Week 3: 

2/12  Devices and more

Recording:

Did you miss class? Or maybe some clarification?  View our class recording from Tuesday on Devices and More.

Agenda:

Review from last week (Hands on Technology)

Last week's class was recorded. Go to lesson.

Presentation

Discussion

Homework:

Quick links:

Handout

Presentation 

Quiz

Zoom link:   https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/9191959460?pwd=OXh0RE9ZTVZTWElTMUQ0ZzAxQzExdz09.   

Passcode (if asked):  emeritus

Introduction

In a class called Communicating with Technology, you can be certain that it will include the use of devices to communicate.  Because how else can you use technology to get in touch with others?  This class provides an overview of the devices we use to communicate from the obvious (computers, smartphones, tablets) and how to keep these devices up to date.

Things included in this lesson:

Devices

Desktop:  

A desktop computer is a personal computing device designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk due to its size and power requirements. Unlike portable devices like laptops and tablets, a desktop computer typically consists of several components, including a tower (which contains the central processing unit (CPU), power supply, and storage), a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. Desktop computers are known for their power and performance, offering more processing power, larger storage capacity, and easier upgradability compared to their portable counterparts. They can be customized and upgraded with relative ease, allowing users to replace or add components such as graphics cards, RAM, and hard drives to meet specific needs. Desktops are versatile and can be used for a wide range of activities, from basic web browsing and document creation to high-end gaming, graphic design, and video editing. They remain popular in both home and office settings for users who require robust performance and do not need the portability of a laptop. 

Laptop:

A laptop is a portable computer that integrates all the components of a traditional desktop computer into a single device. It combines a processor, memory, storage, a keyboard, a display screen, and a touchpad (acting as a mouse) into a compact and foldable unit that can easily be carried. Laptops are powered by a rechargeable battery, making them suitable for use while on the move. They are designed to offer a balance between portability and performance, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks from web browsing, document creation, and multimedia playback to more demanding applications like graphic design, video editing, and gaming. Laptops come in various sizes and specifications, catering to different needs and budgets, from lightweight and slim ultrabooks to more powerful gaming laptops. Additional features like a mouse and a portable DVD drive can be added as a "peripheral" device.

Components of a computer:

RAM
CPU
Hard drive
Ports

Good to know!

USB 2.0 or USB 3.0?  What is the difference?  This short video outlines it and demonstrates the difference in performance in real time.  

All in one
Two in one

All in One and Two in One: 

 An All-in-One computer integrates the system's internal components, such as the processor, memory, and storage, into the same case as the monitor. This offers a compact and space-saving setup, eliminating the need for a separate tower and reducing cable clutter. These are ideal for users who prioritize a sleek and uncluttered workspace. However, their compact design can sometimes limit upgradeability and repairability compared to traditional desktop PCs.

A 2-in-1 laptop is a versatile device that can switch between traditional laptop mode and tablet mode. These laptops offer a detachable keyboard or a hinge that allows the screen to fold back 360 degrees. 2-in-1 laptops are designed for users who need both the functionality of a laptop and the portability and convenience of a tablet. While offering flexibility and portability, 2-in-1 laptops might compromise on performance compared to traditional laptops, depending on the model and specifications.


Chromebook

Chromebook: 


A Chromebook is a type of laptop that runs on Google's Chrome OS, an operating system designed to work primarily with web applications and cloud storage. Chromebooks are known for their simplicity, speed, and security. They boot up quickly, often in seconds, and automatically update themselves in the background. Since Chrome OS relies heavily on the internet for its applications, Chromebooks are optimized for online use, making them ideal for web browsing, streaming media, and using web-based applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.  Chromebooks offer a cost-effective and efficient option for users who primarily work with web applications and do not require the extensive software compatibility offered by Windows or macOS laptops. They are particularly popular in the education sector, thanks to their affordability, ease of use, and the straightforward management and deployment tools provided by Google, making them an excellent choice for students and teachers.

flip phone

Phones: 

A conventional phone is the old, flip phone.  It is best for those who want only to use their phones for voice calling.  It has limited video, Internet and text capabilities.

A smartphone is a multifunctional mobile device that combines the capabilities of a traditional cell phone with those of a computer, offering a wide range of features beyond making calls and sending text messages. It is equipped with a touchscreen for navigation and input, and it runs on an operating system (such as iOS or Android).  You can install applications (apps) to perform various tasks, including email, web browsing, gaming, music and video playback, GPS navigation, and social networking. Smartphones also feature built-in cameras for photography and video recording, sensors for activities like fitness tracking, and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data for internet access and communication. 

smart phone
tablet

Tablets and the iPad: 

