1100-Ch07.docx

The first laptops were used primarily by business people who needed to access and enter data when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited due to expense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops. Improvements in technology have allowed the laptop to...

The first laptops were used primarily by business people who needed to access and enter data when they were away from the office. The use of laptops was limited due to expense, weight, and limited capabilities compared to less expensive desktops. Improvements in technology have allowed the laptop to become lightweight, powerful, and much more affordable. Because of this, laptops are found in just about every setting today. Laptops run the same operating systems as desktop computers and most come with built-in Wi-Fi, webcam, microphone, speakers, and ports to attach external components. A mobile device is any device that is hand-held, lightweight, and typically has a touchscreen for input. Like a desktop or laptop computer, mobile devices use an operating system to run applications (apps), games, and play movies and music. Mobile devices also have a different CPU architecture, designed to have a reduced instruction set when compared to laptop and desktop processors. With the increase in demand for mobility, the popularity of laptops and other mobile devices continues to grow. This chapter focuses on many features of laptops, mobile devices, and their capabilities. You will learn the features and functionality of laptops and mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, as well as how to remove and install internal and external components. At the end of the chapter, you will learn the importance of a preventive maintenance program for laptops and other mobile devices and apply the six steps in the troubleshooting process as they pertain to laptops and other mobile devices. It is important to not only learn about laptops and mobile devices and their components but also to build hands-on skills. In this chapter, you will research and gather information about an Android and iOS mobile device. In other labs, you will research laptop screens, drives, and specifications. As an IT technician, asking the right questions is critical to solving customer problems. You need to be able to ask questions that will be recorded on a work order. You will create closed-ended and open-ended questions to ask a customer about a computer problem. Mobility in information technology means the ability to access information electronically from different locations outside of the home or office. Mobile connectivity is limited only by the availability of cellular or data networks. Mobile devices have self-contained power in the form of rechargeable batteries, are generally small and lightweight, and do not rely on other connected peripheral devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, to operate. Examples of mobile devices are laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, and wearables. Laptops are portable computers. They usually run full versions of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, MacOS or Linux. Laptops can have the same computing power and memory resources as desktop computers. As shown in the figure, laptops integrate a screen, keyboard, and a pointing device, such as a touchpad, in one portable device. Laptops can be run from an internal battery or from an electrical outlet. They offer connectivity options such as wired or wireless Ethernet networking and Bluetooth. Laptops offer device connection options such as USB and HDMI. Laptops frequently have speaker and microphone connections as well. Some laptops offer graphic connectivity using different types of graphics standards, similar to desktops. However, in order to make laptops more portable, some peripheral connection options may require additional hardware, such as a dock or port replicator. In order to increase portability, laptops may sacrifice some of the advantages that are offered by desktop computers. For example, laptops may not use the fastest processors available due to cooling concerns and high power consumption. Laptop memory upgrades may be limited, and some types of laptop memory are more expensive than comparable desktop memory. Laptops lack the expansion capability of desktops as well. Special-purpose expansion cards and large volume storage often cannot be installed in laptops. For example, upgrading the graphics subsystem in a laptop is likely to be impossible. Smartphones differ from laptops in that they run special operating systems that are designed for mobile devices. Examples of these operating systems are Google\'s Android and Apple\'s iOS. Smartphones may have limited OS upgradeability, so they can become out-of-date and require a purchase of a new phone to take advantage of new features of the OS and apps that require a higher OS version. Software for smartphones is usually limited to apps that can be downloaded from stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Smartphones are very compact and quite powerful. They have small touch screens with no physical keyboard. The keyboard is displayed on the screen. Because they are so small, they are usually limited to only one or two types of physical connection such as USB and headphones. Smartphones use cellular connectivity options for voice, text, and data services. Other data connections include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. An additional feature of smartphones is location services. Most phones include global positioning system (GPS) functionality. A GPS receiver in the phone uses satellites to determine the geographic location of the device. This allows the device location to be used by apps for various purposes such as social media updates or receiving offers from nearby businesses. Some apps allow a smartphone to act as a navigational GPS that provides guidance for driving, biking, or walking. If the GPS is off, most smartphones can still determine the location, in a less precise way, by using info coming from nearby mobile service antennas or nearby Wi-Fi access points. Another feature of some smartphones is the ability to \"tether\", or share, the cellular data connection with other devices. The smartphone can be configured to act as a modem that provides other devices to the cellular data network over USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Not all smartphone carriers permit tethering. Tablets are similar to smartphones in that they use special mobile operating systems like Android or iOS. However, most tablets do not have the ability to access cellular networks. Some higher-end models do allow access to cellular services. Unlike smartphones, tablets normally have larger touch-screen displays. The displays are often quite vivid in their graphic rendering. Tablets usually offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and most have USB and audio ports. In addition, some tablets include GPS receivers that can be activated to provide location services, similar to smartphones. Most of the apps that work on phones are also available for tablets. E-readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, are special purpose devices with black and white displays that have been optimized for reading text. Although they resemble tablets, they lack many of the features and functions that tablets provide. Web access is limited to eBook stores that may be operated by the e-reader manufacturer. Many have touch displays that make it easy to turn pages, change settings, and access eBooks online. Many E-readers can store 1,000 or more books. For connectivity, some offer free cellular data connections for downloading books from a specific store, but most rely on Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is also available and supports headphones for audio books. E-reader battery life is usually longer than tablets, at up 15 -20 hours of reading time or more. Wearables are smart devices that are meant to be worn on the body or attached to clothing. Two popular wearables are smartwatches and fitness trackers. **Smartwatches** Smartwatches