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
What type of storage are USB flash drives?
Flash storage
Advantages of USB flash drives? ( 4 points )
- Very portable ( light weight )
- Easy connectivity
- No more parts - durable
- Highly compatible with devices
Disadvantages of USB flash drives ( 3 points )
- Easy to lose due to being small
- Finite number of writes
- Low storage capacity and quite pricey for high storage
What type of storage are SD cards?
Flash memory
Advantages of SD cards ( 2 points )
- Small and portable meaning easy to transfer data
- Reliable storage device as they cant be damaged as easily
Disadvantages of SD cards ( 2 points )
- Low storage
-Lot of variety of SD cards meaning there is problems with compatibility
Advantages of optical devices ( 2 points )
- Majority of computers have optical disk drives to read disks
- Very portable ( for distribution )
Disadvantages of SD cards ( 3 points )
- Low storage capacity
- Easy to damage ( flimsy, easy to scratch )
- Finite number of writes
Disadvantages of using manual data processing ( 2 points )
- Human error ( prone to making mistakes such as typos resulting in un-correct results. )
- Time consuming ( More time needed due to manually entering data )
Advantages of using manual data processing ( 2 points )
- Complex data ( automated methods may not exist due to the complex data and manual data entry can handle any data type )
- Reduced training ( staff will be familiar with manual data entry )
Disadvantages of using automated data processing ( 2 points )
- Inflexible ( only very specific data ranges can be inputted )
- Learning curve ( Training is required to enter data )
Advantages of using automated data processing ( 2 points )
- Higher accuracy ( Not true if OCR is involved which is affected by poor handwriting )
- Time and cost - Its quicker and cheaper than hiring data entry staff
What are accessibility devices?
Alternative input and output devices for those with physical disabilities ( Accessibility devices / adaptive technology / assistive technology )
What is a trackball ?
A mouse with a ball within a holder that can be rotated to move the cursor ( for limited mobility )
What is a braille and large keyboard ?
Keyboard which uses braille characters on each key and higher contrast colouring on keys ( for visually impaired )
What is a Touchscreen ?
Used to easier select items/resize ( for visually impaired
What is a braille embosser ?
Printer which outputs using braille cells ( for visually impaired )
What are screen magnifiers ?
Attaches to an existing monitor and magnifies display output ( for visually impaired
What are eye types ?
Using cameras mounted on a computer to track eye movement to enter data with an onscreen keyboard ( for mobility difficulties. )
Examples of accessibility devices ( 7 points )
- Trackballs
- Braille keyboard
- Large keyboard
- Touchscreen
- Braille embosser
- Screen magnifier
- Eye typer
