DIGITAL DEVICES Week 1 and 2

DIGITAL DEVICES
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Lesson 1 - Learning Objectives
Student should be aware
- that there are different types of digital devices.
- the uses of mainframe computers and embedded
computers.
TYPES OF DIGITAL DEVICES
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
 A mainframe computer is
a large computer, often
used by large businesses,
in government offices, or
by universities.
 Mainframe computers
are large powerful
computer that can do a lot
of complicated jobs
Mainframes use more than one
quickly and can be used
processor (parallel processing)
by a lot of people at the which means they can process
same time. many jobs at the same time.
Uses :
Their main purpose is to run commercial applications, such
as banking and insurance, where huge amounts of data need
to be processed each day.
The main features of main frame computers:
They can have several CPUs.
 They have very fast processor speeds.
They can support multiple operating systems.
They have huge amounts of storage capacity.
They have huge internal memories (e.g. several hundred
Gbyte of RAM).
 They often operate using time sharing or batch processing
Advantages Disadvantages
(compared to other computers) (compared to other computers)
They can process huge amounts of data Very expensive to buy (and to run).

very quickly.
Can perform millions and millions of They are very large and so are

calculations per second. almost impossible to transport.
Parallel processing means they can They generate a lot of heat and need to

handle many tasks at the same time. be in air-conditioned rooms.
They can run and manage huge They need a high-level of training for

networks of computers. people to be able to use them.
Microprocessor
What is a microprocessor?
A microprocessor is really just
a tiny CPU built onto a single
chip .
Microprocessors are put
into electronic
devices to control how they
function.
Microprocessor controlled
devices affect our lives in lots
of different ways including
in our homes, our leisure
time, how we interact socially.
Activity 1
Research on difference between mainframe,
Supercomputer and a server.
Lesson 2 - Learning Objective
Students should be aware that laptop and desktop computers are

types of personal computers and some laptops are used as desktop
replacements.
Activity 2
Create a list of digital devices at home that uses microprocessors
and solve the following question.
Home work:
How microprocessor are used to control Intelligent
Ovens , Microwaves and Fridges?
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
DESKTOPS
Desktops have more space
for components than
laptops and often provide
users with the option to
upgrade them or add
additional components.
A desktop computer
usually needs to have
peripheral devices
connected to it, such as a
monitor, a printer, a mouse
and a keyboard.
All-in-one desktops
An all-in-one computer
consolidates all of the
elements of a desktop
computer
– display, tower,
keyboard, and mouse
into a single package.
Features of all-in-one Desktop
An all-in-one computer is
a
device that is specifically
designed to meet all of
your
computing needs in a
package
that is
slim and compact
easy to set up
easy to use
easy to maintain.
LAPTOP
Laptops include keyboard, screen, a track pad and a rechargeable battery.

Having these features means that they can be taken away from the desk,
which makes them an example of a portable device.
Activity 3
Analyze the features of ‘desktop replacement laptops’.

Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvrdgwDnMQA
Term 1 - Week 2 - Lesson 1
Learning Objective
Know features and uses of single board computers and
embedded computers
SINGLE-BOARD COMPUTERS
A single board computer, or SBC,
is a type of computer where all of
the computer components are
built onto a single circuit board.
 Desktop computers and laptops
usually have separate components
that are connected by cables to a
central circuit board.
A single board computer contains
Single board computers are hand-
the microprocessor, storage and
sized computers kids (and anyone)
memory, as well as other can use to learn about computer
necessary components, in a single hardware and software.
circuit board.
Features of SBC
Portability being one of the major features. You
can carry around a small computer like your smart
phone in your pocket everywhere you go!
These devices are pretty intuitive to use as well.
 They consume less power and energy as
compared to traditional computers.
And the most important feature is being cost
effective!
Applications for Single Board Computers:
Single board computers are found embedded in larger
devices including:
ATM machines
Industrial computers
Medical equipment
Automation equipment
Activity
Analyse the limitations of a single board computers.
Term 1 - Week 2 - Lesson 2
Learning Objective
Know about types of mobile phones; smart phones and
specialist phones and how they connect to the network
(SIM).
MOBILE PHONES
SPECIALIST PHONE
EMERGENCY BUTTONS
ACCESSIBILITY
There are phones that
meets users’ accessibility
needs.
Alto 2 ‘talking phone’ is a
specialist phone for blind
and partially sighted
people. It meets it’s users
needs because feature and
function is spoken aloud.
They provide fewer, larger
buttons and connection for
hearing aids.
SMART PHONES
TABLET DEVICE
Activity
 Discuss which group of people could need a
phone with an emergency button. How would
this phone meet their needs?
 Find the difference between tactile and non-

tactile
Keypads on mobile phones.
Home work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV_iLcfzuEg

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DIGITAL DEVICES

They can process huge amounts of data Very expensive to buy (and to run).

Can perform millions and millions of They are very large and so are

Parallel processing means they can They generate a lot of heat and need to

They can run and manage huge They need a high-level of training for

Students should be aware that laptop and desktop computers are

Laptops include keyboard, screen, a track pad and a rechargeable battery.

Analyze the features of ‘desktop replacement laptops’.

 Find the difference between tactile and non-

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