Summary

2 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideWith the increase in demand for mobility, the popularity of laptops and portable deviceswill continue to grow. During the course of your career, you will be expected to know howto configure, repair, and maintain these devices. The knowledge you acquire about desktopcomputers will help you service laptops and portable devices. However, there are importantdifferences between the two technologies.To facilitate mobility, laptops and portable devices use wireless technologies more thandesktops. All laptops use batteries when they are disconnected from a power source.Docking stations are commonly used to connect a laptop to peripheral devices. As a computertechnician, you will be required to configure, optimize, and troubleshoot these dockingstations and accessories, as well as the laptop or portable device that they accompany.Many laptop components are proprietary, so some manufacturers require that you completespecialized certification training to perform laptop repairs.Servicing laptops can be very challenging. Mastering the skills necessary to work on laptopsis important to your career advancement.Describe Wireless Communication Methods forLaptops and Portable DevicesWireless devices give people the freedom to work, learn, play, and communicate whereverthey want. People using wireless-capable devices do not need to be tied to a physical locationto send and receive voice, video, and data communications. As a result, wireless facilities,such as Internet cafes, are opening in many countries. College campuses use wirelessnetworks to allow students to sign up for classes, watch lectures, and submit assignments inareas where physical connections to the network are unavailable. This trend toward wirelesscommunications will continue to grow as more people use wireless devices.After completing this section, you will meet these objectives:■■■■■Describe Bluetooth technology.Describe infrared technology.Describe cellular WAN technology.Describe Wi-Fi technology.Describe satellite technology.Describe Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth is a wireless technology that enables devices to communicate over short distances.A Bluetooth device can connect up to seven other Bluetooth devices to create awireless personal-area network (WPAN). This technical specification is described by the