are a type of wearable that includes a microprocessor, a special operating systems, and apps. Sensors in the smartwatch can gather data about various aspects of the body, such as heart rate, and use Bluetooth to report this information back to another device, such as a smartphone. The smartphone then forwards the information to an application over the internet for storage and analysis. Some smartwatches can also connect directly to a cellular network, serve as convenient displays for notifications from apps, can include GPS location services, and the ability to store and play music and playlists. **Fitness Trackers** Fitness trackers are similar to smartwatches but are limited to monitoring the body such as physical activity, sleep, and exercise. FitBit is a popular example that monitors heart rate and the number of steps taken. Similar to fitness trackers are more sophisticated health monitoring devices that can detect heart attacks, monitor air quality, and detect oxygen levels in the blood. These devices can deliver hospital-quality data to healthcare practitioners. In Augmented Reality (AR), computer graphics are integrated with what is seen in the real world, usually through the device camera, as shown for the tablet in the first figure. The graphics overlays can range from cartoon characters in a game application to information for emergency management training for first responders. There are many potential uses for AR and it is one of the most promising areas for future product development. Related to AR is virtual reality (VR). In VR a user wears a special headset which displays graphics from a separate computer, as shown in the second figure. The graphics are immersive 3D and create very realistic worlds. The VR user\'s motions are detected by sensors which allow the user to interact with and move around in the virtual environment. VR is very popular in games but has applications in other fields such as education and training. The compact nature of laptops requires a number of internal components to fit in a small amount of space. The size restrictions result in a variety of form factors for a number of laptop components, such as the motherboard, RAM, CPU, and storage devices. Some laptop components, such as the CPU, may be designed to use less power to ensure that the system can operate for a longer period of time when using a battery source. Desktop motherboards have standard form factors. The standard size and shape allow motherboards from different manufacturers to fit into common desktop cases. In comparison, laptop motherboards vary by manufacturer and are proprietary. When you repair a laptop, you must often obtain a replacement motherboard from the laptop manufacturer. The table shows a comparison between a desktop motherboard and a laptop motherboard. Because laptop motherboards and desktop motherboards are designed differently, components designed for a laptop generally cannot be used in a desktop. Laptop and desktop designs are compared in the table. Laptop internal components are designed to fit into the confined spaces of the laptop form factor. - RAM - CPUs - SATA drives - Solid-state drives RAM Because of the limited amount of space within laptops, memory modules are much smaller than those used in desktops. Laptops use Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules (SODIMMs) **CPUs** Laptop processors are designed to use less power and create less heat than desktop processors. As a result, laptop processors do not require cooling devices that are as large as those found in desktops. Laptop processors also use CPU throttling to modify the clock speed as needed to reduce power consumption and heat. This results in a slight decrease in performance. These specially designed processors allow laptops to operate for a longer period of time when using a battery.\ \ **Note**: Refer to the laptop manual for compatible processors and for replacement instructions. **SATA drive** Laptop storage devices are 1.8 in. (4.57 cm.) or 2.5 in. (6.35 cm.) in width, while desktop storage devices are typically 3.5 in. (8.9 cm.). The 1.8 in. drives are mostly found in ultraportable laptops because they are smaller, lighter, and consume less power. However, their spin rate is usually slower than that of 2.5 in. drives which have spin rates of up to 10000 RPMs.\ \ There are several storage drive form factors and technologies used in laptops due to their compact size. SATA 2.5 is a specification of SATA hard drive with a compact casing that enclosed 2.5 in. drive platter. **Solid-State Drives** M.2, is a very small form factor of solid-state drive about the size of a stick of gum. It is very fast and designed for high performance in small, power-constrained devices. Another very fast and compact solid-state drive standard is NVMe which has read and write speeds many times faster than SATA drives. The purpose of the Function (Fn) key is to activate a second function on a dual-purpose key. The feature that is accessed by pressing the Fn key in combination with another key is printed on the key in a smaller font or different color. Function keys will vary on different laptop models but these are some examples of functions that can be accessed: - Dual displays - Volume settings - Media options such as fast forward or rewind - Keyboard backlight - Screen orientation - Screen brightness - WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth on or off - Media options such as play or rewind - Touchpad on or off - GPS on or off - Airplane mode **Note**: Some laptops may have dedicated function keys that perform functions without requiring users to press the Fn key. A laptop monitor is a built-in monitor. You cannot adjust the laptop monitor for height and distance because it is integrated into the lid of the case. You can often connect an external monitor or projector to a laptop. Pressing the Fn key with the appropriate Function key on the keyboard toggles between the built-in display and the external display, as shown in the figure. Do not confuse the Fn key with Function keys F1 through F12. These keys are typically located in a row across the top of the keyboard. Their function depends on the OS and application that is running when they are pressed. Each key can perform up to seven different operations by pressing it with one or more combinations of the Shift, Control, and Alt keys. **LCD, LED, and OLED Display Technologies** There are three types of laptop display technology: - Liquid-crystal display (LCD) - Light-emitting diode (LED) - Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) Liquid-crystal display (LCD) The three most common technologies used in the manufacturing of LCD displays are Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane switching (IPS), and Vertical alignment (VA). TN is the most common and the oldest. TN displays offer high brightness, use less power than IPS, and are inexpensive to manufacture. IPS displays offer better color reproduction and better viewing angles, but have low contrast and slow response time. Manufacturers are now producing Super-IPS (S-IPS) panels, at reasonable prices, that have improved response times and contrast. VA uses tilting crystals to provide a much higher contrast ration than other types. Contrast ratio is the difference in shade between a black pixel and a white pixel. This does lower the viewing angle smaller, slow the response time, and can exhibit ghosting or motion blur. **Laptop Display Features** Some common laptop display features include: - Detachable Screens - Touch Screens - Cutoff Switches Detachable Screens Some laptops now come with detachable touch screens that can be used like a tablet when the display is detached. Other laptops permit the keyboard to fold back behind the display to allow the laptop to function like a tablet. To accommodate these types of laptops, Windows will rotate the display 90, 180, or 270 degrees automatically or by pressing the Control + Alt keys simultaneously with the arrow key for which way you want the laptop to face. **Touchscreens** Laptops with touchscreens have a special glass piece attached