1.1.3. Input, Output & Storage

Question 1

What is an input device?

Answer 1

A device used to put data and information into a computer.

Question 2

Give examples of input devices.

Answer 2

Keyboard, Webcam, Magnetic stripe reader, Barcode reader, Mouse, Microphone, Scanner.

Question 3

What is an output device?

Answer 3

A device used to send information from the computer to the user.

Question 4

Give examples of output devices.

Answer 4

Speakers, Printers, Projector, Monitor, Actuators.

Question 5

Name a device that is both input and output.

Answer 5

Touch screen.

Question 6

What factors should be considered when choosing an input device?

Answer 6

Speed, accuracy, cost, and relevance to the task.

Question 7

What is the purpose of storage devices?

Answer 7

To store information in various formats and capacities.

Question 8

What is an optical storage device?

Answer 8

A device that reads and writes data using lasers (e.g. CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray).

Question 9

What are CDs used for?

Answer 9

Storing small quantities of data such as audio files, text, and digital images.

Question 10

What are disadvantages of CDs?

Answer 10

Easily scratched, low capacity, slow transfer speeds.

Question 11

What are DVDs used for?

Answer 11

Storing larger files like digital videos.

Question 12

How is Blu-Ray better than DVD?

Answer 12

It has over 5x more storage and is suited for high-resolution films.

Question 13

How does magnetic storage work?

Answer 13

It stores binary using polarised (1) and unpolarised (0) magnetic states.

Question 14

Give examples of magnetic storage.

Answer 14

Hard disk drives (HDD), Magnetic tape, Floppy disks.

Question 15

What is a hard disk drive (HDD)?

Answer 15

A magnetic storage device with rotating platters and a read/write head.

Question 16

Disadvantages of HDDs?

Answer 16

Slower speeds and easily damaged by movement due to moving parts.

Question 17

What is magnetic tape used for?

Answer 17

Early bulk data storage; now used for archiving due to low cost and high capacity.

Question 18

What is flash storage?

Answer 18

Uses silicon chips (NAND/NOR) to store binary data electronically.

Question 19

Advantages of flash storage?

Answer 19

Fast, durable, compact, and retains data without power (non-volatile).

Question 20

Disadvantages of flash storage?

Answer 20

More expensive per GB, limited number of write cycles.

Question 21

What is an SSD (solid state drive)?

Answer 21

A type of flash storage with no moving parts and very fast read/write speeds.

Question 22

Disadvantages of SSDs?

Answer 22

Expensive and limited lifespan due to increasing write voltage.

Question 23

What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?

Answer 23

Volatile memory that stores data/programs in use to speed up processing.

Question 24

What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?

Answer 24

Non-volatile memory used to store fixed instructions like the bootstrap program.

Question 25

Differences between RAM and ROM?

Answer 25

RAM is volatile and editable; ROM is non-volatile and fixed.

Question 26

What is virtual storage?

Answer 26

Data stored remotely (e.g. in the cloud), accessible over the internet.

Question 27

Advantages of virtual storage?

Answer 27

Access from anywhere, easy to manage, scalable.

Question 28

Disadvantages of virtual storage?

Answer 28

Dependent on internet speed and may be expensive.

Question 29

What is secondary storage?

Answer 29

Physical hardware used to store data permanently.

Question 30

What to consider when choosing a storage device?

Answer 30

Cost, cost per GB, speed, capacity, portability, and durability.

Question 31

What does it mean to archive data?

Answer 31

Move it to less frequently used storage like magnetic tape.

Question 32

What is a backup?

Answer 32

A copy of data kept in case the original is lost or damaged.

Question 33

Compare magnetic, flash, and optical storage.

Answer 33

Magnetic: High capacity, cheap, but has moving parts. Flash: Fast, durable, no moving parts, but expensive. Optical: Cheap, portable, but slow and easily damaged.

Question 34

Example of magnetic storage devices?

Answer 34

HDDs, Zip drives, Magnetic tapes.

Question 35

Example of flash storage devices?

Answer 35

SSDs, USB flash drives, Memory cards.

Question 36

Example of optical storage devices?

Answer 36

CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs.