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EDEXCEL GCSE ICT

PersonalDigitalDevices

2 | EDEXCEL GCSE ICT Revision Guide Personal Digital Devices Personal Digital Devices EDEXCEL GCSE ICT Revision Guide | 3

In this unit you need to be able to choose suitable digital devices for different types of people and for different purposes. In order to do this you

need to develop an understanding of the different factors used to compare digital devices.

The prefixes kilo, mega, giga and tera are used in both units of speed and storage, so it is important that you understand what they mean.

Name Abbreviation Sizekilo K 1,000mega M 1,000,000giga G 1,000,000,000tera T 1,000,000,000,000

As you can see by looking at the table they go up in multiples of 1,000.

STorAGEThis is the amount of space

the device has available to store files such as images, music and videos. Therefore the larger the storage capacity of a device the more files you can store on it.

Storage capacity is measured in bytes (B) and the prefixes from the table are used as an easy way of measuring multiples of 1,000 bytes. For example the storage capacity of this iPod is 8 GB, this is equivalent to 8,000 MB or 8,000,000 KB.

SpEEDThe speed of a device is usually determined

by the speed of its processor. Processor speed is measured in hertz (Hz), this is the number of in-structions the processor can carry out in 1 second. For example a processor with a speed of 1 Hz would process 1 instruction per second.

Modern processors are usually meas-ured in megahertz (MHz) which is 1,000 in-structions per second and gigahertz (GHz) which is 1,000,000 instructions per second.

rESoLuTIoNThe resolution of a device is the maximum

number of pixels (dots that make up the image) it can fit on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail can be displayed.

Resolution is given in width x height, for example 1024 x 768 is a common screen resolu-tion.

Comparing Devices Comparing Devices

1 byte (B)

1 kilobyte (KB)

1 megabyte (MB)

1 gigabyte (GB)

1 terabyte (TB)

prACTICE QuESTIoNS

Mobile Phone A Mobile Phone B

Storage 512 MB Storage 16 GBProcessor Speed 300 MHz Processor Speed 1 GHzResolution 320x240 Resolution 360x640

QuESTIoN 1: Which mobile phone has the largest storage capacity? (1)

Mobile Phone A

Mobile Phone B

QuESTIoN 2:Which mobile phone has the fastest processor? (1)

Mobile Phone A

Mobile Phone B

QuESTIoN 3:Which mobile phone has the lowest resolution? (1)

Mobile Phone A

Mobile Phone B

The smallest unit of storage capacity is the bit, there are 8 bits in 1 byte. A lowercase b is used as an abbreviation for bit whereas an uppercase B is

used for byte.

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SECurITyMost multifunctional phones store a lot of

personal information that you would not want to get into the wrong hands, so security is an important consideration.

There are several steps that you can take to protect your phone:

• Keeping your phone out of sight so it is less tempting to thieves.

• Setting a PIN or password so only you can access it.

• Locking the SIM card.• Writing down the IMEI number so your

mobile phone can be blocked if it is lost or stolen.

• Turning off bluetooth to stop bluejacking.

uSEr TypESDifferent features will be more important to

different users, in the table are three different types of users each with a list of features that might be important to them.

Mobile phones are everywhere and they have changed the way we live our daily lives. Everyone uses their mobile phone

in slightly different ways and as a result different people need different mobile phones.

MuLTIfuNCTIoNAL phoNESImagine the first mobile phone. It could only

make calls, it couldn’t even send text messages! Now with a multifunctional phone (aka smart-phone) we can check our e-mail, browse the web, play games and so much more!

A multifunctional phone is described as a phone that has taken on the features and functions of multiple devices. For example many people don’t bother buying a separate digital camera as their mobile phone has one built in.

fEATurESThis table outlines the main features of mobile

phones:

Mobile Phones Mobile Phones

prACTICE QuESTIoNSQuESTIoN 1:State two measures you could take to protect the personal information stored on your phone. (2)

QuESTIoN 2:Give a feature that would make a phone easier to use for a partially sighted user and explain why. (2)

QuESTIoN 3:Explain how you could transfer a photo from one mobile phone to another. (2)

Bluejacking is the process of sending unwanted messages to other mobile phones using

bluetooth.

