
IT Certification Practice Exams

A+ Essentials Tutorial

2.0 Laptop and Portable Devices

2.1 Identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices

Input devices (e.g. stylus / digitizer, function (Fn) keys and pointing devices such as touch pad, point stick / track point)

Function (Fn) keys:

Fn key is commonly found in notebook computers. The primary reason for providing an Fn key in notebooks is to ensure a compact keyboard. Fn is a modifier key on notebook keyboards and used to combine keys which are otherwise kept separate.

Unlike other modifier keys such as Shift , the control circuit inside the keyboard sends out a different key code depending on whether the Fn key is depressed. This allows the compact keyboard to provide functionality of a full sized keyboard.

The Fn key combinations may also be mapped to control system interfaces to change the LCD brightness and contrast, display output, eject a CD, or adjust speaker volume on laptop computers.

Touchpad:

Touchpad is an input device widely used in laptop computers. It is used to position or move the the curser according to the finger movement on the touchpad. A touchpad is similar to that of a mouse on a desktop computer. A typical touchpad is shown below:

touchpad

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.

The touchpad (A) also has a right button (B) and a left button (C). Use the left and right buttons below the touchpad to select objects, cut, paste, or drag objects.

Stylus/Digitizer:

Stylus is a pointing and drawing device shaped like a pen, and used with with a digitizing tablet or touch screen. The stylus point is made of a non scratching plastic to "write" on Personal Digital Assitants (PDAs) or any similar device screen. stylus

A Dell Axim stylus pen is shown in the figure above.

Download practice tests: A+ Essentials 220-601, A+ IT Technician 220-602, A+ Remote Support Technician 220-603, A+ Depot Technician 220-604