1.1.3 I/O and storage devices Flashcards
What is an input device
The hardware that allow users to interact with a computer system
List some input devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Touchscreen*
Microphone
Scanner
Game Controller
What is an output device
Hardware that receive information from a computer system can present it to user
Lists some output devices
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Projector
Characteristics of RAM
- Random access memory
- primary memory
- volatile
4.uses as main memory
Characteristics of ROM
- read-only memory
- primary memory
- non-volatile - store fixed and permanent data - contains BIOS
- cannot be modified
What kind of system ROM can be used
Embedded system like washing machine because no changes needed to be made.
What happens when computer boots up
The operating system is copied from secondary storage to RAM
When RAM is full, where does data that hasn’t been recently used moved to
To location on secondary storage known as virtual memory
Why virtual memory is needed
There are times when the amount of
RAM needed to hold all running
programs and data is greater than the amount of RAM available to the computer. When this happens, part of the computer’s secondary storage, such as the
hard disk, can be used to store data temporarily.
3 examples of optical devices
CD DVD blue-ray
Examples of magnetic storage devices
Hard disk drives
Magnetic tapes drives
Examples of flash storage devices
Solid-state drives
USB
What is used to read from and write to optical devices?(1)
lasers
How is binary information represented in optical devices?(4)
Pits and Lands; Pit represents 0 and Land represents 1.
Which optical storage has a higher storage capacity
Blue-ray
How is binary information represented in magnetic devices?(2)
2 magnetic states;1 polarised and 1 unpolarised.
How is binary information stored in Flash storage devices?
Logic gates are used to store electrical charge in one of two states: high or low (1 or 0)
Is flash storage volatile or non-volatile?(1)
Non-volatile - because it retains stored data even when power is removed
Benefits and drawbacks of magnetic storage
Benefits - High storage capacity; relatively low cost per gigabyte; suitable for long-term storage and backup.
Drawbacks - Slower read/write speeds; have moving parts so not portable.
magnetic tape - very slow when finding data; but cheap and has greater capacity than HDD
Benefits and drawbacks of optical storage
Benefits - portable and easy to post for distribution; cheap
Drawbacks - Slow transfer speed; can be easily scratched or damaged.
Benefits and drawbacks of flash storage
Benefits - Fast read/write speeds; no moving parts, so less likely to fail due to physical shock; silent operation; light and portable.
Drawbacks - High cost; limit lifespan.
What is virtual storage
Data stored on remote hard disks accessed over the internet virtual server
Why is there a need for virtual storage?
Storing all this data on local devices can be impractical due to limitations in storage capacity and the risk of data loss.
Virtual storage provides a solution to these problems by offering off-site storage with built in backup
Advantages of Virtual Storage
- Easy to increase storage capacity as needs grow.
- Cost-effective - Pay only for the storage used, often more affordable than maintaining own storage infrastructure.
- Accessibility - Data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Scalability - Easy to increase storage capacity as needs grow.
Disadvantages of Virtual Storage
- Dependence on Internet Connection - Access to data can be slow or impossible with a poor Internet connection.
- Fees need after limited free space run out
- Security Concerns - Storing sensitive data off-site can pose a risk
Decribe one advantage of the digital camera using flash storage rather than magnetic. (2)
- Has no moving part … so it is not easy to be damaged
- Consumes less power … battery needs recharging less often
- Faster access speed … photographs can quickly be browsed
