A2 Peripheral Devices and Media Flashcards
What is a keyboard ?
Panel of keys which inputs alphanumeric characters, symbols, simple commands into the computer
What is a mouse ?
A pointing device which allows the user to control the cursor on screen to select objects & navigate graphical user interface
What is a microphone and examples ?
Enters sound into computer - VoIP conversations, podcasts, vlogs
What is a Webcam ?
Inputs video/still pictures into computers - VoIP
What is a game controller ?
joystick with force-feedback feature
What is a sensor ?
Takes readings from the environment. E.G - thermostat turns heating on / off
What readings does a sensor take?
light / temperature
What is a scanner ?
Converts documents into digital data which can be viewed and edited on computer, used for drawing online.
What is a graphics tablet ?
Flat board and pointing device ( stylus ) - enters data like pen & paper
Examples of input devices ( 7 points )
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Game Controller
- Sensor
- Scanner
- Graphics Tablet
What is a monitor ?
Outputs a visual display of user interface of software to see the data we are working with and effects of inputs
What is a projector ?
Alternate to monitor for outputting visual display onto wall / screen E.G. film / presentation
What is a printer ?
Produces physical copies of documents and images produced on a computer
What is a plotter ?
Prints vector graphic images _ bigger quality on large paper
Used in computer aided engineering to print CAD designs
What is a speaker ?
Audio output which converts digital audio signals from computer to analogue signals
What is a Actuator ?
It produces a motion which controls / moves things which are used in sensors
Examples of output devices ( 6 points )
- Monitor
- Projector
- Printer
- Plotter
- Speakers
- Actuator
What type of storage are hard disk drives?
magnetic storage
How do hard disk drives work?
A HDD works by magnetising and demagnetising billions of tiny individual areas on platter.
Advantages of hard disk drives ( 2 points )
- High storage capacity
- Cheap with 1000gb costing as low as £50
Disadvantages of hard disk drives( 3 points )
- Slow read and write speeds
- A lot of moving parts which can easily damage the device making it risky as a portable device
- Not portable - heavier
What type of storage are solid state drives?
Flash memory storage
Advantages of solid state drives ( 3 points )
- Faster read and write speeds resulting in a faster time to turn on computer, load programs and save files
- Consumes less power than HDDs
- No moving parts meaning lower risk of getting damages
Disadvantages of solid state drives ( 3 points )
- Very expensive with 1TB costing over £200
- Lower storage capacity than HDDs
- They have a finite number of writes before they no longer work