Topic 1 Definition List 1 p3 Flashcards
(22 cards)
Software vs Application
Software is a broad term that encompasses all programmes, applications, and operating systems that instruct a computer or device how to function. An application is a specific type of software designed to perform particular tasks for the user, such as word processing or web browsing. While software includes system software (like operating systems) and utility programmes, applications focus on end-user activities. For example, Microsoft Word is an application, whereas Windows is system software. Essentially, all applications are software, but not all software qualifies as an application.
Supercomputer vs Software
A supercomputer is a highly powerful and specialised computer designed to perform extremely complex calculations at very high speeds, often used for scientific research and simulations. It consists of advanced hardware components working together to process massive amounts of data efficiently. Software, on the other hand, refers to programmes and instructions that run on any type of computer, including supercomputers. While supercomputers provide the physical power, software directs how tasks are performed on them. In summary, a supercomputer is hardware focused on performance, whereas software is the set of instructions enabling the hardware to operate.
Name 10 types of storage
- Magnetic storage — uses magnetic media to store data (e.g., hard disk drives).
- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) — a method of combining multiple hard drives for redundancy and performance.
- Solid-state storage (SSD) — uses flash memory to store data with no moving parts, offering faster access speeds.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) — a traditional magnetic storage device with spinning disks.
- Optical storage — uses lasers to read and write data on discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
- USB flash drive — portable solid-state storage using flash memory.
- Magnetic tape — used primarily for backup and archival storage, storing data on reels or cartridges.
- Cloud storage — data stored remotely on internet servers accessed via the web.
- Memory card (e.g., SD card) — small flash memory storage used in cameras and mobile devices.
Hybrid drive (SSHD) — combines a traditional HDD with a small amount of SSD storage for improved performance.
Order these storage types from least resistant to most resistant to mechanical damage
- Magnetic type
*RAID arrays
*Memory Card
*Solid-State drive
*Optical Storage
*Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
*Cloud Storage
*USB flash drive
a list of storage types ordered from least resistant to most resistant to mechanical damage:
1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) — contains moving parts (spinning disks and read/write heads), very vulnerable to shocks and drops.
2. Magnetic tape — flexible but delicate, can be damaged by stretching, bending, or heat.
3. Optical storage (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) — fragile discs prone to scratching and cracking.
4. RAID arrays (using HDDs) — individual drives remain vulnerable, though data redundancy improves reliability overall.
6. USB flash drive — solid-state, no moving parts, more resistant to drops and shocks but can suffer from electrical damage.
7. Memory card (e.g., SD card) — similar to USB drives, compact and solid-state, moderately resistant.
8. Solid-state drive (SSD) — fully solid-state, very resistant to physical shocks and vibrations.
9. Cloud storage — data stored on remote servers, not affected by physical damage to the user’s device.
Describe where the storages are used in what devices:
*HDD
which storage types from the list are commonly used in various devices:
1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
○ Used in desktop computers, laptops (especially budget models), external storage drives, and servers.
Describe where this storage is used in what device magnetic type
- Magnetic tape
○ Primarily used in enterprise backup systems, archival storage, and large-scale data centres.
Describe where Optical storage is used in what device
- Optical storage (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
○ Used in DVD/Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, some laptops, and for media distribution or backup.
Describe where RAID arryas are used in what device
- RAID arrays (using HDDs or SSDs)
○ Used in servers, data centres, and high-performance workstations to improve data redundancy and speed.
USB flash drive: Describe where this storage is used in what device
- USB flash drive
○ Used for portable data transfer, backup, and temporary storage across computers and some media devices.
Describe where this storage is used in what devices:
* Memory Card
- Memory card (e.g., SD card)
○ Common in cameras, smartphones, tablets, and some laptops for expandable storage.
Cloud storage: Describe where this storage is used in what devices:
- Cloud storage
○ Accessible via any internet-connected device like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops for remote data storage.
Solid-state drive: Describe where this storage is used in what devices:
- Solid-state drive (SSD)
○ Used in modern laptops, desktops, tablets, and high-performance servers for faster data access.