Business users Teenagers Senior Citizens

Email SMS Large Screen and ButtonsMobile Internet MMS LightweightGPS Installable Apps Panic ButtonQWERTY Keyboard Mobile Internet Limited number of FeaturesInstallable Apps Music/Video Player Simple User Interfacefeature Description Limitation

Talk TimeThe amount of time you can talk on your phone before the battery runs out.

The more you talk on your phone, the quicker the battery runs out.

SMSShort Messaging Service - allows users to send and receive text messages.

You can only send 160 characters per message.

MMSAllows users to send pictures, video and sound along with text.

Normally pictures are compressed, so they will lose quality.

CameraA camera built into the phone, which allows you to take photos or record video.

The quality of the pictures depends on the camera resolution.

3GThird Generation phone offer high-speed internet access.

In some areas there is limited or no 3G coverage.

BluetoothAllows user to send and receive data from nearby devices (within 50 metres).

Will not work if the device is out of range.

Music Playback

You can store music and listen to it on the move.

Music files can be large, so storage space can become used up quickly.

WiFiSimilar to bluetooth, but the range and speed are greater.

You need to be in range of a wireless network.

Mobile Internet

Browse the internet on your mobile phone.

Limited by the small screen; only works within signal range.

GPSGlobal Positioning System - uses satel-lites to find your position and give you directions.

Can drain your battery quickly.

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Personal ComputersPersonal Computers

The first computers were so big that they filled an entire room and needed several people to operate them. In the 1970s

computers became small enough to fit onto a desk and be operated by one person, thus becoming personal. There are three main types of personal computer Desktop, Laptop /Notebook and Tablet. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

hDDThe Hard Disk Drive is used to permanently

store files and applications. The larger the capacity of the HDD the more files can be stored and the more applications can be installed. Users that want to store lots of videos and music will need a large hard disk drive.

Many Laptops and Tablets now come with a SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of a HDD. SSDs have no moving parts which makes them more reliable than HDDs, however they are also much more expensive.

rAMRandom Access Memory holds all the programs

and files that are currently open, the more RAM the more you can have open at the same time without the computer slowing down. RAM is wiped when the computer is turned off.

opTICAL DrIvE

Allows you read CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs in addition to playing CDs and DVDs. Most optical drives also allow you to

write data onto disk.

Desktop Laptop / Notebook Tablet

High Processor Speed Medium Processor Speed Low Processor SpeedNot Portable Portable Very PortableOptical Drive May Have Optical Drive No Optical DrivePhysical Keyboard Physical Keyboard On Screen KeyboardHigh Storage Capacity Medium Storage Capacity Low Storage Capacity

rECoMMENDATIoNSYou need to recommend a suitable type of computer for the users shown below. For each user you need to select two features that you think will be important to them and explain why.

Susan is a business woman that travels all around the world to attend business meetings. She needs to send and receive emails and prepare business presentations.

Type of computer:

feature 1:

reason:

feature 2:

reason:

peter is a musician that is setting up a home studio and needs a computer to record his tracks, edit them and burn them to CD.

Type of computer:

feature 1:

reason:

feature 2:

reason:

prACTICE QuESTIoNSQuESTIoN 1:State which type of computer would be most suitable for a PE teacher to use out on the sports field. (1)

QuESTIoN 2:Explain which type of computer would be most suitable for video editing. (2)

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DIGITAL CAMErAS

The main function of digital cameras is to take photographs, however

most modern cameras also allow you to record video. There three main types of digital camera, these are outlined in the table to the right:

ZooMIt is important to understand

the difference between optical and digital zoom. Cameras with optical zoom use a lens to make an object or person appear closer without reducing image quality. Digital zoom uses image processing to enlarge part of the image reducing the quality of the image. This is the same as when you zoom in on an image on a computer.

rESoLuTIoNDigital images are made up of lots of little dots

called picture elements (pixels). The number of pixels a camera can capture is measured in meg-apixels (MP), one megapixel is equal to 1 million pixels. Therefore the higher the number of meg-apixels the camera can capture the higher the quality of the images.

GEoTAGGINGMany new cameras are fitted with GPS (Global

Positioning System) chips, these allow images to be tagged with the details of the location in which they were taken.

