Dell Inspiron 13 7000 User Manual
Me and My Dell
© 2014 Dell Inc.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make
better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or
loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage,
personal injury, or death.
Copyright © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected
by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States
and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
2014 – 08 Rev. A02
Contents
Windows 8.1 Features 12
Signing in 12
Microsoft account 12
Local account 12
Locking and unlocking your computer 12
Accessing the desktop 13
Turning off your computer 13
Start screen and tiles 14
Apps 14
Closing an app 14
Snapping apps 14
More Information 15
Setting Up Your Computer 16
Connecting To The Internet 16
Connecting to the Internet Using LAN 16
Connecting to the Internet Using WLAN 16
Connecting to the Internet Using WWAN 17
Setting up Audio 18
Configuring 5.1/7.1 Audio 18
Connecting 5.1 Speakers 19
Connecting 7.1 Speakers 20
Setting Up Your Printer 21
Contents 3
Setting Up Your Webcam 22
Integrated Webcam 22
External Webcam 22
Setting up Bluetooth 22
About Your Computer 23
Power Adapter 23
Battery 24
Coin-Cell Battery 24
Touchpad 25
Display 25
Touchscreen 25
3D 25
3D Camera 26
Keyboard 26
Physical Keyboard 27
Keyboard Backlight 27
On-Screen Keyboard 28
Keyboard Connection Types 28
Wired 28
Wireless 28
Service Tag and Express-Service Code 29
Locating the Label on Your Computer 29
Dell Support Website 29
BIOS Setup Program 29
4 Contents
Storage Device 30
Internal Storage Devices 30
Removable Storage Devices 30
Optical Drives and Discs 30
Memory Cards 31
Memory Module 33
System Board 34
Chipset 35
Processor 35
Computer Fan 36
Thermal Grease 36
Video Card 37
TV Tuners 38
Internal 38
External 38
Speakers 39
2.1 Audio 39
5.1 Audio 39
7.1 Audio 39
Webcam 40
Network 40
Local Area Network (LAN) 40
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 41
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) 41
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) 41
Contents 5
Modem 42
Router 42
Network-Interface Controller (NIC) 42
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Adapter 43
Bluetooth 43
Near-Field Communication 43
Using Your Computer 44
Charging the Battery 44
Using your Keyboard 44
Keyboard Shortcuts 44
Keyboard Shortcuts — Windows 8.1/Windows RT 47
Customizing Your Keyboard 48
Changing Keyboard Input Language 49
Using Numeric Keypad on a Laptop 50
Using Your Touchpad 50
Touchpad Gestures 51
Scroll 51
Zoom 52
Rotate 53
Flick 53
Quick Launch 54
Using Your Touchscreen 54
Touchscreen Gestures 54
Zoom 55
Dwell 55
Flick 55
Rotate 56
Scroll 56
6 Contents
Using Bluetooth 57
Pairing a Bluetooth device with your computer 57
Using the Webcam 58
Capturing a Still Image 58
Recording a Video 58
Selecting the Camera and Microphone 58
Ports and Connectors 59
Audio 59
Types of Audio Ports 59
USB 60
USB Ports 60
eSATA 61
Visual Graphics Array (VGA) 62
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) 62
DisplayPort 62
Mini-DisplayPort 62
Advantages of DisplayPort 63
HDMI 63
Advantages of HDMI 63
Mini HDMI 63
Micro HDMI 64
S/PDIF 64
Software and Applications 65
Computrace 65
Enabling Computrace 66
Getting Help on Computrace 66
Contents 7
My Dell Downloads 66
My Dell 67
Downloading or Upgrading My Dell 67
Accessing My Dell 67
PC Checkup 67
Solution Station 68
Solution Station Offerings 69
Quickset 69
Installing Quickset 70
NVIDIA 3D Applications 70
Playing Games in 3D 70
Keyboard Shortcuts 71
DellConnect 72
Restoring Your Operating System 73
System Recovery Options 73
Dell Backup and Recovery 74
Dell Backup and Recovery Basic 74
Accessing Dell Backup and Recovery 74
Creating System Reinstall Discs 75
Restoring Your Computer 75
Dell Backup and Recovery Premium 75
Upgrading to Dell Backup and Recovery Premium 75
Restoring system data 75
Restoring specific files or folders from a Full System Backup 75
Restoring specific files or folders from a File & Folder Backup 76
Creating a Full System Backup 76
8 Contents
Dell DataSafe Local Backup 76
Dell DataSafe Local Backup 77
Dell DataSafe Local Backup Basic 77
Launching Dell DataSafe Local Backup 77
Creating system reinstall disks 77
