Topic 01: Input, Output and Storage Flashcards
Define an input device
A device that allows to pass information into a computer system
Define an output device
Device that can take data stored in a digital form and convert it into another form humans can process- e.g sound, images, vibrations
Define a storage device
Device used for temporary or permanent storage- internal or external
List common storage devices in computer science (6)
Portable solid- state drive
Internal solid- state drive
Magnetic hard drive
Mass storage type
External hard drive
Cloud storage
Define Optical storage
Data = recored onto optical disks.
Lasers read and write data
List common examples of optical storage
Dvd- rw
Blu- ray
Cdrw
Advantages of optical storage
Cheap
Lightweight
Portable
Disadvantages of optical storage
Slow access times
Prone to scratches
Define Magnetic storage
Data = recorded onto magnetic disks.
Mechanical parts move over the disk surface to read and write data
List common examples of magnetic storage
Hard disk drive
Magnetic Tape
Advantages of magnetic storage
Cheap
Large capacity
Disadvantages of magnetic storage
Slow access times
Fragile
Define Solid state drive
Data = recorded onto solid- state memory chips.
No mechanical moving parts needed
List common examples of solid state/ flash storage
SSD
Memory sticks
Flash memory cards
Advantages of Solid state drive
Durable
Fast access times
Disadvantages of Solid state drive
Cost
Limited read/ write
Define ROM
- Small piece of read- only memory located on the motherboard
- Non- volatile
- Contains very first instructions for the computer (bootstrap)
Define RAM
- Temporary storage of instructions + data
- Holds information being executed by the processor
- Volatile
- Much faster than the hard disk
List 4 internal components of a computer system
- ROM
- CPU
- RAM
- Hard drive
Define virtual storage/ cloud storage
- Store and retrieve data over the Internet in the cloud
- Instead of a local storage
Advantages of virtual storage
- Data can be accessed at any time from anywhere as long as there is Internet Access
- Data can be easily shared without the need for removable media transfer
- Storage considered to be “limitless” from the user’s point of view
Disadvantages of virtual storage
- Can become quite expensive
- If connectivity is poor, access time can slow
- No internet connection means no access to files
