Summary

16 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideLaptops are small and portable. This portability feature is achieved by combining the smallsize and weight of a laptop with the ability to operate from a battery. When the laptop isplugged in, laptop power management sends electricity from the AC power source to thelaptop components. The laptop power management also recharges the battery. When thelaptop is unplugged, laptop power management takes electricity from the battery and sendsit to the laptop components.There are two methods of power management:■■Advanced Power Management (APM): APM is an earlier version of power management.With APM, the BIOS was used to control the settings for power management.Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI): ACPI has replaced APM. ACPIoffers additional power management features. With ACPI, the operating system controlspower management.You learn more about APM and ACPI in the section “Describe How to Configure PowerSettings,” later in this chapter.Compare and Contrast Desktop and Laptop ExpansionCapabilitiesExpansion capabilities add functionality to a computer. Many expansion devices can beused with both laptops and desktops:■■■■■■External drivesModemsNetwork cardsWireless adaptersPrintersOther peripheralsExpansion devices are attached to laptops and desktops differently. A desktop attaches thesedevices with USB ports and parallel ports. A laptop attaches these devices with USB ports,parallel ports, and PC Cards.The standardized use of USB and FireWire ports makes it possible to connect many typesof external components to laptops, docking stations, port replicators, and desktops. TheUSB and FireWire standards make it possible to connect and remove external componentswithout the need to power off the system. USB and FireWire ports are used to connect arange of external components:■■PrintersScanners