1.1.3 Input, output and storage

Question 1

Input Devices

Answer 1

• Barcodes - linear/2D (QR Code) which holds more info
• Barcode Readers: Pen Type, Laser Scanners, Camera-based readers
• Digital Cameras
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Question 2

Output Devices

Answer 2

• Screens - LCD Monitors, OLED screens
• Printers - laser, inkjet, dot matrix, 3D
• Multimedia projectors
• Computer Speakers
• Actuators

Question 3

What is Optical Storage?

Answer 3

Read from/Written to
using lasers.

Lightweight, compact, limited by data size.

Question 4

What is Magnetic Storage?

Answer 4

Uses surfaces coated with a layer of magnetic material which can be arranged using electromagnetic read/write heads.

Question 5

What is Flash Storage?

Answer 5

Uses silicon semiconductors to form logic gates NAND/NOR => store electrical charge.

Fast and compact.

Question 6

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Answer 6

• Volatile main memory => contents are lost when the computer is switched off
• Used to store programs and data that are currently being used
• Fast to access

Question 7

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Answer 7

• Non-Volatile memory
• Cannot be modified
• Holds information that needs to be permanently in memory eg. Bootstrap Loader => causes OS to load

Question 8

Virtual Storage

Answer 8

Files are stored on ‘Virtual Servers’ which can be cloud-based or private, off-site servers that connects a local machine to files via the internet.

Question 9

Advantages of Virtual Storage?

Answer 9

• Reduced Hardware Costs
• Improved reliability and performance
• the flexibility to scale the storage requirements up and down as your needs change over time

Question 10

Drawbacks of Virtual Storage?

Answer 10

• Relies on a fast Internet connection
• Need a separate backup plan in place with your storage provider to keep data safe when there is a hardware failure
• Using a cloud. storage provider may result in loss of functionality/compromise in level of control