PCs, Laptops, Smartphones & Co. • Digitalführerschein (DiFü)

A2 | PCs, Laptops, Smartphones & Co.

Here you will learn about a variety of devices you can use to access the internet, and the operating systems they run on.

A desktop PC consists of a computer, an external screen, a keyboard, and a mouse. Because these PCs are usually placed on desks at home or in the office, they are called desktop PCs.

A notebook or laptop is a portable folding computer. Both terms are derived from how the devices are used: With a laptop, you can work with the computer on your lap, and a notebook resembles a notepad with its folding lid.
Smartphones and tablets are computers as well. While desktop PCs and notebooks are operated with a keyboard and mouse or touchpad, touchscreens are used to operate smartphones and tablets.

A smartphone is a telephone and computer in one device. While this technology is usually referred to as a “mobile phone” in the UK, it is typically called a “cell phone” in the US.

A tablet, or tablet PC, is a flat computer with a touch display. The name comes from its appearance, as its flat form resembles a traditional serving tablet. Tablets are often used for entertainment purposes at home or while traveling, while in professional settings they are used to quickly and easily read or discuss files, and quickly connect to the internet.

Hardware & Software

All the devices mentioned, including their internal components, are referred to as hardware.

Everything that is controlled, managed, and activated through operating systems, programs, and apps is referred to as software.
Every computer – whether it be a tablet, laptop, smartphone, or desktop PC – needs an operating system in order to function properly. An operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and their computer. While there are several different computer manufacturers, only a few operating systems are widely used worldwide.

For Desktop PCs and Laptops:

Almost all manufacturers of laptops and desktop PCs use the Windows operating system from Microsoft.

Apple uses its own macOS operating system for its computers. “OS” stands for Operating System.

For Smartphones and Tablets:

Almost all manufacturers use the Android operating system.

Apple smartphones (called iPhones) use the company’s own iOS operating system. For Apple tablets (iPads), the operating system is called iPadOS, and looks very similar to iOS.
An operating system has several different functions:

An operating system allows you to easily control your device without having to code or memorize commands. For example, you can adjust the volume and screen brightness by clicking on small icons with your mouse.

The operating system acts as a device administrator and has control over hardware, software, files, and permissions. Whether it’s determining how the hardware in your device should operate, which software you can control, where files are stored, or who has user rights on the device, the operating system enables the interaction between all components.

While you do need a browser to go online, a browser alone is not enough. The operating system also plays a major role in establishing an internet connection. With the help of the operating system, you are able to adjust a variety of settings.

An operating system also provides protection against online threats. Have you heard of a firewall? This acts as a device’s internal protection, and is almost always activated automatically to protect you from online threats. This is why it is particularly advisable to keep your operating system up to date with the latest updates.