1.1.3 Storage Devices

Question 1

Input and output devices

Answer 1

Input device - sends data to the computer - allows user to input data to interact with computer system.
e.g. Keyboard, camera, microphone

Output device - sends processed information from the computer to user.
e.g. speaker, printer, monitor

Question 2

Optical storage

Answer 2

Read and written with lasers and data stored on pits and lands (e.g. CDs, DVDs)

• Low capacity
• V low R/W speeds
• Not durable due to scratches
• Cheap
• V portable

Question 3

Magnetic

Answer 3

Represented magnetically with two states (1’s and 0’s)
Has read and write head that moves across disc

• V high capacity
• Low R/W speeds
• Durable when stationary
• Cheap per byte
• Not portable (moving parts)

Question 4

Flash

Answer 4

Logic gates store charge in one of 2 states (high / low)
- Using semiconductors

• High capacity
• Fast R/W speeds
• Limited R/W’s
• Durable
• Expensive
• Portable

Question 5

RAM

Answer 5

RAM - Holds instructions of programs currently in use, split into pages and segments
- Form of primary memory

• Volatile
• Relative high capacity (compared to ROM)
• Fast access speeds
• More expensive than secondary
• Editable

Question 6

ROM

Answer 6

ROM : Stores the BIOS (Cant be edited accidentally and saved when computer turned off)
- Form of primary memory
- Accessed first when computer is turned on and fast access speed

• Non volatile - contents not wiped
• Non editable
• Lower capacity

Question 7

Virtual storage

Answer 7

Storage where data is held remotely on servers by third party

Advantages :
- Convenient - don’t need physical hardware or maintenance
- Stored away from computer - if disaster the data isn’t damaged
- Can be accessed from anywhere with internet and collaborated on
- Automatic backups and can access previous versions
- Large storage capacity and easy to expand

Disadvantages :
- Cost’s money
- Dependent on and limited by internet speed and connection
- Security decreased - access over internet