DIGITAL CAMCorDErSAs previously mentioned most modern

digital cameras can also record video. The term digital camcorder is reserved for devices whose main function is to record video.

The majority of digital camcorders currently in the shops record high definition (HD) video, this means more detail is captured when compared to the traditional standard definition (SD).

STorAGEDigital cameras use removable memory cards to

store images, the most common type of memory card is the SD (secure digital). Many camcorders also use SD cards for storage, however some have an inbuilt HDD which provide a longer recording time.

Cameras & CamcordersCameras & Camcorders

Compact Bridge DSLr

Small and Light Medium Sized Large and HeavyFixed Lens Fixed Lens Removable LensLimited Functions Some Manual Controls Full Manual ControlsBeginner Intermediate Advanced

rECoMMENDATIoNSYou need to recommend a suitable type of camera for the users shown below. For each user you need to select two features that you think will be important to them and explain why.

Samantha is going on holiday and wants to buy a new camera to take with her.

Type of camera:

feature 1:

reason:

feature 2:

reason:

harry is a bird watcher and needs to take pictures of birds that are far away.

Type of camera:

feature 1:

reason:

feature 2:

reason:

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DIGITAL Tv

Digital television services provide us with hundreds of channels to choose from, these have replaced the traditional analogue

service which only had five channels.There are three methods that can be used to

bring digital tv signals into our homes:• Aerial• Satellite• CableMost of these methods require a set top box to

convert the signal into a form the TV can display. However some TVs come with this ability built in.

hIGh DEfINITIoNHigh definition TVs (HDTVs) are capable of

displaying HD television signals. HD gives a more detailed picture than the traditional standard defi-nition (SD) broadcasts. Each frame of an SD video is made up of 576 lines, whereas HD video has either 720 or 1080 lines.

forMATSThe DVD is a common format used to distrib-

ute SD video, however it isn’t suitable for HD video as the storage capacity is too small.

A new type of disc with a much higher storage capacity called the Blu-ray was created for HD video. So you now have the option of buying films and TV shows on Blu-ray and playing them on a Blu-ray player.

pErSoNAL vIDEo rECorDErSPersonal Video Recorders or PVRs allow you to

record films and TV programmes onto an internal HDD. In addition to this they enable users to pause and rewind live TV, which is really useful if someone calls during your favourite TV show. Popular examples of PVRs are the Sky+ box and TiVO.

SMArT TvSThis term is used to describe TVs that can

connect to the Internet in order to access a range of additional features and services. For example on demand TV and games. The ability to install appli-cations enables new features to be added at any time.

oN DEMANDA broadband Internet connection gives you

access to a range of on demand entertainment services, this means you can watch TV programmes and films when you like. BBC iPlayer is an example of an on demand entertainment service.

You can access these services using a computer that is connected to the Internet. Many set top boxes and games consoles also provide access to on demand services.

Games Consoles

Games consoles were first intro-duced in the

1970s and were designed to allow users to play simple video

games on their TV screens.Modern games consoles are multi-functional

devices, they enable people to do so much

more than gaming, for example watching films and surfing the Internet.

CoNTroLLErSThe current generation of games consoles

enable users to control the device with movement, for example by moving their hands. Some consoles still require you to hold a physical controller for this to work, whereas others are totally hands free.

It doesn’t stop there, new technologies are developing all the time, for example the

entire user interface of the Xbox One can be controlled using the

voice and hand gestures.

MEDIAUp until relatively recently most games were

distributed to customers using physical media such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays. Now many games can be downloaded directly to your console almost instantly without any need for you to leave your house!

porTABLE GAMINGA range of handheld consoles are also available

which allow to play games on the move, however these are slowly being taken over by smart phones. For many people it simply doesn’t make sense to carry around a separate games console when they can play games on their phone.

hEALThThere are several health risks associated with

the use of games consoles. A common problems include; RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), eye strain and obesity. There is also the risk of becoming addicted to playing games which can have a negative impact on your social life.

Don’t worry it isn’t all bad news, playing games can also have a positive impact on your health. A range of games and peripherals are now available that are specifical-ly designed to improve fitness levels, for example Wii Fit.