Restoring your computer to a previous date or factory settings 77
Dell DataSafe Local Backup Premium 78
Upgrading to Dell DataSafe Local Backup Premium 78
Restoring system data 78
Restoring data using File and Folder Local Backup 78
Restoring specific files or folders from a Full System Backup 78
Restoring specific files or folders from a File & Folder Backup 78
Dell Factory Image Restore 79
Accessing Dell Factory Image Restore 79
Starting Dell Factory Image Restore 80
System Restore 81
Windows 8.1 81
Using System Restore 81
Undoing the Last System Restore 81
Windows 7 82
Using System Restore 82
Undoing the Last System Restore 82
Operating System Disc 83
Reinstalling the Operating System Using the Operating
System Disc 83
System Reinstall Discs 83
Restoring Your Computer Using System Reinstall Disc 84
Contents 9
Troubleshooting 85
Basic Troubleshooting Steps 85
Diagnostics 85
Pre-Boot System Assessment 85
Invoking PSA 85
Enhanced PSA 86
LCD BIST 87
Starting LCD BIST 87
Invoking ePSA 88
Beep Codes 89
BIOS 90
Changing BIOS Settings 90
Entering BIOS Setup Program 90
Resetting BIOS Password 91
Remove the CMOS Battery 91
Use System-Board Jumper 91
Changing the Boot Sequence 92
Using Boot Menu 92
Using BIOS Setup Program 92
Getting Help and ContactingDell 93
Getting Help 93
Contacting Dell 93
10 Contents
References 94
Computer Maintenance 94
Power Management 94
Configuring Power Settings 95
Configuring the Power Button Behavior 96
Improving Battery Life 96
Dell Longevity Mode 97
Dell Desktop Mode 98
Migration Tips 98
Migrating from one Windows Operating System to a newer
OperatingSystem 98
Ergonomic Instructions 99
Dell and the Environment 100
Regulatory Compliance Policy 102
Contact Details for Regulatory Compliance Web site 102
Additional Compliance Information 102
Contents 11
Windows 8.1 Features
Signing in
You can sign in to Windows 8.1 using either a Microsoft account or a
localaccount.
Microsoft account
NOTE: To sign in using a Microsoft account for the first time,
yourcomputer must be connected to the Internet.
Using a Microsoft account synchronizes settings, customizations, and soon,
with your Microsoft account and other Windows8.1 devices that you sign in
to using the same email ID. It also associates the email, OneDrive, and other
linked accounts with your user profile on the computer. The settings of your
computer are backed up in your Microsoft account so that you can restore
them if needed.
To sign in using an existing Microsoft account, type the email ID
andpassword.
To create a new Microsoft account, tap or click Sign up for a new email
address and follow the instructions on the screen.
Local account
Tap or click Sign in without a Microsoft account and follow the instructions
on the screen.
Locking and unlocking your computer
Locking your computer:
1. Access the charms sidebar and tap or click Start.
2. Tap or click your account picture in the upper-right corner and then
select Lock.
Unlocking your computer:
1. Swipe-up from the bottom edge of the screen (or press any key if you
are using a keyboard) to dismiss the lock screen.
2. In the log on screen, login to your computer using the method of your
choice.
NOTE: To use a different sign-in method, tap or click Sign-in options
to see the available options.
12 Signing in
Accessing the desktop
To access the desktop interface — like in the previous versions of
Windows— tap or click the Desktop tile on the Start screen.
Turning off your computer
On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon → Shut down.
Charms
Charms provide quick access to the most common tasks such as search,
share, settings, and so on. The charms sidebar displays a list of charms
available depending on the screen or app that is active. To open the charms
sidebar, swipe-in from the right edge of the screen or point your mouse to
the upper/lower-right corner of the screen. If you are using a multi-touch
touchpad, swipe-in from the right edge of the touchpad.
The most common charms are Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings.
Search Allows you to find apps, settings,
and files on your computer and the
internet.
Share Allows you to share photos, links,
and so on with your friends and
social networks.
