Peripheral Devices & Media Flashcards
What is a peripheral device
Hardware device that isnt required for the computer to perfrom its primary function.
What are the 3 different types of peripheral devices
- Input
- Output
- Storage devices
What is an input device
Allows us to enter information into a computer system
e.g. using a mouse to control mouse cursor on the screen
Examples of an input device (7)
Keybaord
Mouse
Microphone
Webcam
Game Controller
Sensor
Scanner
What is an output device
They provide information to the user from the computer. They perform a function (e.g prinitng) using data/software stored in a computer
Examples of an output device
Can an be connected via a cable or wirelessley to a digital device
Printers - Reproduce text & images according to instructions which they receive from any digital device
Monitors - Visual display of whatever software or data is being accessed on the digital device at any given time
Projectors - Visual displays of whatever is being accessed on a digital device. Projectors are used to project the display onto a white/silver screen
What is a storage device
Peripheral devices that are used for storing data for the following reasons:
- Save space on your computers hard drive
- Transfer files physically rather than over the internet
- Share files with another person or another digital device physically
- Back up data in order to protect against damage of loss
They are often used as both input & output devices
Types of storage devices**
External hard drives - Used to back up data or to store large ammounts of data.
USB flash drives - Store smaller ammounts of data (can keep a copy of), or they can be used for temporary storage when moving data from one digital device to another
SD - Provide high capacity memory storage in a small space. Particulary for storing still images
Optical disks - DVDs, they are most commonly used to store movies. Blue-ray is an advancement on the DVD technology that uses different wavelengths & materials to execute a massive increase in storage capability
What are accessibility devices
(also known as adaptive technoligies)
Those which provide alternative input & output options for using digital technology whenb standard methods are not an option.
Examples of accessibility sofware
Voice or speech recognition software - Allows users to input data using their voices (rather than fingers) *Useful for anyone with visual/physical impairment
Screeh readers - Reads aloud the words/content of the computer screen. Useful for people with visual impairments
What is manual & automatic data processing
Peripheral devices which can automate the input & processing of data & avoid human errors such as typos & data entry
What is automatic data processing
Data collection or processing carried out by a computer, sometimes with very little human input
**Examples of uses of automatic data processing
- Biometric readers read fingerprints/hand prints or irises for use in personal identifictaion systems
- Barcode readers read lines of different thickness & convert them into a string of values
- Smart meters accurately record electricity & gas usage & send readings to the energy supplies
Examples of uses of manual data processing
- Entering customers’ meal choices into a restuarantes system
- Entering survey responses from a form
- Marking exam scripts
- Processing sales
Examples of accessibility devices
Trackball - easier to use alternative to a mouse, moveable ball on a base
Eye motion sensors
What is manual data processing
When people handle data by hand instesd of using a computers
What is the function & use of a external hard drive
Used for backing up or storing large amounts of data.
What is the function & use of a USB flash drive
Store smaller amounts of data and are useful for transferring files between devices.
What is the function & use of SD cards
Offer high-capacity storage in a compact form, often for digital camera & some smartphones.
What is the function & use of an optical disk
DVDs are mainly for movies, while Blu-ray improves storage capacity using advanced technology.
What is the function & use of a hard drive disk
Magnetic storage devices are primarily used as internal storage but can also be external.
What is the function & use of solid state drives
Flash memory devices are commonly used as primary storage in tablets and laptops.
What is the function and use of external hard drives
Used for backing up or storing large amounts of data.
What are the characteristics/limitations of an external hard drive
Characteristics:
compact & lightweight, good security, durable, compatible with various operating systems
Limitations:
Limited lifespan, bulky and less convenient, data corruption
What are the characteristics/limitations of USB flash drives
Characteristics
Extremely portable, easy to use, durable (as there are no moving parts)
Limitations
Storage capacity is low, finite number of writes before they break, small so they can be lost easily
What are the characteristics/limitations of SD cards
Characteristics
Small & portable, ez to transfer between devices with SD card readers
Limitations
Wear over time, slower transfer speeds, compatibility issues
What are the characteristics/limitations of optical disks
Characteristics
Small & portable, compatible with a lot of devices
Limitations
Fragile, many modern devices no longer come with optical disk drives
What are the characteristics/limitations of hard disk drives
Characteristics
Large storage capacity, low cost (per byte), very reliable
Limitations
Slower than SSDs at loading data, external HDDs are not as portable as some other options
What are the characteristics/limitations of solid state drives
Characteristics
Fast data read/write speeds, low cost, low power consumption, reliable
Limitations
Finite number of writes, data recovery is difficult, low storage capacity
What are the characteristics/limitations of magnetic tape
Characteristics
Large storage capacity, cheap (per byte)
Limitations
Data is accessed one after the other which is very slow, requires specialist equipment for recording & reading data
