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A. 8 Hz

B. 8 KHz

C. 128 Hz

D. 128 KHz

8. What must be installed on your system to decode a sound file?

A. The proper codec

B. Sound application software

C. Speakers

D. Universal audio cables

9. Which of the following are valid audio file formats?

A. ASF, WMA, ASP

B. PCI, MP3, ASX

C. WAV, PCM, AU

D. MIDI, MPEG, AVI

10. Which term describes the stereo speakers in a 2.1 sound system?

A. Woofers

B. Satellites

C. Subwoofers

D. Twins

Answers

1. C. The bit depth refers to the number of characteristics of a particular sound captured when sampling.

2. D. All recorded sound formats used in PCs today are derived from PCM format.

3. C. MIDI files contains no actual sound recording, but only a series of commands stored in a text file for the sound card to interpret.

4. A. A Dolby Digital 5.1 setup has five speakers and one subwoofer.

5. A. Creative Labs developed the EAX extensions.

6. D. The S/PDIF connector can replace analog connections on some sound cards.

7. D. The bigger the number, the better the quality, so 128 KHz is the king here.

8. A. You need a proper codec installed to decode a sound file.

9. C. WAV, PCM, and AU are audio file formats.

10. B. Stereo speakers are called satellites.

CHAPTER 21

Portable Computing

In this chapter, you will learn how to

Describe the many types of portable computing devices available

Enhance and upgrade portable computers

Manage and maintain portable computers

Troubleshoot portable computers

There are times when the walls close in, when you need a change of scenery to get that elusive spark that inspires greatness…or sometimes you just need to get away from your coworkers for a few hours because they’re driving you nuts! For many occupations, that’s difficult to do. You must have access to your documents and spreadsheets; you can’t function without e-mail or the Internet. In short, you need a computer to get your job done.

Portable computing devices combine mobility with accessibility to bring you the best of both worlds; put more simply, portables let you take some or even all of your computing capabilities with you when you go. Some portable computers feature Windows XP/Vista/7 systems with all the bells and whistles and all your Microsoft Office apps for a seamless transition from desk to café table. Even the smallest portable devices enable you to check your appointments and address book, or surf the net during the endless wait at the doctor’s office. This chapter takes an in-depth look at portables, first going through the major variations you’ll run into and then hitting the tech-specific topics of enhancing, upgrading, managing, and maintaining portable computers. Let’s get started!

Essentials/Practical Application

Portable Computing Devices

All portable devices share certain features. For output, they have LCD screens, although these vary from 20-inch behemoths to microscopic 2-inch screens. Portable computing devices employ sound of varying quality, from simple beeps to fairly nice music reproductions. All of them run on DC electricity stored in batteries, although several different technologies offer a range of battery life, lifespan, and cost. Other than screen, sound, and battery, portable computing devices come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and intended uses.

* * *

EXAM TIP Note that this chapter does not have a Historical/Conceptual section. Everything in here is on the CompTIA A+ certification exams, so pay attention!

LCD Screens

Laptops come in a variety of sizes and at varying costs. One major contributor to the overall cost of a laptop is the size of the LCD screen. Most laptops offer a range between 12-inch to 17-inch screens (measured diagonally), while a few offer just over 20-inch screens. Not only are screens getting larger, but also wider screens have become the status quo.

Many manufacturers are phasing out the standard 4:3 aspect ratio screen in favor of the widescreen format. Aspect