FUNDAMENTALS OF IT Flashcards
What are five input devices?
Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Controller and Microphone
What are five output devices?
Alarm, Headphones, Light, Projector and speakers
What is the definition of an input device?
An input devices allows data to be entered into a computer system
What is the definition of an output device?
It is where outputs are created by a computer for example a printed document
What is a biometric devices?
A biometric device uses human characteristics as security.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of biometric devices?
Advantages:
Security is improved and can be shared like passwords
A biometric scanner can prove someone is who they say they are
Disadvantages:
Can be very costly to install
It can be effected by the environment. For example, if you were using biometrics in the dark
What is a processor?
The processors job is to mange the functions of the computer system by processing the data and instructions. The primary processor is the CPU (Central Processing Unit)
What is a motherboard?
The motherboard is the main circuit of the computer. The CPU and the ROM are both connected to this. It also contains a PCI slots for expansion cards and ports for external devices
What is the power supply unit?
The power supply unit converts electric from the AC (alternative current) from the main supply to the DC (direct current) which a computer system can then use.. The PSU for the desktop computers is internal and the wireless portable devices require external chargers.
What is volatile storage?
Volatile storage means that it is temporary. It is lost when the device is turned off.
What is non volatile storage?
Non-volatile storage can be accessed over a long period of time. It also saves data when the device isn’t on.
What is the RAM?
RAM is volatile storage. It stores programmes that are currently running. It also stores parts of the operating system that gets accessed by the CPU. The RAM is made up of different storage locations. Each of these can be assessed by a unique code. RAM stands for Random Assess Memory.
What is the ROM?
The ROM is non-volatile storage. This storage can’t be changed. The ROM stores the boot program/ BIOS. This is for when the computer gets turned on. The BIOS then loads up the operating system.
What is the cache memory?
Cache memory is volatile storage. Its stores data that is accessed frequently. This is quick to access as this is closer to the CPU than the RAM.
What is magnetic storage?
A hard magnetic disk drive is the most common when it comes to secondary storage. A read/write head moves nanometres above the disk platter and uses the magnetic field of the platter to read or edit data. The advantage of this type of secondary storage is that it is quick to access. A negative is that isn’t very portable and moving this type of device can damage it.
What is optical storage?
Optical storage uses a laser to project beams of light on a disc to read what’s on it. The negative of this is that the discs can only hold a limited amount of storage. The positive of this is that discs are very portable
What is solid state storage?
There are no moving parts in solid storage. SSDs are replacing HDDs. This is because it is faster and uses less energy. They are usually very durable but they could snap.
What is Cloud storage?
This is where you store data on a large severs owned by a hosting company. It is free depending on how much storage you use. The advantage of this is that you can store lots of data and if you reach the limit that is allowed by the company you can upgrade to get more space. The disadvantage is that if you have a bad internet connection it won’t be easy to get your data bad.
What are the differences on the two storage protocols?
Small Computer System Interface is a protocol for attaching external devices to a computer system (SCSI).
Serial Attached System also known as (SAS) is an improved version of SCSI that allows up to 28 external devices to be connected at the same time to a computer system
What are expansion cards?
Expansion cards have a specific purpose and are connected to the motherboard.
What is a graphics card?
It processes graphical data and converts it to a displayable output on a monitor
What is a sound card?
It coverts sound waves into digital data when sound is been inputted through a microphone. They also convert digital data into analogue sound waves to output audio through to speakers.
What is a network interface card?
It allows computers to connect to a network and transfer data to other computers. It is often is shortened to an NIC. This is a piece of internal hardware that a computer needs for it to connect to a network. It used to be a separate expansion card but it is now built into the motherboard.
What is a fibre channel card?
Fibre channel cards transfers data across a network. Fibre channel allows for quick transfer speeds. The primary use for this is so that it can connect large data storage to servers in large data centres
What is a storage controller card?
This is required for the computer to manage and use any attached storage devices
What are ports?
A port is the interface between external devices and computers. Ports allow data to be transferred to and from the devices
What are USB ports?
Connects storage devices such as USB sticks or external hard drives. You can also insert input devices such as mouse.
What is a firewire port?
This is very similar to a USB port but this port is designed for Apple. Fireware transfers data at a high speed from devices.
What is a SD port?
This allows data from a SD card can be read by a computer and the data from an SD card can be transferred to a computer
What is a ethernet port?
This connects computers to network devices such as a router. This will allowing access to the internet.
What is a SATA port?
Allows data transfer to HDD, SDDs and optical drives
What is a Micro SD card port?
Allows data from smartphones and tablets to be transferred to the computer
What is a desktop?
A desktop suitable for use on a desk. However they are big and bulky and not be portable. Individual components may need to be upgraded over time like the graphics card. Desktops are versatile but can still be used for a range of activates.
What is a tablet/ laptop?
Both these devices are portable. They can perform lots of different tasks but can be restrictive at times. Because both of these devices are portable so that can be easily stolen.
What are smartphones?
These can run a range of applications at once. However, smartphones can have a negative impact on a user. For example, social media. Security can also be an issue as these devices can be easily stolen. The security is not as strong on smartphones as other devices.
What is an embedded system?
An embedded system is where a small computer is inserted in a large device. Such as a washing machine.