Start Toggles between the Start screen
and last used app.
Devices Allows you to send files to printers,
other computer, and so on. Also
allows to send video and audio to
supported devices, such as a TV.
Settings Provides access to notifications,
volume controls, brightness
controls, and other computer
settings.
Accessing the desktop 13
Start screen and tiles
Start screen provides access to apps, friends, files and folders, and so on.
You can customize the Start screen by adding, resizing, or removing tiles.
You can also move tiles around and group them together.
Some of the tiles are automatically updated and lets you read the news
headlines, status updates, and so on.
You can also search from the Start screen by typing the keyword and
tapping or pressing the <Enter> key.
Apps
Apps are programs created specifically to utilize the metro interface of
Windows 8.1. Apps run in full-screen mode . These apps are specifically
designed for Windows 8.1 interface. Tap or click on the apptile to launch
the app.
Closing an app
•If you are using a touchscreen, drag the app to the bottom of the screen
and release the app.
•If you are using a mouse, click and drag the app from the top of the
screen to the bottom of the screen and release the app.
Snapping apps
You can view two apps simultaneously by snapping them together.
To snap apps:
1. Open the two apps.
2. Drag and release one of the apps to the right-side of the screen to dock
the app.
3. Drag and release the other app to the left-side of the screen to dock
theapp.
You may resize the apps by holding the resize button and dragging it.
14 Start screen and tiles
More Information
You can get more information on Windows 8.1 and the new features using
any of the following resources.
•Help + Tips tile
•dell.com/support
•microsoft.com
More Information 15
Setting Up Your Computer
The setup procedure will vary according to your computer. For setup
instructions specific to your computer or tablet, see the Quick Start Guide
that shipped with your computer or at dell.com/support.
Connecting To The Internet
You can connect your computer to the internet using cable, DSL, dial‑up, or
a WWAN connection. You may also install a wired or wireless router to share
your cable or DSL internet connection with multiple devices. Some cable
and DSL modems also have built‑in wireless routers.
NOTE: Before connecting your computer to the internet using a cable
or DSL modem, make sure your broadband modem and router are
configured. For information on setting up your modem and router,
contact your internet service provider.
Connecting to the Internet Using LAN
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the modem or router and to
yourcomputer.
2. Check for activity lights on the modem or router, and your computer.
NOTE: Some computers may not have activity lights.
3. Open your web browser to verify Internet connection.
Connecting to the Internet Using WLAN
NOTE: Make sure Wi‑Fi is enabled on your computer. For more
information on enabling wireless on your computer, see the Quick Start
Guide that shipped with your computer or at dell.com/support.
Windows 8.1/Windows RT
1. Make sure that wireless is enabled on your computer or tablet.
2. Select Settings in the charms sidebar.
3. Select .
4. Click on the network you want to connect to.
5. Enter the network password, if prompted.
NOTE: You may have configured the network password while setting
up the router or the router may have a default network password.
Fordetails, contact the router manufacturer.
6. Turn on/o file sharing (optional).
16 Setting Up Your Computer
Windows 7
1. Make sure that wireless is enabled on your computer or tablet.
2. In the notification area, select .
3. Click on the network you want to connect to.
4. Enter the network password, if prompted.
NOTE: You may have configured the network key while setting up
the router or the router may have a default network key. Fordetails,
contact the router manufacturer.
5. Turn on/o file sharing (optional).
Connecting to the Internet Using WWAN
WWAN connection does not require a modem or a router to allow your
laptop or tablet to connect to the internet. The WWAN card on your
computer connects directly to the service provider’s network, like your cell
phone.
If you purchased a tablet with a network service contract, the internet may
already be activated.
Windows 8.1/Windows RT
1. Make sure that wireless is enabled on your computer or tablet.
2. Select Settings in the charms sidebar.
3. Select .
4. Click on the network you want to connect to.
Windows 7
1. Click Start , type Mobile Broadband Utility in the search box
and press <Enter>.
2. In the Mobile Broadband Utility window, click Connect.
Setting Up Your Computer 17
Setting up Audio
Dell laptops and tablets have built‑in speakers that support 2‑channel audio.
To use the built‑in speakers, play the media and set the volume to your
desired level.