Tablets, including iPads (which are Apple's version of the tablet), are portable computing devices with a touchscreen interface, larger than smartphones but more compact and lightweight than laptops. They are designed for a wide range of tasks, including web browsing, media consumption (such as watching videos and reading ebooks), gaming, and basic productivity tasks like email and document editing. Tablets run on mobile operating systems, such as iOS for iPads, Android, or Windows, and support a variety of applications tailored to their platforms. There are also Fire tablets (Amazon) which offer an inexpensive tablet with limited features.   Tablets often come with features like cameras, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.  There are a few models that support cellular networks for data on the go.


iPad
Kindle (e Ink)

eReaders: 

An eReader, or electronic book reader, is a portable electronic device designed primarily for reading digital books and periodicals. Unlike tablets and smartphones that have LCD or OLED screens, most eReaders use E Ink technology for their displays, which mimics the appearance of ink on paper to reduce glare and minimize eye strain, making them ideal for prolonged reading sessions. These devices offer long battery life, often lasting weeks on a single charge, due to the low power consumption of E Ink screens. eReaders typically feature adjustable text sizes and fonts to cater to different reading preferences, and they can store thousands of eBooks, allowing users to carry a vast library in a compact, lightweight device. Popular eReader brands include Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, and Kobo. Some eReaders also come with additional features like built-in lights for reading in the dark, waterproof designs, and Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading content directly to the device. 


Amazon Fire Tablet (LCD)
Apple smart watch
Fitness testing on Apple watch

Smartwatches: 

A smartwatch is a wearable device designed to be worn on the wrist, much like a traditional watch, but with advanced features that extend beyond timekeeping. It functions as a companion to a smartphone, offering notifications for calls, texts, and emails, allowing the wearer to stay connected without needing to take out their phone. Smartwatches are equipped with a touchscreen for navigating through menus and apps, and they often include fitness tracking capabilities such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, and GPS tracking for outdoor activities. Many models support downloadable apps, enabling a range of functions from music playback and voice commands to payment processing and calendar management. With their blend of connectivity, health and fitness monitoring, and personal productivity features, smartwatches offer a convenient, multi-functional tool for everyday use. 

Smartwatches can be used with both Android and iPhones.  However, for compatibility purposes, an Apple smart watch works best with the iPhone, while the Android smart watch works best with Android devices.

Android smart watch
GPS on Android watch

   

   

Virtual assistants:


Virtual assistants, such as Siri (Apple), Alexa (Amazon), and Google Assistant (Google), are artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to provide users with assistance through voice commands, text input, or both. These assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, including answering questions, setting reminders, playing music, controlling smart home devices, providing weather updates, and much more. They are integrated into various devices, including smartphones, smart speakers, and computers, offering a hands-free and interactive way to manage daily activities and access information. Virtual assistants continuously learn from user interactions to improve their responsiveness and accuracy, making them an increasingly integral part of personal and home technology ecosystems. Each virtual assistant has its own set of unique features and is backed by its company's ecosystem, enabling seamless integration with a range of services and devices. 

 NEW from Google:  Google Bard is now Google Gemini.  In the very near future, it will be available in conversational mode like ChatGPT(below).  For now, you can use it by going to a web browser and typing in https://gemini.google.com/app 

Another upcoming virtual assistant:  Conversational ChatGPT

You can use your phone as a device to ask ChatGPT a question. Here is how:

Downloading the Official ChatGPT App:  Open the App Store and search for ChatGPT: Type "ChatGPT" into the search field and press the search button on the keyboard.  Make sure to get the "official" version. Download and Install the App

Enabling Speech in the ChatGPT App:  Open ChatGPT App: Once installed, open the ChatGPT app by tapping on its icon from your home screen.  Click on the 3 horizontal lines in the upper left of screen and scroll down to Settings.  Within settings, find options related to voice or speech. Choose your own special voice in the menu

Using your phone as a device for ChatGPT

With both the Android and the iPhone, you can enable the Conversational ChatGPT by opening the app and selecting the headphones next to the input box.   Once you see the circle, you can begin to speak.  When you are done, just stop speaking and the app will respond.  When you are done, click on the X to exit.  You will then see a transcript of your conversation.

Officlal ChatGPT app 

Finding your voice in Settings

Click on the headphones to start talking 

Screen while talking to ChatGPT

Put a shortcut to your favorite website on your preferred device

Windows 10 and 11 (any browser)

Mac Computer (use Safari browser) 

Your iPhone (use Safari Browser)

Your Android phone (use Chrome Browser)

Maintaining your devices

These devices are not cheap!  What are some ways that you can keep them running strong?  Here are some ideas:

For Computers

More information:

Disk Cleanup for Windows

How to automatically back up to your Windows computer:

Step 1: Connect Your External Hard Drive.  Make sure it has enough storage space for your backup needs.

Step 2: Open Settings:

Step 3: Create backup: While in Backup and Restore,  you'll see an option for "Back up using File History". Click on "Add a drive" and select your external hard drive from the list.  You can also include settings like how often to back up,  how long to keep the backups and which folder to back up (you can do some folders and not others).

