Portable Computing
- Laptop Features
- Portable computers have an Fn (function) key to activate alternative Function key options
- Use “Settings” in Windows to control many aspects of portable computers.
- Some laptops feature removable screens, turning laptops into tablets.
- Use a lock to secure a laptop when in a public space.
- Docking stations and part replicators extend the capabilities of some laptops.
- Laptop Hardware Troubleshooting: The Tools
- Start laptop repair by reviewing manufacturer online information.
- The iFixit Web site offers a lot of user-generated “how-to” guides.
- Use caution on screws & connections; take pictures of the disassembly process.
- Touring Your Laptop Display
- Check connections when replacing laptop monitors
- Spudgers and heat guns are essential monitor tools
- Inside the monitor are antennas, camera and more.
- Understanding Mobile Devices
- What is a mobile device?
- A mobile device is normally a sealed device with fixed components.
- A mobile device runs mobile OSes.
- Mobile devices have multiple wireless connections.
- Smartphones, tablets, wearables, and GPS are all examples of mobile devices.
- Mobile Connections
- Mobile devices use wired or wireless
- Common wired connections: micro USB, USBC, lightning & thunderbolt
- Common wireless connections include NFC, Bluetooth, Infared and 802.11
- Touring Android
- The Android desktop only shows the applications you choose.
- Notifications are seen by swiping down.
- The Google Play Store is where Android users install applications.
- You can change permissions for apps if needed.
- Android phones are associated with a Google account. You can add accounts if desired.
- Touring iOS
- All applications appear on the Desktop/Homescreen.
- Swipe down for notifications, swipe right for Spotlight, Search, Swipe up for Control Center.
- The App Store is where iOS users install applications
- You can change app permissions in Settings.
- All iOS devices require an iCloud account. You can add more as needed.
- Virtual Reality
- Virtual Reality is a complete virtualized environment.
- VR will include a headset that detects head movements (tracking).
- Augmented reality (AR) places virtual objects in the real world.
- Care & Feeding of Mobile Devices/Maintaining Mobile Devices
- CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) phones do not use SIM cards. (CDMA is North and some of South America)
- GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) phones do use SIM cards.
- IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) defines critical SIM information
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) defines the phone itself.
- All mobile OSes have built-in VPN and backup software
- VPN process—1). Give it a name, 2). Set up VPN, 3). Know the server IP address!
- Anti-malware is common for Android, less so for iOS.
- PRL (Preferred Roaming List) updates for CDMA phones
- Mobile Devices & Email
- Email setup on smartphone always means adding an email account
- Traditional emails require SMTP (outgoing) and an IMAP or POP (incoming) server address (ex: mail.example.com) and account passwords.
- Most traditional email servers use encrypted port numbers
- Mobile Synchronization
- Synchronization means to update two or more data stores so their information is identical
- We can synchronize our devices to a desktop, to an automobile or to the cloud.
- Android syncs with Google Drive. iOS devices sync with iCloud.
- Most browsers provide synchronization as well
- We can also sync location, ebooks, social media, and applications
- Mobile Device Troubleshooting
- Be familiar with troubleshooting scenarios
- Keep in mind that many troubleshooting scenarios are simple misconfiguration
- Practice these scenarios on both Android & iOS if possible