Dell computers and tablets also support a 3.5 mm audio port to allow you to
connect external speakers. If you are setting up 2‑channel audio, connect
the speakers to the 3.5 mm headphone port or the audio port.
Dell desktops may support 5.1/7.1 audio. If you are setting up 5.1/7.1 audio,
you must connect the speakers to the appropriate ports for best audio
output.
NOTE: For more information on the ports available on your computer
ortablet, see the Specifications at dell.com/support.
NOTE: For best results, place the speakers as specified in the documents
that shipped with your speakers.
NOTE: On computers with a discrete sound card, connect the speakers
to the connectors on the card.
Configuring 5.1/7.1 Audio
Configure your computer to provide multi‑channel audio output.
Windows 8.1
1. Access the Search charm.
2. Click Settings and type Audio in the search box.
3. Click Manage Audio Devices.
4. Click Speaker/Headphones.
5. Click Next.
6. Click Configure and click Test. You should hear a tone from every
speaker.
7. Click Finish.
Windows 7
1. Click Start , type Sound in the search box and press <Enter>. In the
results that appear, click Sound. Alternatively, click Start → Control
Panel→ Hardware and Sound→ Sound.
2. Select Speakers and click Configure.
The Speaker Setup window appears.
3. Select a speaker configuration under Audio channels: and click Test.
You should hear a tone from every speaker.
4. Click Next and follow the instructions on the screen.
18 Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting 5.1 Speakers
1 Rear audio connector on the
computer
2 Center/LFE surround out on
the computer
3 Front audio connector on
the computer
4 5.1 channel audio cable
5 Center/LFE surround out on
the speaker
6 Front audio connector on the
speaker
7 Rear audio connector on the
speaker
Setting Up Your Computer 19
Connecting 7.1 Speakers
1 Rear audio connector on
the computer
2 Center/LFE surround out
on the computer
3 Side audio connector on
the computer
4 Front audio connector on
the computer
5 7.1 channel audio cable
20 Setting Up Your Computer
6 Center/LFE surround out on
7 Front audio connector on the
8 Rear audio connector on the
9 Side audio connector on the
the speaker
speaker
speaker
speaker
Setting Up Your Printer
You can connect a printer to your computer using USB. Some printers may
also support Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connection.
NOTE: The features supported by your printer and the steps to install
may vary depending on the printer model. For more information on
setting up the printer, see the documentation that is shipped with your
printer.
If you are installing a wired printer, connect the printer to your computer
using the USB cable before performing these steps. If you are installing a
wireless printer, follow the instructions in the documentation of your printer.
Windows 8.1
1. Access the Search charm.
2. Click Settings and type Devices in the search box.
3. Click Devices and follow the instruction on the screen.
NOTE: If your printer is installed, it should appear in the list on the
right side. If your printer isn’t in this list, click Add a device at the top
of the device list. Select your printer from this list to install it. For
more information on setting up the printer, see the documentation
that is shipped with your printer.
Windows 7
1. Click Start → Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a Printer. The Add Printer Wizard appears.
3. Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.
NOTE: You may be prompted to install the printer driver while adding
your printer. Use the printer‑driver media or download the drivers
from the printer manufacturer’s website. For more information on
setting up the printer, see the documentation that is shipped with
your printer.
Setting Up Your Computer 21
Setting Up Your Webcam
Integrated Webcam
The integrated webcam is present on the laptop display or external display.
If you order the webcam along with your computer, the drivers and software
are installed when you receive your computer. Use the media shipped with
the computer only to reinstall them. For more information on using the
webcam, see “Using the Webcam”.
External Webcam
Use the media that is shipped with your webcam to install the drivers and
other required software to use all the features of your webcam. For more
information, see the documentation that shipped with your webcam.
Setting up Bluetooth
You can enable Bluetooth on your computer by turning on the wireless.
Most laptops and tablets are shipped with a built‑in Buletooth card.
To pair a device with your computer or tablet, see the documentation for
your device.
NOTE: To find out if your computer or tablet has an internal
Bluetoothcard, seethe Specifications of your computer or tablet at
dell.com/support.
22 Setting Up Your Computer
About Your Computer
Power Adapter
Power adapters are used to supply power to portable computers and certain
desktop computers. The Dell power-adapter kit consists of the power
adapter and the power cable. The power-adapter rating (65 W, 90 W, and
soon) depends on the computer it is designed for, and the power cable
varies based on the country where the power adapter is shipped.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging your computer, it is recommended
touse only the power adapter that shipped with your computer or
aDell‑approved replacement power adapter.