to the front of the screen, known as a digitizer. The digitizer converts the touch actions (press, swipe, etc.) into a digital signal that is processed by the laptop. **Cutoff Switch** On many laptops, a small pin on the laptop cover contacts a switch when the case is closed, called a cutoff switch. The cutoff switch helps conserve power by turning off the display. If this switch breaks or is dirty, the display remains dark while the laptop is open. Carefully clean this switch to restore normal operation. **Backlights and Inverters** LCDs do not produce any light by themselves. A backlight shines through the screen and illuminates the display. Two common types of backlights are cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) and LED. With CCFL, fluorescent tubes are connected to an inverter, used to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Fluorescent Backlight The fluorescent backlight is behind the LCD screen. To replace the backlight, you must completely disassemble the display. **Inverter** The inverter is behind the screen panel and close to the LCD. **LED Backlights** LED monitors use LED-based backlights and do not have fluorescent tubes or inverters. LED technology increases the longevity of the display because it consumes less power. Also, LED technology is safer for the environment because LEDs do not contain mercury. Mercury is a key ingredient in fluorescent backlights used in LCDs. **Wi-Fi Components** Wi-Fi antennas transmit and receive data carried over radio waves. Wi-Fi Antenna Connectors Wi-Fi antennas in laptops are typically located above the screen. **Wi-Fi Antenna Connectors** Wi-Fi antennas in laptops are typically located above the screen. **Wi-Fi Antenna Leads** The Wi-Fi antenna is connected to a wireless card by an antenna wire and antenna leads. **Wi-Fi Antenna Wire Guides** The wires are fastened to the display unit by wire guides which are located on the sides of the screen. Most laptops today have a webcam and microphone built in. The webcam is normally positioned at the top, center of the display, as shown in the figure. The internal microphone can often be found next to the webcam. Some manufacturers may place the microphone next to the keyboard, or on the side of the laptop. Advances in power management and battery technology are increasing the amount of time that a laptop can be powered from a battery. Many batteries can power a laptop for 10 hours or more. Configuring laptop power settings to better manage power usage is important to ensure that the battery is used efficiently. Power management controls the flow of electricity to the components of a computer. The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) creates a bridge between the hardware and the operating system and allows technicians to create power management schemes to get the best performance from a laptop. The ACPI states shown in the table are applicable to most computers, but they are particularly important when managing power in laptops. ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) defines six power states for computers: - **S0**: The system is fully operational. - **S1**: The CPU is halted, and the system is in a low-power state. - **S2**: Similar to S1 but with even lower power usage; CPU and system cache are off. - **S3**: Known as \"sleep\" mode, with RAM maintaining its state but most other components powered down. - **S4**: \"Hibernate\" mode, where the system state is saved to disk, and the machine powers off almost completely. - **S5**: The system is completely off, with no memory retention. Technicians are frequently required to configure power settings by changing the settings in the BIOS or UEFI setup. Configuring the power settings affects the following: - System states - Battery and AC modes - Thermal management - CPU PCI bus power management - Wake on LAN (WOL) **Note**: WOL might require a cable connection inside the computer from the network adapter to the motherboard. The ACPI power management mode must be enabled in the BIOS or UEFI setup to allow the OS to configure the power management states, as shown in the figure. To enable ACPI mode, follow these steps: **Step 1**. Enter BIOS or UEFI setup. **Step 2**. Locate and enter the Power Management settings menu item. **Step 3**. Use the appropriate keys to enable ACPI mode. **Step 4**. Save and exit. **Note**: These steps are common to most laptops but be sure to check the laptop documentation for specific configuration settings. There is no standard name for each power management state. Different manufacturers might use different names for the same state. The Bluetooth technical specification is described by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.1 standard. Bluetooth devices are capable of handling voice, music, videos, and data. The distance of a Bluetooth personal area network (PAN) is limited by the amount of power used by the devices in the PAN. Bluetooth devices are broken into three classifications. The most common Bluetooth network is Class 2, which has a range of approximately 33 ft (10 m). Five specifications of Bluetooth technology are capable of different transfer rates, ranges, and power consumption. Each subsequent version offers enhanced capabilities. For instance, Versions 1 -- 3 are older technologies with limited capabilities and high power consumption. Later versions such as Version 4 and 5 are geared towards devices that have limited power and do not need high data transfer rates. Additionally, version 5 has four different data rates to accommodate a variety of transmission ranges. Security measures are included in the Bluetooth standard. The first time that a Bluetooth device connects, the device is authenticated using a PIN. This is known as pairing. Bluetooth supports both 128-bit encryption and PIN authentication. Bluetooth devices fall into three power classes based on their range and power consumption: - **Class 1**: Up to 100 meters range, typically used for industrial applications with higher power consumption. - **Class 2**: Around 10 meters range, common in mobile devices and consumer electronics. - **Class 3**: About 1 meter range, the least powerful and least common. Bluetooth technology has evolved over the years through several specifications. Here are five notable ones: - **Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.1**: These initial versions laid the foundation for short-range wireless communication. - **Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR**: Introduced Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for faster data transfer. - **Bluetooth 3.0 + HS**: Added High Speed (HS) capabilities using an alternate radio for quick file transfers. - **Bluetooth 4.0**: Included Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for efficient power usage, ideal for IoT devices. - **Bluetooth 5.0**: Boosted range, speed, and broadcasting capacity, perfect for smart homes and wearables. - Windows activates connections to Bluetooth devices by default. If the connection is not active, look for a switch on the front face or on the side of the laptop. Some laptops may have a special function key on the keyboard to enable the connection. If a laptop does not feature Bluetooth technology, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a USB port. - Before installing and configuring a device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in the BIOS. - Turn on the device and make it discoverable. Check the device documentation to learn how to make the device discoverable. Use the Bluetooth Wizard to search and discover Bluetooth devices that are in discoverable mode. Laptops with integrated cellular WAN capabilities require no software installation and no additional antenna or accessories. When you turn on the laptop, the integrated WAN capabilities are ready to use. If the connection is not active, look for a switch on the front face or on the side of the laptop. Some laptops may have a special function key on the keyboard to enable the connection. Many cell phones provide the ability to connect other devices. This connection, known as tethering, can