Cloud storage: Describe where this storage is used in what devices:
- Cloud storage
○ Accessible via any internet-connected device like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops for remote data storage.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: Lightning cable
the wired connections you listed, along with their common uses and typical devices:
1. Lightning cable
○ Proprietary Apple connector used primarily for iPhones, iPads, and some iPods. Also used for charging and data transfer.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: USB Mini-B
- USB Mini-B
○ Older connector type used in some digital cameras, MP3 players, and early smartphones before Micro-B became widespread.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: USB Type-C
- USB Type-C
○ A versatile, reversible connector used in modern smartphones, laptops, tablets, external drives, and even some monitors and docking stations. Supports fast charging and high-speed data transfer.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: USB Type-A
- USB Type-A
○ The standard rectangular USB connector found on computers, keyboards, mice, printers, and many peripherals. Often the host end of USB cables.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: USB Micro-B
- USB Micro-B
○ Commonly found on older Android smartphones, digital cameras, portable hard drives, and some other small electronic devices for charging and data transfer.
Describe the common use and typical this device juses this wire connection: USB Micro-B Superspeed
- USB Micro-B SuperSpeed (USB 3.0 Micro-B)
○ An enhanced version of Micro-B, used on external hard drives and some high-performance devices needing faster data transfer speeds.
Order these eight types of wired connections from least useful to most useful in daily life IT.
VGA Cable
USB Type-A
HDMI Cable
USB Type-C
USB Micro-B/USB Mini-B
Lightning cable ( apple-specific)
USB Micro-B SuperSpeed
Display Port Cable
the four ordered lists based on your criteria for the cables discussed: USB (general), HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, Lightning, USB Type-C, USB Micro-B (and variants).
- Usefulness (Least useful → Most useful)
- VGA cable (largely outdated, limited to older devices, analogue video only)
- USB Micro-B / USB Mini-B (mostly legacy, limited to older devices)
- Lightning cable (Apple-specific, less universal)
- USB Micro-B SuperSpeed (used in external drives but less common than USB-C)
- USB Type-A (very common as host connector but not as versatile)
- HDMI cable (widely used for audio/video transmission)
- DisplayPort cable (favoured for high-end PC monitors and multi-display setups)
- USB Type-C (most versatile for charging, data, video; rapidly becoming standard)
Order these eight types of wired connections from least expensive to most expensive in daily life IT.
VGA Cable
USB Type-A
HDMI Cable
USB Type-C
USB Micro-B/USB Mini-B
Lightning cable ( apple-specific)
USB Micro-B SuperSpeed
Display Port Cable
Cost (Most expensive → Least expensive)
* DisplayPort cable (generally more expensive due to higher bandwidth and licensing)
* USB Type-C cable (varies, but good-quality ones with fast charging/data are pricier)
* HDMI cable (moderately priced, widely available)
* Lightning cable (official Apple cables tend to be expensive)
* USB Micro-B SuperSpeed (slightly more costly than standard USB Micro-B)
* USB Type-A cable (usually inexpensive)
* USB Micro-B / USB Mini-B (cheap, legacy cables)
* VGA cable (usually the cheapest, simple analogue technology)
Order these eight types of wired connections from least efficient to most efficient in daily life IT.
VGA Cable
USB Type-A
HDMI Cable
USB Type-C
USB Micro-B/USB Mini-B
Lightning cable ( apple-specific)
USB Micro-B SuperSpeed
Display Port Cable
. Efficiency (Least efficient → Most efficient)
* VGA cable (analogue, lower resolution, no audio)
* USB Micro-B / USB Mini-B (slower data transfer speeds)
* Lightning cable (fast for Apple ecosystem but less universal)
* USB Type-A (varies, but mostly older USB 2.0 speeds)
* USB Micro-B SuperSpeed (USB 3.0 speeds, faster data transfer)
* HDMI cable (high-definition audio/video transfer)
* DisplayPort cable (higher bandwidth than HDMI, supports multiple monitors)
USB Type-C (supports very high data rates, power delivery, video output)