Power Adapter 23
Battery
Batteries are mainly classified by their power ratings, such as 45WHr,
65WHr, and soon. The battery allows you to use your device when it is not
connected to a power outlet.
The life cycle of the battery is the number of time it can be discharged
and recharged without affecting the operating time significantly. After the
battery life-cycle reaches its end, you must replace the battery.
Depending on the computer model, the battery on your computer may be
user replaceable or may require a Dell service technician to replace.
NOTE: High-capacity batteries generally have a longer life-cycle, since
you need to charge high-capacity batteries less often compared to
lowcapacity batteries.
NOTE: For tips on improving the battery life, see “Improving Battery Life”.
Coin‑Cell Battery
Coin-cell battery provides power to the Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS) chip while the computer is turned off. The CMOS
chip contains the time, date, and other configuration information about
your computer.
Under normal usage conditions, the coin-cell battery can last for several
years. The factors that affect coin-cell battery life are type of system board,
temperature, the time for which the computer is powered off, and soon.
24 Battery
Touchpad
A touchpad is available on most laptops and provides the functionality
of amouse. It has a touch-sensitive surface that senses the motion
and position of your finger(s). You can use the touchpad to move the
cursor, drag or move selected items, and click by tapping the surface.
Gesture-enabled touchpads support gestures such as zoom, pinch, rotate,
scroll, andso on. You can also purchase external touchpads.
NOTE: For information on using the touchpad, see “Using Your
Touchpad”.
Display
Displays are classified based on their screen size, resolution, color gamut,
and so on. Generally, a screen with higher resolution and better color
support provides better image quality. Some external displays also have
USBports, media-card readers, and so on.
Displays may also support features such as, touchscreen, 3D,
andwirelessconnection.
Touchscreen
Touchscreen is a display device that lets you interact with the objects on
the screen by touching the display instead of using a mouse, touchpad, or a
keyboard. You can operate a touchscreen with a finger, or another passive
object, such as a stylus. Touchscreens are commonly used in phones,
tablets, computers, and so on. Commonly used touchscreen technologies
are capacitive touch and resistive touch.
NOTE: Touchscreen may not be supported on all computers.
NOTE: For information on using the touchscreen, see “Using Your
Touchscreen”.
3D
3D-capable displays can display 3D images and videos. 3D works by
presenting separate 2D images to the left and right eye. These images are
then combined and interpreted by the brain as one image with depth.
NOTE: You may need specially designed 3D glasses to be able to view
3D images.
Touchpad 25
3D Camera
3D camera allows you to capture and stream three-dimensional images,
making it possible to perceive distance, size, dimensions of objects through
the built-in sensors. This enables enhanced interactivity during video
conferencing, online gaming, and so on.
Wireless Display
The wireless feature allows you to share your computer display with a
compatible TV without the use of cables. To check if your TV supports this
feature, see the documentation of the TV.
Minimum requirements for setting up wireless display are:
Processor Intel Core i3-3xx
Video Controller Intel HD Graphics
WLAN card Intel Centrino 6100/6200/6300 or
IntelCentrinoAdvanced-N + WiMAX 6250
Operating System Windows 7 or higher.
Driver Latest wireless-card drivers and Intel Wireless
Display Connection Manager available at
dell.com/support.
NOTE: Wireless display may not be supported on all computers.
Keyboard
Keyboards allow you to type characters and perform special functions using
shortcut keys. The number of keys and the characters available may differ
based on the country where the keyboard is shipped.
Laptops have built-in keyboards. Tablets generally have on-screen
keyboards and some tablets also support external keyboards. Dell desktops
have an external keyboard connected using USB or wireless signals.
The common keys available on the keyboard are:
•Alphanumeric keys for typing letters, numbers, punctuation, andsymbols
•Multimedia and application shortcut keys
•Control keys such as <Ctrl>, <Alt>, <Esc>, and the Windows key
•Shortcut keys to perform specific tasks or to launch specific features
•Function keys, <F1> through <F12>
26 Keyboard
•Navigation keys for moving the cursor around in documents or
windows: <Home>, <End>, <Page Up>, <Page Down>, <Delete>,
<Insert>, and arrow keys
Physical Keyboard
Physical keyboards are used with laptop and desktop computers.
