a holder, to easily slot into the phone, smoothly. Transfer files, documents, photos, music, videos or anything onto the micro SD card, then remove it (this is done by pushing the MicroSD or SD card cradle in and you will then see it eject out) and insert the card (by pushing it in once) into another device where you can use the copy (Control + C keys) and paste (Control +
V keys) commands to paste the contents across, using these keyboard key shortcut commands, or any ‘ Edit’ menu. To cut any of the contents, use Control + X keys, and those cut contents are now sitting in the memory clipboard, waiting for you to paste (Control + V) them into, or at, some Page 42 /95
location, somewhere on your computer, another drive or another computer such as one on a network (the cloud or remote server).
8.11. Printers, Scanners and Fax machines
This section is split into two parts:
1. Home; and
2. Office
Printers like displays, have reduced immensely in size and today are conveniently sitting on our desks, not much bigger than a letter-sized sheet of paper. Quality and speed have improved in the name of finer printing and performance to give even home users the ability to print out very good quality images or documents at home. Convenience and productivity combined together, gives any student, business person or enthusiast an advantage in their field of interest.
Today, HP (Hewlitt-Packard), Epson and Cannon printers are highly popular; for home or small business use.
Larger offices, governments and large scale businesses use companies such as Mitsubishi to deliver high volume, quality and speed printing to get employees and workers their copies so that they can continue on with production at the organisation in a minimal amount of time.
8.11.1. Home printers
Home printers have come a long way since the 1980’s from the simple dot-matrix to the modern ink-jet desk printers for your home or office. Some of the manufacturers who are making modern desk printers for your home include: HP, Epson, Canon and brother.
8.11.2. Office printers
Office printers are usually much bigger in size and require a larger operating area, than that of home printers. Office printers: require more floor space typically, have more height, require more servicing and maintenance, cost more and print higher volumes of paper.
8.11.3. Network Printers
Printers with RJ45 LAN network ports were introduced in high volume during the 1990's and evolved into an efficient method of doing high volume, high speed printing.
8.11.4. Scanners
These days, flatbed scanners are combined with printers which also include a fax machine.
Today, printers are actually made as a 3-in-1 (three in one combined) colour printer, flatbed scanner and fax machine. They may be marketed as a printer/scanner/fax machine. Flatbed means that the Page 43 /95
printer/scanner/fax has a glass flat screen scanning bed, to place your paper document which can be scanned and exported to your computer as a .PDF or .JPEG file, ready to email or print in another location.
8.11.5. Fax machines
Before computers, fax machines were only available as standalone devices/machines, however as the technology progressed over the years, they were then built into printer scanners to become a 3-in-1 printer/scanner/fax machine. The fax output tray, is where the receiving fax paper comes out of the 3-in-1 device. It may print using traditional paper rolls or A4 standard paper sheets. They still require a standard telephone cable/line and plug to fit into the back of the 3-in1 device, just as the old fax machines did. There are also online efax services available on the internet, for a fee.
9. Data, Information, Files, Documents, Spreadsheets,
Presentations, File Formats (Types) and File Extensions.
9.1. Data, Information and Files
9.1.1. What is data?
Data is raw alphanumerical characters and symbols which when arranged or presented in a certain way or manner becomes useful and is called information.
9.1.2. What is information?
Therefore, information is readable data for humans. Without some kind or type of way or method of manipulating the data into a readable or usable way, then it is simply raw data -i.e., a string of letters, numbers and symbols.
9.1.3. What is a file?
A file is a digital version of an analogue document (paper document). So, for example, before computers were invented, people used typewriters to type (document) a message, letter or; formal or informal paper of some kind. The digital revolution changed the face of typography and the recording of and storing of written text. A new era was born and it had transformed into an electronic form of a preceded physical handheld paper form.
9.2. File Formats
File formats are really just different kinds of files, whether it's a picture, a video or a document -
they're all examples of file formats. They are not the same - i.e., they are different.
So, for example, .mp3 audio files are a different kind of file format than a .mp4 video file.
Similarly, a .docx file is not the same as a .ppt file.
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A file extension is any set of letters or numbers that go after a dot '.', which goes after the actual filename. For example: FileABC.docx is a .docx file and has a file extension of .docx. The filename is FileABC.
So file extensions are the 3 or 4 letters and numbers that go after the dot (.), which go after the name of the file.
9.4. File Formats and File Extension Table
File Format
File Extension
7-Zip compression file
.7z
Advanced Audio Config
.aac
Android Application Installer Package file
.apk
Microsoft Application Installer Package file
.appx
Executable Binary file (multi-platform)
.bin
Rasterized Bitmap Image file
.bmp
Microsoft Word Document files