be made using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or by using a USB cable. Once a device is connected, it is able to use the phone's cellular connection to access the internet. When a cellular phone allows Wi-Fi devices to connect and use the mobile data network, this is called a hotspot. You can also access a cellular network by using a cellular hotspot device. There are also wireless mini PCIe and M.2 adapters for laptops that can provide a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or cellular data (4G/LTE) connectivity. Some of these adapters will require the installation of a new antenna kit which has wires that are usually routed around the screen in the laptop lid. When installing an adapter card with cellular functionality a SIM will need to be inserted as well. **Wireless Adapter Types** Laptops usually access the internet by using wireless adapters. Wireless adapters can be built in to the laptop or attached to the laptop through an expansion port. Three major types of wireless adapters are used in laptops. Mini-PCI Mini-PCI cards have 124 pins and are capable of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless LAN connection standards. **Mini-PCIe** Mini-PCIe - Mini-PCIe cards have 54 pins and support the same standards as Mini-PCI with the addition of 802.11n and 802.11ac wireless LAN standards. **PCI Express Micro** PCI Express Micro - Commonly found in newer and smaller laptops, such as Ultrabooks, because they are half the size of Mini-PCIe cards. PCI Express Micro cards have 54 pins and support the same standards ad Mini-PCIe. One of the disadvantages of laptops in comparison to desktops is that their compact design might limit the availability of some functions. To address this problem, many laptops contain ExpressCard slots to add functionality. The figures below show a comparison of the two ExpressCard models: ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54. The models are 34 mm and 54 mm in width, respectively. Here are some examples of functionality that can be added when using ExpressCards: - Additional memory card reader - External hard drive access - TV turner cards - USB and FireWire ports - Wi-Fi connectivity To install a card, insert the card into the slot and push it all the way in. To remove the card, press the eject button to release it. If the ExpressCard is hot-swappable, follow these steps to safely remove it: **Step 1**: Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows system tray to ensure that the device is not in use. **Step 2**: Click the device that you want to remove. A message pops up to tell you that it is safe to remove the device. **Step 3**: Remove the hot-swappable device from the laptop. **CAUTION**: ExpressCards and USB devices are commonly hot-swappable. However, removing a device that is not hot-swappable while the computer is powered on can cause damage to data and devices. You should be aware of the following types of external flash memory and readers. **External Flash Drive** An external flash drive is a removable storage device that connects to an expansion port such as USB, eSATA, or Firewire. External flash drives can be an SSD drive or a smaller device, such as the one shown in the figure. Flash drives provide fast access to data, high reliability, and reduced power usage. These drives are accessed by the operating system in the same way that other types of drives are accessed. **Flash Cards** A flash card is a data storage device that uses flash memory to store information. Flash cards are small, portable, and require no power to maintain data. They are commonly used in laptops, mobile devices, and digital cameras. A large variety of flash card models are available, and each varies in size and shape. **Flash Card Readers** Most modern laptops feature a flash card reader for Secure Digital (SD) and Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) flash cards. **Note**: Flash memory cards are hot-swappable and should be removed by following the standard procedure for hot-swappable device removal. A smart card is similar to a credit card, but has an embedded microprocessor that can be loaded with data. It can be used for telephone calling, electronic cash payments, and other applications. The microprocessor on the smart card is there for security and can hold much more information than that of a magnetic stripe found on a credit card. Smart cards have been around for more than a decade but were found mostly in Europe. Recently, their popularity has increased in the United States. Smart card readers are used to read and write to smart cards and can be connected to a laptop using a USB port. There are two types of smart card readers: - **Contact** - This type of reader requires a physical connection to the card, made by inserting the card into the reader, as shown in the figure. - **Contactless** - This type of reader works on a radio frequency that communicates when the card comes close to the reader. Many smart card readers support contact and contactless read operations all in one device. These cards are identified by an oval logo that shows radio waves pointing to a hand holding a card. The make and model of the laptop determines the type of RAM needed. It is important to select the memory type that is physically compatible with the laptop. Most desktop computers use memory that fits into a DIMM slot. Most laptops use a smaller profile memory module that is called SODIMM. SODIMM has 72-pin and 100-pin configurations for support of 32-bit transfers and 144-pin, 200-pin, and 204-pin configurations for support of 64-bit transfers. **Note**: SODIMMs can be further classified by DDR version. Different laptop models require different types of SODIMMs. Before purchasing and installing additional RAM, consult the laptop documentation or the website of the manufacturer for form-factor specifications. Use the documentation to find where to install RAM on the laptop. On most laptops, RAM is inserted into slots behind a cover on the underside of the case, as shown in the figure. On some laptops, the keyboard must be removed to access the RAM slots.Consult the manufacturer of the laptop to confirm the maximum amount of RAM each slot can support. You can view the currently installed amount of RAM in the POST screen, BIOS, or System Properties window. Some parts of a laptop, typically called customer-replaceable units (CRUs), can be replaced by the customer. CRUs include components such as the laptop battery and RAM. Parts that should not be replaced by the customer are called field-replaceable units (FRUs). FRUs include components such as the motherboard and LCD display, A keyboard is also an FRU, shown in the figure. Replacing FRUs typically requires a considerable amount of technical skill. In many cases, the device may need to be returned to the place of purchase, a certified service center, or the manufacturer. There are special cases, such as the video card where a user may be able to replace it, but they may need a repair center to replace it due to power and cooling requirements and space limitations. When repairing a laptop or portable device, it is important to keep parts organized and cables labeled to aid in re-assembly. A repair center might provide service on laptops made by different manufacturers or just specialize in a specific brand and be considered an authorized dealer for warranty work and repair. The following are common repairs performed at local repair centers: - Hardware and software diagnostics - Data transfer and recovery - Keyboard and fan replacement - Internal laptop cleaning - Screen repair - LCD inverter and backlight repair Most repairs to displays must be performed in a repair center. The repairs include replacing the screen, the backlight, or the inverter. If no local services are available, you might need to send the laptop to a regional repair center or to the manufacturer. If the laptop damage is severe or requires specialized software and tools, the manufacturer can decide to replace the laptop instead of attempting a repair. **CAUTION**: Before attempting to repair a laptop or portable