Laptopsgenerally have a built-in keyboard. External keyboards are generally
used with desktop computers. Some keyboards may have features such
as keys for volume adjustment, application shortcuts, built-in touchpad,
programmable shortcut keys, backlight, and so on.
Keyboard Backlight
The backlight present on some physical keyboards illuminates the symbols
on the keys to allow for using the keyboard in dark environments. You
can turn on the backlight manually or configure the backlight to turn on
automatically when your computer is placed in a dark environment.
Keyboard 27
]The backlit keyboard on Dell laptops have different lighting states. Press the
<Fn> and the right-arrow key to toggle between the various lighting states.
NOTE: Backlit keyboard may not be available on all computers. To check
if backlit keyboard is available on your computer, see the Specifications
of your computer at dell.com/support.
On‑Screen Keyboard
On-screen keyboards are available on almost all computers and tablets,
however, they are generally used in touchscreen devices such as tablets and
all-in-one computers. You can select the keys using a mouse or by touching
the keys on a touchscreen.
Keyboard Connection Types
Keyboards can be connected to your computer with a cable (wired) or using
wireless signals (wireless).
Wired
Wired keyboards are connected to the computer using a cable (generally
USB) and do not require additional power source, such as batteries.
Wireless
Wireless keyboards use Radio Frequency (RF) or Bluetooth (BT) to connect
to your computer. This reduces cable clutter and gives you the flexibility to
use the keyboard from a more comfortable position within a few meters
from the computer. Such keyboards require batteries to operate.
Keyboard that use RFtechnology usually ship with a receiver that you
must connect to your computer. Bluetooth keyboards can pair with your
computer’s built-in Bluetooth card or an external Bluetooth adapter.
28 Keyboard
Service Tag and Express‑Service Code
You can find the Service Tag and the Express-Service Code of your
computer using one of the following:
•Label on the computer or tablet
•My Dell tile or My Dell software on your computer. For more
information, see “My Dell”.
•Dell support website at dell.com/support
•BIOS setup program
Locating the Label on Your Computer
Laptops — Bottom of the laptop (under system badge or in battery bay)
Desktops — Back or top of the computer chassis
Tablets — Back of the tablet
NOTE: For the specific location of the label on your device,
seetheQuick Start Guide that shipped with your computer or at
dell.com/support.
Dell Support Website
1. Go to dell.com/support.
2. Click Detect Service Tag and follow the instructions on the screen.
BIOS Setup Program
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear
andthen press <F2> immediately to enter BIOS setup program.
NOTE: The F2 prompt stays active only for a short time. If you miss
the prompt, wait for your computer to boot up to the desktop, then
turn off your computer and try again.
3. Navigate to the Main tab and look for Service Tag.
For more information about System Setup, see the Service Manual of
your computer at dell.com/support.
Service Tag and Express‑Service Code 29
Storage Device
Storage devices allow you to store data for later use. Storage devices can
be internal or external. Most storage devices store data till you manually
delete the data. Examples of storage devices are hard-disk drives (HDD),
solid-statedrives (SSD), optical-disc drives, flash drives, and so on.
Internal Storage Devices
Internal storage devices are installed within your computer and generally
cannot be removed while the computer is turned on. The most common
internal storage devices are HDDs and SSDs.
HDDs and SSDs use SATA interface to transfer information. SSDs are
alsophysically similar to HDDs, which makes them compatible with
existingcomputers.
HDDs have disk platters, whereas SSDs have flash memory. This makes
SSDsfaster, quieter, energy efficient, and shock resistant.
Removable Storage Devices
Storage devices that you can remove from your computer without turning
the computer off are called removable storage devices. Commonly used
removable storage devices include:
•Optical discs
•Memory cards
•Flash drives
•External hard drives
Optical Drives and Discs
Your computer may support a DVD RW or a DVD RW and Blu-ray combo
drive. Optical discs can be read-only, write-once, or re-writeable.
Some of the common types of drives are:
•Blu-ray writer — Reads and writes to Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs.
•Blu-ray reader + DVD RW combo — Reads Blu-ray Discs. Reads and
writes to DVDs and CDs.
•DVD RW — Reads and writes DVDs and CDs.
30 Storage Device
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