1.1.3 - Input, Output and Storage

Question 1

What is an Input Device?

Answer 1

• A peripheral device used to pass data into the CPU and allows for the user to communicate with the computer.
• Example - Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone

Question 2

What is an Output Device?

Answer 2

• Any peripheral device used to report the results of processing from a computer by converting the data from digital form into a format users can process.
• Examples - Printer, Speaker, Monitor

Question 3

What is a Storage Device?

Answer 3

• Any device used to permanently or temporarily store data
• 3 Main Categories - Optical Storage, Magnetic Storage, Solid-State Storage

Question 4

What is Magnetic Storage?

Answer 4

A storage medium which uses magnetisable material and works by magnetic patterns being read off platters that
mechanically spin at high speeds.

Question 5

What is Flash Storage?

Answer 5

A storage medium that uses memory chips. These can have their contents erased and subsequently overwritten when an electrical charge is applied.

Question 6

What is Optical Storage?

Answer 6

A medium of storage that shines Lasers at the Media (What the data is actually stored on) and processes the reflection from the Media.

Question 7

What is RAM?

Answer 7

RAM - Random Access Memory.

Volatile Main Memory.
Access times are fast.
Often referred to as main memory, although RAM can be used in main areas of computing and computing storage. When used as main memory, RAM typically can be thought of as containing the Operating System, programs in use, and the data those programs are using while the computer is running.

Question 8

What is ROM?

Answer 8

ROM - Random Access Memory.

Memory for which the contents may be read by cannot be written to by the computer system. Software in ROM is fixed during manufacturing. It typically holds system boot up instructions. ROM is Non-Volatile.

Bonus: More modern types of ROM can be written to in limited ways, these include PROM, EPROM, and EAROM.

Question 9

What is Virtual Storage?

Answer 9

Data stored on remote hard disks, accessed over the internet.

Question 10

Advantages of Optical Memory

Answer 10

• Low Cost per MB to buy and produce
• Portable
• Doesn’t require an internet connection

Question 11

Disadvantages of Optical Memory

Answer 11

• Slow access times
• Prone to scratches

Question 12

Advantages of Magnetic Storage

Answer 12

• Cheap
• High Capacity

Question 13

Disadvantages of Magnetic Storage

Answer 13

• Lower Read and Write speeds
• Higher power consumption
• Contains moving parts so can be noisy and not very durable

Question 14

Advantages of Flash Memory

Answer 14

• Highest Read and Write speeds
• No moving parts so more durable
• Lower power consumption
• Can have the highest capacity of the 3