Step 4: Start the Backup:  Once you've configured your settings, go back to the Backup options page and click "Back up now" . This may take some time so be patient. 

Step 5: Leave the External Drive Connected:  Automatic backups require that your external drive remains connected.

Don't forget to occasionally verify that your backups are completing successfully. You can do this by going into the "More options" section and looking at the "Last backup" date.

How to automatically back up to your Mac computer (both on iCloud and with an external drive).  If using iCloud, you may have to increase your storage on the cloud.

Backing Up to iCloud 

Backing Up to an External Drive with Time Machine

Time Machine is macOS's built-in backup feature that works with an external storage device. Here’s how to set it up:

Updating drivers:

Our list above mentions updating drivers.  The good news is that if your system is working properly and you aren't being asked to update your operating system, you will probably never have to update your drivers.  Still, what is a driver anyway?


A driver is a small piece of software that acts as a translator between the computer’s operating system (the basic software that runs your computer) and the hardware devices connected to it.  When you connect a new device to your computer, like a printer, the computer doesn’t automatically know how to use it. The driver provides a set of instructions that tells the computer how to operate the device, similar to how a recipe book tells you how to make a certain dish.  Without the correct driver, the device might not work properly, if at all. Keeping drivers updated ensures that your devices work as well as they can and remain compatible with your computer's operating system as it updates and evolves.  Fortunately, most computers today are set up to find and install these driver updates automatically.

On a Windows device, you can update drivers using Device Manager

Task manager

Device manager

Monitoring your performance on a PC

In the maintenance tips, we are asked to monitor our computer's performance.  What does that mean? Our computer has a limited amount of memory (called RAM) which allows it to do multiple things at once.  Resource management is done within your operating system, and will determine which programs receive this limited memory.  Some computers come with quite a bit of RAM (16 GB, 32 GB) while others are at the minimum (8 GB) .  If your RAM is limited, you can do your part by closing programs which are not being used, and limiting the number of tasks you are asking it do do.

You can view your usage on your Windows computer by going to the Task Manager (right click on the taskbar and select task manager).  In this app, you can monitor which programs are open, which are using more memory and information about other apps on your device.  

You can also find information about particular components of your device.  For this, you will go to device manager.  To find this, just type "device manager" into your search box and click on the app.  

Monitoring performance on a MAC

Like a Windows PC, there are tools on your Mac computer which can help you to see the performance of your Mac and to troubleshoot problems.  

To find them, open Launcher (on the dock) and look for the folder called Other.  Inside that folder are a couple of tools:

Activity Monitor

System information

Storage on your device

Your device comes with a limited amount of storage, which is used for saving files, folders, photographs and videos, music and more.  This storage is kept on the "hard drive", a piece of hardware in your computer and phone.  You have the option of deleting any of these files if you need to clear space on your hard drive.  Or, you can use other methods of storage (external hard drives, the cloud) to store files if you are running low on your device.

Finding how much storage you have depends on the device.  Here is how to find this:

PC Windows:  Go to Settings>System> Storage

To free up storage, you will go to your file explorer to find those large files and delete.


Mac computer: Go to Settings>General>Storage.  You can then see what is taking up the most space. 

Clicking on the "i" next to the line will open a window showing you the largest files in this category and allowing you to delete right there to free up space.

Settings>General>Storage

Click on the "i" to see what is stored.  Select one or more and then click on "delete"

iPhone:  Finding storage on the iPhone is the same as the Mac. Go to Settings>General>iPhone storage.  From there, click on one of the items. If it is an app, you can choose to "offload", which means that the app will be deleted but data will remain. You can then reinstall the app by going to the app store.  If you want to free more space and do not use the app, you can delete the app.  This will delete both the app and the data.

Android:  For most Android devices, you can find storage in settings>battery and device care>Storage.  Tap on storage to see how it is being used and what you can delete to free up more space.  

Clearing your cache

The cache is a type of temporary storage which makes it quicker to retrieve data from websites.  While in your web  browser, the cache stores copies of web pages, images and other media that you access while browsing.  This allows the browser to quickly load the items from your temporary storage instead of downloading them again.  This makes the website experience quicker.

Clearing the cache involves deleting these stored files.  This can solve problems with outdated content, while freeing storage space and addressing privacy concerns like the storage of sensitive information.  When you clear the cache, the browser is forced to download fresh data, which ensures that the most current version of the website is seen.  Clearing the cache will mean that websites may load slower the first time you visit them again, as the computer is re-saving some of the data. 

Although the process may vary depending on the web browser, here are the basic steps:


Click on the 3 dots (or lines)

Click on History

Click on Clear Browsing Data

Choose time, which files to delete, click on advanced for more files, then clear data

Summary

Lots to learn this week!  Practice those things which are new to you while they are fresh in your mind!

Resources used: