Pace IT - Laptop Features

Laptop features.

Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

Laptop features.

– Special function keys.

– Docking stations vs. port replicators.

– Portability issues.

PACE-IT.

Special function keys.Laptop features.

Special function keys.

Laptops are a type of mobile device that allow the user to take a significant amount of computing power to almost any place.

This does come with some tradeoffs though. The smaller form factor and portability mean that some concessions and adaptations occur. Most often, the laptop doesn’t have the same number of ports for connecting devices as the desktop. Additionally, the monitors and keyboards tend to be smaller.

On the plus side, many laptops have features built into them that are not present in most desktop computers.

Laptop features.


– Additional keyboard features.» Laptop manufacturers have added some capabilities

and options to laptops that are commonly accessed through the keyboard.

» These features are typically engaged through using a special function (Fn) key. Depressing the Fn key and then another key will access the desired action. Some of these include the ability to:

• Output the display to another monitor or projector.• Turn up or down the volume.• Adjust the screen brightness (which can result in

either a longer or shorter battery time).• Turn on or off a keyboard backlight (useful for when

working in a dimly lit environment).• Turn on or off Bluetooth connectivity.• Turn on or off wireless networking capability.

» The Fn keys that are present, their placement, and their actual function is determined by the manufacturer.

Laptop features.

Docking stations vs. port replicators.Laptop features.

Docking stations vs. port replicators.

– Purpose.» To extend or expand the functionality and capabilities

of the laptop.• Because of the form factor, laptops often have less

ports available for peripheral devices to connect to and they tend to have smaller displays.

– Docking stations.» Transforming the laptop experience into more of a

desktop experience.• Designed and built for a specific laptop. The laptop is

placed in the docking station, which offers a dedicated connection to external peripherals (like a full size monitor, keyboard, and mouse). Plugging the laptop into the docking station automatically engages the desired peripherals.

– Port replicators.» May be designed for the specific laptop or be more

generic in nature.» Adds more available ports and options to the laptop.

Laptop features.

Portability issues.Laptop features.

Portability issues.

– The problem.» Laptops are very portable (almost the whole reason for

their existence), which makes them easy for a thief to steal.

– The solutions.» Many laptop manufacturers have built lock slots into

their laptops.• A cable (like a bicycle lock cable) is placed around a

secure object and then the special lock is inserted into the laptop’s lock slot. This will not stop the determined thief, but it will reduce the risk of loss.

» There are also add-on cable lock options.• Work almost exactly the same as the built in lock slot.

» A tracking service (like LoJack).• Tracking services will not stop the loss of a laptop;

however, they may help in the recovery of a stolen or lost laptop.

• Many tracking services offer more than just tracking. They may also offer the ability to remote lock or wipe the device.

Laptop features.

What was covered.Laptop features.

Laptops offer special Fn keys with options that are not present in the desktop. Examples include: the ability to output to different displays, volume control, screen brightness control, keyboard backlight control, and the ability to turn Bluetooth and wireless networking connectivity on and off.

Topic


Summary

The docking station is built with a specific laptop in mind. The goal is to make the laptop experience into more of a desktop computer experience. The port replicator may be built for a specific laptop or it may be more generic. The goal of the replicator is to offer more ports for connectivity than are available on the laptop.

Docking stations vs. port replicators.

Laptops are portable and tend to make easy targets for thieves. Manufacturers often build in lock slots to be used with cable locks to help deter theft. Add-on cable locks are also available. A tracking service may not prevent a loss, but it can aid in the recovery of a lost laptop. Some tracking services also offer the ability to remote lock or wipe the lost laptop.

Portability issues.

THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call 425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814. Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.

Pace IT - Laptop Features

Education

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