device, check the warranty to see if repairs during the warranty period must be done at an authorized service center to avoid invalidating the warranty. If you repair a laptop yourself, always back up the data and disconnect the device from the power source. Always consult the service manual before beginning a laptop repair. These are some signs that the battery, as shown in the figure, may need to be replaced: - The battery does not hold a charge. - The battery overheats. - The battery is leaking. If you experience problems that you suspect are battery related, exchange the battery with a known, good battery that is compatible with the laptop. If a replacement battery cannot be located, take the battery to an authorized repair center for testing. A replacement battery must meet or exceed the specifications of the laptop manufacturer. New batteries must use the same form factor as the original battery. Voltages, power ratings, and AC adapters must also meet manufacturer specifications. Note: Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when charging a new battery. The laptop can be used during an initial charge, but do not unplug the AC adapter from the DC jack, shown in the figure. CAUTION: Handle batteries with care. Batteries can explode if they are shorted, mishandled, or improperly charged. Be sure that the battery charger is designed for the chemistry, size, and voltage of your battery. Batteries are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of according to local laws. The form factor of an internal storage device is smaller for a laptop than for a desktop computer. Laptop drives are 1.8 in. (4.57 cm.) or 2.5 in. (6.35 cm.) in width. Most storage devices are CRUs unless a warranty requires technical assistance. Before purchasing a new internal or external storage device, check the laptop documentation or the website of the manufacturer for compatibility requirements. Documentation often contains FAQs that may be helpful. It is also important to research known laptop component issues on the internet. On most laptops, the internal hard drive and the internal optical drive are inserted into bays that are protected by a removable cover on the case, as shown in the figures. On some laptops, the keyboard must be removed to access these drives. Optical drives might not be interchangeable in the laptop. Some laptops may not include optical drives at all. To view the currently installed storage devices, check the POST screen or BIOS. If installing a second drive or an optical drive, confirm that there are no error icons next to the device in the Device Manager. Because of their small size, mobile devices usually do not have field-serviceable parts. Mobile devices consist of several compact components integrated into a single unit. When a mobile device malfunctions, it is usually sent to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. The cell phone contains one or more of these field replaceable parts: memory, a SIM card, and a battery. A Secure Digital (SD) card is used to add memory to many mobile devices. A SIM card is a small card that contains information used to authenticate a device to mobile telephone and data providers. The card can also hold user data such as personal contacts and text messages. Some phones can have two SIM cards installed and are called a dual SIM device. This would allow a number for personal use and a number for professional use to be received and sent from the same phone, for example. The DUAL SIM could also hold SIM cards from different vendors. Some mobile device batteries can be replaced like the battery shown outside the cell phone. Be sure to check the battery for bulging and avoid placing the mobile device in direct sunlight. **A mini-USB cable** A mini-USB cable is used to connect a mobile device to an electrical outlet charger or to connect to another device in order to charge and/or transfer data. **A USB-C cable** A USB-C cable and port can be plugged in either direction. USB-C cables are used on mobile devices to connect to an electrical outlet charger or to connect to another device such as a smartphone to a laptop in order to charge and/or transfer data. **A micro-USB cable** A micro-USB cable is used to connect a mobile device to an electrical outlet charger or to connect to another device in order to charge and/or transfer data. This is the Lightning cable and port. The Lightning cable is used to connect Apple devices to host computers and other peripherals such as USB battery chargers, monitors, and cameras. **Proprietary cables and ports** These are examples of Proprietary cables and ports. Proprietary or vendor-specific ports can be found on some mobile devices. These ports are not compatible with other vendor ports, but often are compatible with other products from the same vendor. Besides Wi-Fi, mobile devices also use the following wireless connections: - **Near field communication (NFC)** -- NFC enables mobile devices to establish radio communications with other devices by placing the devices close together or by touching them together. - **Infrared (IR)** -- If a mobile device is IR enabled, it can be used to control other IR controlled devices remotely, such as a TV, set top box, or audio equipment. - **Bluetooth** -- This wireless technology allows data exchange over a short distance between two Bluetooth-enabled devices or connect to other Bluetooth-enabled peripheral devices, such as speakers or headphone A smartphone's internet connection can be shared with other devices. There are two ways to share the smartphone's internet connection: tethering and mobile hotspot. The ability to share the connection depends on the cellular carrier and the plan with the carrier. - **Tether** -- This uses your cellular phone as a modem for another device, such as a tablet or laptop. The connection is made over a USB cable or Bluetooth. - **Mobile** **hotspot** -- A hotspot is where devices connect using WiFi to share a cellular data connection. Wearable Devices Wearable devices are clothing or accessories that have miniature computing devices. Smart watches, fitness monitors, and smart headsets are some examples. **Fitness Monitor** Fitness monitors are designed to clip onto clothing or be worn on the wrist and are used for tracking a person's daily activity and body metrics as they work toward their fitness goals. These devices measure and collect activity data and can connect with other Internet-connected devices to upload the data for later review. Some fitness monitors may also have basic smartwatch capabilities, such as displaying caller ID and text messages. **Smartwatch** Smartwatches combine the functions of a watch and some functions of mobile devices. Some smartwatches include sensors to measure body and environmental metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, elevation, or air temperature. They have touchscreen displays, and they can function on their own or paired with smartphones. These watches can display notifications of incoming messages, incoming phone calls, and social media updates. Some smartwatches can send and receive messages and phone calls. Smartwatches can run apps directly or via a smartphone. They may also allow the users to control some functions, such as music and a camera, on a smartphone. **VR/AR Headsets** A common misconception is that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are the same thing. However, they are very different concepts. VR headsets provide the wearer with a complete immersion experience shutting out the physical world. When the VR headset is turned on, the viewing panels inside completely fill the wearer's field of vision. Whereas AR headsets overlay digital elements to a live view of the physical world often using the camera of a smartphone. In other words, AR projects a digital image over the real world. Pokemon Go is an example of an AR experience. Beyond games, there are some very practical uses for AR, such as a neurosurgeon using an AR projection of a 3-D brain to aid in performing a surgery. The ability of a laptop, tablet, or cell phone to wirelessly connect to the internet has provided