Home Entertainment

DIGITAL ADvErTPick one of the consoles from the drop down list and prepare a digital advert designed to persuade people to buy it. Console:

ThE ADvErT MuST MEET ThE foLLowING rEQuIrEMENTS:• Created using PowerPoint• Plays without user interaction• Includes key features of the console• Includes a comparison with similar consoles• Includes a special offer

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compared to 25 GB for a standard Blu-ray disk.


Personal media players - the name given to portable devices that allow you to play media on the move. There are two main types:

AuDIo pLAyErSThese are designed just to play audio, for

example music and talking books. Often known as MP3 players (named after the popular MP3 audio file format) most now support a range of formats.

The cheapest audio players don’t have a screen, just simple buttons for example the iPod Touch. If you pay slightly more you can get one with a small

LCD screen which allows you to select a song by picking it from a

list.

MuLTIMEDIA pLAyErS

These usually feature a colour screen which makes them suitable for watching video in addition to the ability to listen to music and audio books.

CoNvErGENCEThis is the name given to the process of devices

adopting the features and functions of other devices. Smart phones taking on the features of media players is a good example of convergence. This means that a large number of people no longer carry around a separate media player as their smart phone has a built in media player.

Personal Media Players Navigation Aids

prACTICE QuESTIoNSQuESTIoN 1:State the name of a common audio file format. (1)

QuESTIoN 2:Smart phones taking on the features and functions of media players is an example of convergence. Describe another example. (2)

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GLoBAL poSITIoNING SySTEM

GPS is used by a range of devices to calculate your current location. It does this using signals from a network of satellites orbiting

the Earth.

SAT NAvSSat navs are devices that are specifically

designed to give you directions based on your current location which is calculated using GPS. These are most commonly found in cars, however some are designed for use on bicycles and motor-bikes.

There are a range of benefits and drawbacks associated with the use of sat navs in place of tradi-tional paper maps. These are outlined in the table below:

GEoCAChINGThis is an outdoor activity which makes use of

GPS receivers or GPS enabled mobile devices to locate containers, called geocaches.

Geocaches usually take the form of a small waterproof container. A log book is kept inside, which the geocacher signs and dates.

SMArT phoNES

Many smart phones contain GPS receivers and map apps which enables them to double up as sat navs. This is another example of convergence (see the previous page).

Benefits DrawbacksMaps more likely to be up to date

Signal can be lost in tunnels/under bridges

Spoken directions May distract the driverCreate routes to avoid traffic jams

Can be a target for thieves

prACTICE QuESTIoNSQuESTIoN 1:Kirtan is organising a walking holiday and is providing each person taking part with a GPS tracker. State three things that could be calculated using the data from these trackers. (3)

QuESTIoN 2:Describe the function of GPS. (2)

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Peripherals

Peripherals are external devices that you connect to a computer or other digital devices. They fall into three categories, these are shown in the table below:

Input Devices output Devices Storage Devices

Input data into a digital device so it can be processed.

Output data from a digital device in a form that humans can under-stand.

Allow you to store data and transfer it to other digital devices.

Keyboard Monitor Memory stickMouse Speakers External HDDTouch screen Headphones Memory card

ChooSING pErIphErALSThink of three peripherals that would be commonly used with each of these devices:

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Extended Questions

EXTENDED QuESTIoN prACTICEThe question below is an example of an extended question which is worth six marks and takes your use of spelling, punctuation and grammar into account. It is important that you practice answering this type of question. To get you started use this form to help you structure your answer to the following question.

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of allowing secondary school students to bring mobile phones into school.

There are a range of potential benefits and drawbacks to allowing students to bring mobile phones into school, one benefit is...

Another potential benefit is...

It is also worth considering that...

Although it is clear that there are a range of benefits related to the use of mobile phones in school, the drawbacks also need to be considered. A potential drawback is...

Another potential drawback is...

After weighing up the potential benefits and drawbacks I have come to the conclusion that...

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Revise Personal Digital Devices by taking part in the digital treasure hunt.TASk1.13


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EDEXCEL GCSE ICT Personal Digital Devicesvle.southlandsit.co.uk/moodle/pluginfile.php/5864/mod_resource...The smallest unit of storage capacity is the ... EDEXCEL GCSE ICT Revision