Required for: IBM Technical Support Professional Certificate
Common Computing Devices: 1. Stationary computing devices - include workstations, servers, and tabletop gaming consoles, remain on a desk, or rack, or other fixed location. These devices consist of a box that includes processors, memory, and input and output connections that connect to networks, keyboards, monitors, mice, printers, speakers, microphones, webcams, and other devices. In some instances, you can update the device’s memory, storage, or video cards. a. Workstations - used both at the office and at home, are what most people think of when they think about a desktop computer. b. Servers - generally installed as standalone units or in stacked racks on networks enabling shared access to media such as movies, videos, and sound clips and web pages for websites. Servers also manage print requests, enable shared data and document access, store email, and more. c. Tabletop Gaming Consoles - Gaming console system boards contain processors, memory, graphics processors, storage, input ports, output ports, and a memory controller that exists separately between the other function blocks and the system memory. Gaming consoles, such as those made by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, are similar to desktop computers, but use upgraded memory caching and graphics processing to enable smoother game-playing experiences. Gaming consoles used to require cable connections to monitors and gaming controllers.
2. Mobile computing devices - including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and portable gaming systems have transformed how we live, work, and play. a. Laptop - many laptop computers run versions of Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, while others use Google Chrome's lightweight operating system. Laptop system boards include processors, memory, video cards, ports for connecting to other devices, and Wi-Fi capability. Many laptop manufacturers allow upgrades to storage and memory. b. Tablet Devices - built in very tight cases, include most laptop components but don't include a keyboard. Tablets generally use operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Chrome. The system board includes the device's processor, memory, a video card, sound card, a limited number of ports, a Wi-Fi card, and limited hard drive storage. Tablets are usually not upgradeable. c. Mobile Phones - include onboard components with specialized processors, memory, sound, and video capabilities. Phones can include a slot for a SIM card that links the phone to a cell phone access provider and a slotted port for additional storage, All phones include one multifunctional port primarily used to recharge the phone's battery. Mobile phone operating systems, built for speed, are specially designed to support multiple communication spectrum capabilities including the designated cell phone frequencies, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communications, and other connectivity options. d. Portable Gaming Systems - use specialized processors, storage, and memory, and include battery and multiuse ports for power, Wi-Fi, and other connectivity options. These devices use operating systems specially configured for mobile use, and many of those operating systems are Linux-derived. Gaming software is usually onboard or downloadable, and the hardware is generally not upgradeable.
3. Internet of things (IoT) devices - describes physical objects that have sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that enable these devices to exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks. IoT devices communicate via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, and other protocols. They can receive software updates, but generally the hardware within a limited space is soldered to the board and is not upgradeable.