people with the freedom to work, learn, communicate, and play wherever they want. Mobile devices typically have two wireless internet connectivity options: - **Wi-Fi** - Wireless network connection is provided using local Wi-Fi settings. - **Cellular** - Wireless network connection is provided for a fee using cellular data. Cellular networks require cellular towers and satellites to create a mesh of global coverage. A cellular data network connection can become expensive without an appropriate service plan. You may need to register a device with a carrier, or provide some kind of unique identifier. Every mobile device has an unique 15-digit number called an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This number identifies the device to a carrier's network. The numbers come from a family of devices called the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The number can often be found in the configuration settings of the device, or in a battery compartment, if the battery is removable. The user of the device is also identified using an unique number called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). The IMSI is often programmed on the subscriber identity module (SIM) card, or can be programmed on the phone itself, depending on the network type. Wi-Fi is usually preferred over a cellular connection because it is usually free. Wi-Fi radios use less battery power than cellular radios so the device battery should last longer using Wi-Fi. Many businesses, organizations, and locations now also offer free Wi-Fi connections to attract customers. For example, coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, and even public transportation may offer free Wi-Fi access to users. Educational institutions have also adopted Wi-Fi connectivity. For instance, College campuses enable students to connect their mobile device to the college network and sign up for classes, watch lectures, and submit assignments. It is important to secure home Wi-Fi networks. These precautions should be taken to protect Wi-Fi communications on mobile devices: - Enable security on home networks. Always enable the highest Wi-Fi security framework possible. Currently, WPA2 security is the most secure. - Never send login or password information using clear, unencrypted text. - Use a secure VPN connection when possible. Devices can connect automatically or manually to Wi-Fi networks.  Cell phones were introduced in the mid-1980s. Back then, cell phones were bigger and bulkier. It was also difficult and expensive to call people on another cellular network because there were few industry standards for cellular technology. Without standards, interoperability between cell phone manufacturers was very difficult. Industry standards have simplified interconnectivity between cell providers. These standards have also made it less expensive to use cellular technology. However, cellular standards have not been adopted uniformly around the world. Therefore, some cell phones may only work in one country and not operate in other countries. Other cell phones are capable of using multiple standards and can operate in many countries. Cellular standards - **1G (1980s)**: The dawn of cellular with analog voice calls. - **2G (1991)**: Digital voice and SMS messaging, hello clarity. - **3G (2001)**: Mobile internet and MMS made their grand entrance. - **4G (2009)**: High-speed mobile internet, Netflix on the go. - **5G (2019)**: Ultra-fast speeds and IoT connectivity, the future is now. Many cell phones can also support multiple standards to enable backward compatibility. For instance, many cell phones support 4G and 5G standards. The cell phone will use 5G when available. If a 5G network is no longer available, it will automatically switch to 4G without losing connection. It may be required for you to disable your cellular access. For instance, airlines typically ask their passengers to disable cellular access. To simplify this process, most mobile devices have a setting called Airplane Mode. This setting turns off all cellular, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios. Airplane Mode is useful when traveling on an airplane or when located where accessing data is prohibited or expensive. Most mobile device functions are still usable, but communication is not possible. Once airplane mode has been turned on, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless functionality can be turned on except for cellular. You can also enable or disable cellular access. The two figures display the screens to turn Airplane Mode on or off on an iOS device and the screen to enable or disable cellular access on an iOS. Another useful cellular feature is to use a cellular device as a hotspot. A hotspot is when a cellular device is used to provide an internet connection to other devices. The Wi-Fi devices could select the cellular device at its Wi-Fi connection. For instance, a user may need to connect a computer to the internet but no Wi-Fi or wired connection is available. A cell phone can be used as a bridge to the internet, through the cellular carrier's network. To enable an iOS device to become a personal hotspot, touch Personal Hotspot as shown below in the figure on the left. This opens the Personal Hotspot shown in the figure on the right. Notice how the iOS Personal Hotspot feature can also connect Bluetooth or USB connected devices to the internet. **Note**: A hotspot is sometimes referred to as tethering. Finally, there are apps available for mobile devices that can be useful tools when diagnosing mobile device radio problems. For instance, a Wi-Fi analyzer can be used to display information about wireless networks, while a cell tower analyzer can be used on cellular networks. Bluetooth is a networking standard that consists of two levels: the physical level and the protocol level. The physical level for Bluetooth is a radio frequency standard. Devices connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices at the protocol level. This is referred to as Bluetooth pairing. At the protocol level, devices agree on when bits are sent, how they are sent, and that what is received is the same as what was sent. Specifically, Bluetooth pairing is when two Bluetooth devices establish a connection to share resources. In order for the devices to pair, the Bluetooth radios must be turned on, and one device begins searching for other devices. Other devices must be set to discoverable mode, also called visible, so that they can be detected. When a Bluetooth device is in discoverable mode, it transmits Bluetooth and device information such as device name, services that the device can use, Bluetooth class and device name. During the pairing process, a PIN may be requested to authenticate the pairing process, as shown in the figure. The PIN is often a number, but can also be a numeric code or passkey. The PIN is stored using pairing services, so it does not have to be entered the next time the device tries to connect. This is convenient when using a headset with a smartphone because they are paired automatically when the headset is turned on and within range. - **POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3)**: This protocol downloads emails from a server to your local device, and typically deletes them from the server afterward. It\'s great for accessing emails offline. - **IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)**: Unlike POP3, IMAP keeps your emails on the server, allowing you to access them from multiple devices. Your inbox stays in sync across all your gadgets. - **SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)**: This is the go-to protocol for sending emails. Think of it as the mail carrier that delivers your outgoing emails from your client to the server or between servers. - **MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)**: Expands the format of email messages to support text in character sets other than ASCII, as well as attachments like images, audio, video, and other files. - **SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)**: Adds a layer of security by encrypting the connection between your email client and server, ensuring that your emails can't be intercepted and read by others. Android devices are capable of using advanced communication applications and data services. Many of these applications and features require the use of web services provided by Google. When you configure an Android mobile device for the first time, you are prompted to sign in to your Google account with your Gmail email address and password. By signing in to your Gmail account, the Google Play store, data and settings backup, and other Google services become accessible. The device synchronizes contacts, email messages, apps, downloaded content, and other information from Google services. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can use the Google account sign-in page to create one. Use the following steps to add an email account on an Android device. 1. Touch the **Email **or the **Gmail **app icon. 2. Choose the type of account (i.e., Google/GMAIL, Personal, or Exchange), and tap **NEXT**. 3. Enter the device\'s passcode if needed. 4. Enter the email address you want to use and password. 5. Tap **Create New Account**. 6. Enter your first name, last name, email address and password. 7. Provide a phone number for account recovery purposes (optional). 8. Review the account information and tap **Next**. **Note**: If you want to restore Android settings to a tablet that you have previously backed up, you must sign in to the account when setting up the tablet for the first time. You cannot restore your Android settings if you sign in after the initial setup. After the initial setup, access your mailbox by touching the Gmail app icon. Android devices also have an email app for connecting to other email accounts, but it simply redirects the user to the Gmail app in later versions of Android. iOS devices ship with a stock Mail app which can handle multiple email accounts simultaneously. The Mail app also supports a number of different email account types including iCloud, Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, Outlook.com, and Microsoft Exchange. An Apple ID is required to set up an iOS device. An Apple ID is used to access the Apple App Store, the iTunes Store, and iCloud. iCloud provides email and the ability to store content on remote servers. The iCloud email is free and comes with remote storage for backups, mail, and documents. All of the iOS devices, apps, and content are linked to your Apple ID. When an iOS device is turned on for the first time, the Setup Assistant guides you through the process of connecting the device and signing in with or creating an Apple ID. The Setup Assistant also allows you to create an iCloud email account. You can restore settings, content, and apps from a different iOS device from an iCloud backup during the setup process. Use the following steps to add an email account on an iOS device. 1. Select **Settings** \> **Passwords** **&** **Accounts** \> **Add Account**. 2. Tap the account type (i.e., iCloud, Exchange, Google, Yahoo, Aol, or Outlook). 3. If the account type is not listed, touch Other. 4. Enter the account information. 5. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Touch **Save**. Many people have multiple email addresses. For instance, you may have a personal email account and a school or work account. The email service is provided using either: - **Local email** -- The email server is managed by a local IT department such as a school network, business network, or organizational network. - **Internet email** -- The email service is hosted on the internet and controlled by a service provider such as Gmail. Users can access their online mailboxes using: - Default mobile email app included in the OS such as iOS Mail. - Browser-based email client, such as Mail or Outlook. - Mobile email client apps, including Gmail and Yahoo. Email client apps provide a better user experience when compared to the web interface. Many people use a combination of desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone devices to access and store information. It is helpful when specific information is the same across multiple devices. For example, when scheduling appointments using a calendar program, each new appointment would need to be entered in each device to ensure that each device is up to date. Data synchronization eliminates the need to make changes to every device. Data synchronization is the exchange of data between two or more devices while maintaining consistent data on those devices. Synchronization methods include synchronization to the cloud, a desktop, and an automobile. There are many different types of data to synchronize: - Contacts - Applications - Email - Pictures - Music - Videos - Calendar - Bookmarks - Documents - Location data - Social media data - E-books - Passwords Sync typically means data synchronization. However, the meaning of sync varies slightly between an Android and an iOS device. Android devices can synchronize your contacts and other data including that from Facebook, Google, and Twitter. As a result, all devices using the same Google account will have access to the same data. This makes it easier to replace a damaged device without data loss. Android Sync also allows the user to choose the types of data to synchronize. Android devices also support automatic synchronization with a feature called Auto Sync. This synchronizes the device with the service provider\'s servers automatically, without user intervention. To save on battery life, you can disable automatic synchronization for all or just some of the data. The following are the various steps to synchronize an Android device. To review what data to synchronize on an Android device. 1. Open your device's Settings app. 2. Tap **Accounts and backup** \> **Manage accounts**. 3. If you have more than one account on your device, tap the one you want. 4. Tap **Sync account**. 5. Review the data to be synchronized and when they last synced. You can enable or disable which apps to sync. To disable auto-sync on an Android device. 1. Open your device's Settings app. 2. Tap **Accounts and backup** \> **Manage accounts**. 3. Disable **Auto sync data**. iOS devices support two types of synchronizing: - **Backup** - Copies your personal data from your phone to your computer or iCloud. That includes application settings, text messages, voicemails, and other data types. Backup saves a copy of the all data created by the user and by apps. - **Sync** - Copies new apps, music, video, or books from iTunes to your phone and from your phone to iTunes, resulting in full synchronization on both devices. Sync copies only media downloaded via the iTunes Store mobile app, respecting what was specified through iTunes\' Sync definitions. For example, a user can keep movies from syncing to the phone if the user does not watch movies on the phone. As a general rule, when connecting an iOS device to iTunes, always perform a Backup first, and then Sync. This order can be changed in iTunes\' Preferences. A few more useful options are available when performing Sync or Backup on iOS: - **Backup storage location** - iTunes allows backups to be stored on the local computer hard drive or on the iCloud online service. - **Backup straight from an iOS device** - In addition to backing up data from an iOS device to the local hard drive or iCloud through iTunes, users can configure the iOS device to upload a copy of its data directly to iCloud. This is useful as Backups can be performed automatically, eliminating the need to connect to iTunes. Similar to Android, the user can also specify what type of data is sent to the iCloud backup, as shown in the figure. - **Sync over Wi-Fi** - iTunes can scan and connect to iOS on the same Wi-Fi network. When connected, the Backup process can be initiated automatically between iOS devices and iTunes. This is useful as Backups can be performed automatically every time iTunes and the iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a wired USB connection. - To synchronize data between devices, the devices either use USB and Wi-Fi connections. - Most Android devices do not have a desktop program