1.1.3 Input, Output, Storage

Question 1

INPUT devices

Answer 1

• are hardware components that enable the user to input data or commands into the computer system [1]
• which the computer then processes to produce output

Question 2

TYPES OF input devices

Answer 2

• keyboard
• mouse
• microphone
• webcam
• Scanner
• sensors
• barcode readers
• biometric devices

Question 3

Keyboard

Answer 3

allows user to input text and commands by pressing keys

Question 4

Mouse

Answer 4

Allows user to navigate the computer screen, click on items etc.

Question 5

Microphone

Answer 5

Captures audio input which can be used for voice commands, recording audio or video conferencing.

Question 6

Webcam

Answer 6

Captures video input
- often used for recording videos etc.

Question 7

Scanner

Answer 7

Digitalises physical documents/images converting them into a format that the computer can process

Question 8

Barcode reader

Answer 8

• Scans barcodes
• typically used in retail and inventory management

Question 9

Sensors

Answer 9

• defect and respond to some type of input from the physical environment converting it to electrical signals that can be used as input within a computer system .
• eg. Temperature sensor, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, biosensors

Question 10

Output devices

Answer 10

• hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user in a comprehensible form
• they enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or commands [1]

Question 11

examples of output devices

Answer 11

• speakers
• printers
• projector
• monitor

Question 12

Speakers

Answer 12

Output sound from a computer

Question 13

Printers

Answer 13

Produces a hard copy of digital documents or images/photos

Question 14

Projector

Answer 14

Used to project video content from a computer onto a screen

Question 15

Monitor

Answer 15

• Displays visual output from the computer
• this includes text images and videos

Question 16

Storage devices

Answer 16

• are hardware components that store digital data within a computer system
• there are 3 TYPES :
  
  • magnetic
  • optical
  • flash

Question 17

MAGNETIC STORAGE devices ( HDD, magnetic tape )

Answer 17

• Store data by magnetizing particles on a disk or tape
• use Read/write heads that contain electromagnets.
• parts of the surface is either magnetised or demagnetised and the heads control this and read what state they are in
• (1) magnetised
• (0) demagnetised
• hard drive can be used to store files and software

Question 18

Magnetic storage benefits

Answer 18

• high storage capacity
• relatively low cost per GB/Mb
• suitable for long term storage and back up
• usually reliable

Question 19

Magnetic storage drawbacks

Answer 19

• Slower read and write speeds compared to other types
• magnetic HDs are susceptible to physical damage due to moving parts ( if moved quickly due to the head coming into contact with the platter) [1]
• requires more space to store moving parts [1]

Question 20

Optical storage devices

Answer 20

• eg. CDs , DVDs, Blu-ray Disc
• store data using a laser to burn pits onto the surface of the disc ( to write data)
• read from and written to using lasers
• to read the data laser light is shined on the disc, a pit scatter light (0) a land reflects light (1)
• suitable for distributing music software, movies or backup of files

Question 21

Optical ADVANTAGES

Answer 21

• durable and relatively immune to environmental conditions
• thin and lightweight, easy to transport so portable
• low cost per disc

Question 22

Optical DRAWBACKS

Answer 22

• Lower storage capacity compared to other types
• slower read/write speeds
• can easily be scratched and damaged so not very durable

Question 23

flash STORAGE DEVICES

Answer 23

• eg. SSD, USB flash drives
• can be erased and reprogrammed electronically
• Uses memory chips
• is not volatile
• fast and compact
• used to allow transport of materials between devices

Question 24

Flash ADVANTAGES

Answer 24

• fast read/write speeds [1]
• have no moving parts so less susceptible to physical shock and more durable [1]
• requires less space due to no moving parts
• highly portable

Question 25

Flash storage drawbacks

Answer 25

• high cost per GB
• limited life span as flash memory cells can wear out after a certain number of write cycles

Question 26

Virtual storage / cloud

Answer 26

• where data is stored on multiple servers in a remote location
• servers use magnetic and now increasingly SSD
• virtual storage can be accessed over the internet

Question 27

Virtual storage benefits

Answer 27

• data is stored remotely so in case of a disaster, data is not also damaged [1]
• data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection [1]
• data redundancy protects against data loss due to hardware failure
• often more adorable than maintaining own storage devices/ infrastructure
• easy to increase storage capacity as needs grow so scalable

Question 28

Virtual storage drawbacks

Answer 28

• is dependant on an internet connection so access to data can be slow or impossible without an internet connection
• storing sensitive data off site can pose a security risk

Question 29

Primary storage

Answer 29

• the computers internal memory which is directly accessible by the CPU
• is much faster than secondary storage as it is closer to the CPU
• include RAM and ROM

Question 30

RAM

Answer 30

• stores data and instructions currently in use eg. Open applications and files [1]
• is volatile so contents are lost when computer is turned off [1]
• is directly accessible so the processor can access any part of the RAM equally fast [1]
• RAM operate at a much faster speed than many secondary storage devices [1]

Question 31

ROM

Answer 31

• stores the BIOS (or operating system) [1]
• is non volatile so retains its contents even when computer is turned off [1]
• is read only so cannot be modified/unintentionally amended [1]
• ROM is quick to start up so systems can be started up quickly [1]