1.1.3 - Input, Output and Storage

Question 1

Define and give some examples of an input device

Answer 1

Allows data to be entered into the computer

• Keyboard
• Scanner
• Camera
• Microphone
• Sensor

Question 2

Define and give some examples of an output device

Answer 2

Reports the results of processing to the user

• Printer
• Monitor
• Speaker
• Headphones
• Actuator

Question 3

Give some examples of an specialist input and output devices

Answer 3

Foot mouse
Eye Tracker
Puff/suck switch
Screen Reader

Question 4

What are the three categories of storage devices?

Answer 4

Optical

Flash

Magnetic

Question 5

What are some examples and key facts about Optical Storage?

Answer 5

DVD / Blu-Ray / CD

Read & written to using a laser on to a reflective surface
Uses ‘pits’ and ‘lands’

(+) Robust enough for long periods of use
(+) Low cost per MB
(+) Small / Light / Portable

(-) Slowest read/write speeds than others

Question 6

What are some examples and key facts about Solid-State / Flash Storage?

Answer 6

Solid State Drive (SSD) | USB Memory Stick | SD Card

(+) No moving parts so is more robust and quieter than alternatives
(+) Lower power consumption due to the no moving parts.
(+) Faster read/write times than others
(+) Unaffected by magnetic fields
(+) Smaller physical size (portable)
(-) High cost per GB

Question 7

What are some examples and key facts about Magnetic Storage?

Answer 7

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | Magnetic Tape

(-) Moving parts so susceptible to damage when moved.
(-) Physical size limitations due to moving parts
(-) Lower read/write speeds than flash

(+) Cheaper per GB than flash
(+) Currently the largest storage medium

Question 8

What is stored in RAM?

Answer 8

Stores software and data currently in use

Question 9

What are the key facts about RAM?

Answer 9

Random Access Memory (RAM)
* Primary Memory
* Faster read/write speed than secondary storage media.
* Volatile - loses contents when power is off

• Stores software and data currently in use
• Increasing size of RAM reduces the amount of virtual memory required. Allows more in use data to be stored.

Question 10

What is stored in ROM?

Answer 10

Stores the Boot Program (Boot Loader) which starts the operating system

Stores the firmware in an embedded system

Question 11

What are the key facts about ROM?

Answer 11

Read Only Memory (ROM)
* Primary Memory
* Non-volatile - data is stored when power is lost
* Quick to start up
* Stores the Boot Program (Boot Loader)

Question 12

What is virtual storage?

Answer 12

Not physically on your computer, you only access the files from a remote location via a network/internet

Examples: Network Drives | Cloud Storage

Question 13

What are the advantages of virtual storage?

Answer 13

• Backups automatically saved on the cloud for recovery if needed
• Data can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection
• Data can be easily shared and worked on collaboratively
• Stored away from the computer in case of disaster, data is not damaged.
• Storage can be expanded as required

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of virtual storage?

Answer 14

• Dependent on internet connection that is fast enough
• Privacy Issues – Data is held by a third-party, so you are putting trust in them to store your data.
• One cloud storage company could be hacked meaning thousands of companies hacked
• Reliant on servers of the company providing the connection (possible down time).