for performing data synchronization, therefore most users sync with Google's different web services, even when synchronizing with a desktop or laptop computer. One benefit of synchronizing data using this method is that the data is accessible from any computer or mobile device at any time by signing in to a Google account. The disadvantage of this arrangement is that it can be difficult to synchronize data with programs that are installed locally on a computer, such as Outlook for email, calendar, and contacts. - iOS devices can also use Wi-Fi Sync to synchronize with iTunes. To use Wi-Fi Sync, the iOS device must first synchronize with iTunes using a USB cable. You must also turn on Sync over Wi-Fi Connection in the Summary pane of iTunes as shown in the figure. After that, you can use Wi-Fi Sync or a USB cable. When the iOS device is on the same wireless network as the computer running iTunes and it is plugged into a power source, it automatically synchronizes with iTunes. - Microsoft also offers cloud storage for synchronizing data between devices through the use of OneDrive. OneDrive is also able to synchronize data between mobile devices and PCs. Because laptops and mobile devices are portable, they are used in different types of environments. As a result, they are more likely than desktop computers to be exposed to harmful materials and situations, including dirt and contamination, spills, drops, excessive heat or cold, and excessive moisture. In a laptop, many components are placed in a very small area directly beneath the keyboard. Spilling liquid onto the keyboard can result in severe internal damage. It is important to keep a laptop clean. Proper care and maintenance can help laptop components run more efficiently and extend the life of the equipment. A preventive maintenance program is important in addressing such issues and must include a routine schedule for maintenance. Maintenance should also be performed when usage demands it. The preventive maintenance schedule for a laptop may include practices that are unique to a particular organization but should also include the standard procedures of cleaning, hard drive maintenance, and software updates. To keep a laptop clean, be proactive, not reactive. Keep fluids and food away from the laptop. Close the laptop when it is not in use. When cleaning a laptop, never use harsh cleaners or solutions that contain ammonia. Use nonabrasive materials including compressed air, mild cleaning solutions, cotton swabs, and a soft, lint-free cloth.: Caution: Before you clean a laptop, disconnect it from all power sources and remove the battery. Routine maintenance includes the monthly cleaning of these laptop components: - **Exterior case** - Wipe the case with a soft, lint-free cloth that is lightly moistened with water or mild cleaning solution. - **Cooling vents and I/O ports** - Use compressed air or a non-electrostatic vacuum to clean out the dust from the vents and from the fan behind the vent. Use tweezers to remove any debris. - **Display** - Wipe the display with a soft, lint-free cloth that is lightly moistened with a computer-screen cleaner. - **Keyboard** - Wipe the keyboard with a soft, lint-free cloth that is lightly moistened with water or mild cleaning solution. - **Touchpad** - Wipe the surface of the touchpad gently with a soft, lint-free cloth that is moistened with an approved cleaner. Never use a wet cloth. Note: If it is obvious that the laptop needs to be cleaned, clean it. Do not wait for the next scheduled maintenance. Mobile devices are often carried in pockets or purses. They can be damaged by drops, excess moisture, heat, or cold. Although mobile device screens are designed to prevent light scratching, the touchscreen should be protected using a screen protector if possible. Preventative maintenance for mobile devices requires only three basic tasks: cleaning, backing up data and keeping the operating system and applications up to date. - **Cleaning** -- Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a cleaning solution designed for a touchscreen to keep the touchscreen clean. Do not use ammonia or alcohol to clean the touchscreen. - **Backing up the data** - Keep a backup copy of the information on the mobile device to another source, such as a cloud drive. The information includes contact, music, photos, video, apps, and any customized settings. - **Updating the system and applications** -- When a new version of the operating system or applications is available, the device should be updated to ensure that the device is working at its best. An update can include new features, fixes, or improvements to performance and stability. the six steps of the troubleshooting process are: 1. **Identify the problem**: Determine the exact issue that needs to be resolved. 2. **Establish a theory of probable cause**: Formulate potential causes for the problem. 3. **Test the theory to determine the cause**: Verify if the identified causes are indeed responsible for the problem. 4. **Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution**: Develop and execute a plan to fix the issue. 5. **Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures**: Ensure the system is fully operational and take steps to prevent future issues. 6. **Document findings, actions, and outcomes**: Record the problem, the steps taken to resolve it, and the final outcome for future reference. In this chapter, you learned the features and functionality of laptops and other mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, as well as how to remove and install internal and external components. Laptops are portable computers and usually run full versions of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux while smartphones and tablets run special operating systems that are designed for mobile devices. Other small mobile devices that are popular are smartwatches, fitness trackers, and virtual and augmented reality headsets. You learned that laptops use the same types of ports as desktop computers so that peripheral devices can be interchangeable. Mobile devices can also use some of the same peripheral devices. Essential input devices, such as a keyboard and track pad, are built into laptops to provide similar functionality as desktop computers. Some laptops and mobile devices use touchscreens as input devices. The internal components of laptops are typically smaller than desktop components because they are designed to fit into compact spaces and conserve energy. The internal components of mobile devices are usually connected to the circuit board to keep the device compact and lightweight. Laptops feature function keys that can be pressed in combination with the Fn key. The functions performed by these keys are specific to the laptop model. Docking stations and port replicators can increase the functionality of laptops by providing the same types of ports that are featured on desktop computers. Some mobile devices use a docking station to charge or use peripheral devices. Laptops most commonly feature LCD or LED technology, many of which are touchscreen. Backlights illuminate LCD laptop displays. OLED displays have no backlight. Laptops and mobile devices can feature several wireless technologies, including Bluetooth, Infrared, Wi-Fi and the ability to access Cellular WANs. Laptops provide many expansion possibilities. Users can add memory to increase performance, make use of flash memory to increase storage capacity, or increase functionality by using expansion cards. Some mobile devices can add more storage capacity by upgrading or adding more flash memory, such as MicroSD cards. At the end of the chapter, you learned the importance of a preventive maintenance program for laptops and other mobile devices. They are used in different types of environments, and as a result, they are more likely than desktop computers to be exposed to harmful materials and situations, including dirt and contamination, spills, drops, excessive heat or cold, and excessive moisture. Finally, you learned the six steps in the troubleshooting process as they pertain to laptops and other mobile devices.