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Study guide · 1.6

Identify digital devices and connections

Digital devices process data and connect to each other through cables, connectors and wireless links. Recognising processing devices and common connectors helps you choose the right cable and understand what a device can do.

A study feature written by ExamDragon, not part of the real exam. Each heading is one of Certiport's skills for this objective.

1.6.1Define processing devices

  • A processing device takes input, works on it and produces output; the CPU is the main processor in most devices.
  • Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, servers and game consoles are all processing devices.
  • A GPU handles graphics and other parallel work; many devices also have chips designed to speed up AI tasks.
  • RAM holds data the processor is using right now; storage (SSD or hard drive) keeps data when the power is off.
  • Smart devices such as watches, thermostats and speakers also contain small processors.

Example: A smartphone takes a photo (input), its processor improves the image (processing) and shows it on screen (output).

1.6.2Distinguish between categories of data cables and connectors

  • USB is the most common data and power connector; USB-C is small, reversible and carries data, power and often video.
  • Older USB-A is the flat rectangular plug still found on many computers and chargers.
  • HDMI and DisplayPort carry digital video and audio to monitors, TVs and projectors; VGA is an older analogue video connector.
  • Ethernet (RJ45) cables connect devices to a wired network.
  • A 3.5 mm jack carries analogue audio to headphones and speakers.
  • The same connector shape can support different speeds, so check a cable's specification when speed matters.

Example: To show slides on a classroom TV, a teacher connects a laptop's HDMI port to the TV, or uses a USB-C to HDMI adapter on a laptop without an HDMI port.

Key terms

CPU
Central processing unit: the main chip that carries out instructions.
RAM
Temporary working memory that is cleared when the power is off.
USB-C
A small reversible connector for data, charging and often video.
HDMI
A digital connector for video and audio to displays.
Ethernet
A wired network connection that uses RJ45 plugs.

Easy to confuse

  • RAM and storage are different: RAM is temporary, storage is long-term.
  • Not every USB-C cable supports fast data or video; some are charge-only.
  • VGA is analogue video; HDMI and DisplayPort are digital.

After this guide: You can name common processing devices and choose the correct cable or connector for a task.