Summary of Chapter 2: Mobile Computing
This chapter provides an overview of mobile computing, including its definition,
trends, paradigms, applications, devices, operating systems, and development
challenges.
Definition & Trends:
1. Computing has evolved from mainframe to personal computing and
now to mobile and pervasive computing.
2. Mobile computing involves performing computations on portable
devices using wireless networks.
Computing Paradigms:
1. Personal Computing: Local software installation and customization.
2. Distributed Computing: Multiple computers communicate over a
network.
3. Parallel Computing: Processing split across multiple processors.
4. Mobile Computing: Wireless computation on mobile devices.
5. Pervasive Computing: Seamless, ubiquitous computing (e.g., smart
environments).
6. Cloud Computing: Remote access to computation, software, and
storage.
Mobile Devices:
1. Includes laptops, notebooks, netbooks, UMPCs, tablets, smartphones,
PDAs, e-book readers, and communication devices (pagers, cordless
phones).
2. Smartphones combine phone capabilities with computing features like
GPS, Wi-Fi, and multimedia functions.
Mobile Computing Applications:
1. Transportation: GPS tracking, accident prevention.
2. Emergency Services: Disaster relief, patient data transmission.
3. Business: Mobile banking, e-commerce, advertising.
4. Education & Entertainment: E-learning, gaming, outdoor internet
access.
5. Location-Based Services: Finding nearby ATMs, restaurants.
Mobile OS:
1. Android (open-source, widespread adoption).
2. iOS (Apple’s proprietary system).
3. Windows Mobile (Microsoft’s platform).
4. BlackBerry OS (Enterprise-focused).
5. Other OS: Symbian, Palm OS, Bada, MeeGo, webOS.
Challenges in Mobile Computing:
1. Location issues: Changing locations affect connectivity.
2. Connection quality: Variable bandwidth, frequent disconnections.
3. Device limitations: Low power, small storage, CPU constraints.
4. Security risks: Data breaches, malware threats.
Mobile Software Development:
1. Programming languages include Java, C++, HTML, JavaScript.
2. Challenges include different OS platforms, screen sizes, input
methods, and security concerns.
3. Solutions involve multi-modal interfaces, simplified algorithms,
encryption, and cross-platform development tools.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1 What is the primary characteristic of mobile computing?
a) Wired communication
b) Wireless communication ✅
c) High power consumption
d) Desktop-based applications
2 Which computing paradigm involves multiple computers appearing as a single
system?
a) Personal Computing
b) Distributed Computing ✅
c) Mobile Computing
d) Cloud Computing
3 Which of the following is NOT a type of mobile device?
a) Notebook
b) Desktop Computer ✅
c) Smartphone
d) PDA
4 Which mobile operating system is open-source?
a) iOS
b) Android ✅
c) BlackBerry OS
d) Windows Mobile
5 What is a major challenge in mobile computing?
a) Unlimited power supply
b) Seamless wired network
c) Location dependency ✅
d) Large storage space
6 Which of the following is NOT an application of mobile computing?
a) GPS tracking
b) Mobile banking
c) Space exploration ✅
d) E-learning
7 What does PDA stand for?
a) Personal Data Application
b) Personal Digital Assistant ✅
c) Portable Device Assistant
d) Public Digital Access
8 Which mobile OS was developed by Apple?
a) Android
b) iOS ✅
c) Symbian
d) MeeGo
9 Which mobile device category does an e-book reader fall into?
a) Communication device
b) Tablet PC
c) E-book reader ✅
d) Ultra-Mobile PC
10 Which component is responsible for mobile device location detection?
a) Accelerometer
b) GPS ✅
c) Bluetooth
d) Gyroscope
11 What is the purpose of a proximity sensor in mobile devices?
a) Detect light intensity
b) Detect screen orientation
c) Detect objects near the screen ✅
d) Measure battery life
12 Which of the following is NOT a feature of smartphones?
a) GPS navigation
b) Internet browsing
c) Wired-only communication ✅
d) Multimedia playback
13 What does "location-aware application" mean?
a) It requires an internet connection
b) It adapts services based on the user’s location ✅
c) It works only in a single geographic region
d) It is based on wired networking
14 Which of the following mobile OS is NOT proprietary?
a) iOS
b) Windows Mobile
c) Android ✅
d) BlackBerry OS
15 What is the main function of an accelerometer in a mobile device?
a) Improve battery life
b) Detect motion and orientation ✅
c) Measure signal strength
d) Encrypt data
16 What is one of the biggest disadvantages of pervasive computing?
a) High cost
b) Lack of user awareness ✅
c) Wired dependency
d) No real-world applications
17 Which of these applications benefits the most from mobile computing?
a) Industrial automation
b) Home security
c) Real-time traffic monitoring ✅
d) Airplane manufacturing
18 Which wireless technology is commonly used for short-range mobile
communication?
a) Bluetooth ✅
b) Satellite
c) Fiber-optic
d) Ethernet
19 Which of the following is NOT a mobile computing challenge?
a) Device portability
b) Frequent disconnections
c) Network congestion
d) Unlimited processing power ✅
20 Which OS is commonly used in enterprise environments?
a) BlackBerry OS ✅
b) Symbian
c) Bada
d) Palm OS
21 Which type of computing ensures processing power is embedded seamlessly
into everyday devices?
a) Personal computing
b) Pervasive computing ✅
c) Distributed computing
d) Cloud computing
22 What is the purpose of the cloud computing model?
a) Providing internet access
b) Offering software and storage remotely ✅
c) Replacing mobile devices
d) Enhancing wired communication
23 Which technology enables a smartphone to detect its movement?
a) GPS
b) Accelerometer ✅
c) Infrared
d) Proximity sensor
24 What is an example of M-commerce?
a) Online banking
b) Mobile shopping ✅
c) Watching TV
d) Playing mobile games
25 What is a key limitation of mobile devices compared to desktops?
a) Faster processors
b) Larger storage
c) Lower battery capacity ✅
d) Better performance
Short Answer Questions
Define mobile computing.
✅ Performing computations on mobile devices using wireless networks.
What is the difference between personal computing and mobile computing?
✅ Personal computing involves stationary computers with local processing, while
mobile computing allows wireless access and computation on portable devices.
List three challenges in mobile computing.
✅ Limited battery life, frequent disconnections, security risks.
What is the role of GPS in mobile devices?
✅ GPS enables location tracking, navigation, and location-based services.
Name three types of mobile operating systems.
✅ Android, iOS, Windows Mobile.
Why is power management important in mobile computing?
✅ Mobile devices rely on battery power, and efficient power management extends
usage time.
Explain the concept of pervasive computing.
✅ Pervasive computing integrates technology into everyday life, making computing
seamless and invisible.
How does cloud computing benefit mobile users?
✅ Cloud computing provides remote access to storage, applications, and computing
power, reducing device limitations.
What is the significance of location-based applications?
✅ They offer services based on user location, such as navigation, local
recommendations, and emergency assistance.
What are the advantages of using Android OS?
✅ Open-source, customizable, wide app support, and multi-device compatibility.
