Unit 1 - LO1 Understand Computer Hardware

Question 1

Input devices

Answer 1

Input devices enable a user to communicate with the computer.

Question 2

Keyboard

Answer 2

+ Enables fast input of text
+ Easy to use
- Users with hand problems will find it hard to operate
- Entering data is low in comparison to an OMR
- Takes up desk space.

Question 3

Mouse

Answer 3

\+ Faster to use a  mouse than a keyboard
\+ Enables rapid navigation
\+ Small
- Hard to use without a flat surface
- Users with hand problems will find it hard to operate.
- Easily damaged

Question 4

Scanner

Answer 4

+ Images can be stored
+ Much faster and accurate than typing
+ Possible to recover damaged documents
- Quality can be limited depending on scanner quality

Question 5

Sensors

Answer 5

\+ Accurate
\+ Constantly on
\+ Responds immediately
\+ Doesn't need humans to operate
- Faulty sensors can give incorrect results

Question 6

Microphones

Answer 6

+ Faster to read text than to type it
+ Possible to manipulate sound using software
- Sound files can take up a lot of memory
- Voice recognition software isn’t as accurate as typing

Question 7

Graphics Tablet

Answer 7

+ It is possible to modify drawings before they are input
+ Accurate method of drawing
- More expensive than other pointing devices

Question 8

VDU/ Screen

Answer 8

\+ Faster entry of options
\+ User friendly
\+ Cannot be tampered with/ corruption
- Limited number of options available
- Can lead to health problems
- Screens can get very dirty

Question 9

Barcode reader

Answer 9

+ Faster than typing in information
+ Only the central database needs to be updated
- Expensive
- Barcodes can be swapped on items
- Computer technology and staff training needed

Question 10

Output devices

Answer 10

Output devices allow the computer to communicate with the user

Question 11

VDU/ Screen

Answer 11

+ Relatively cheap
+ Reliable
+ Most computing devices come with one
- Unsuitable for users with eye problems

Question 12

Printters

Answer 12

+ Fast to use
+ Printer can be shared across network
- Maintenance and ink costs can become pricey

Question 13

Plotters

Answer 13

+ They are accurate
+ Produce far larger printouts
- Slow
- Relatively expensive

Question 14

Speakers

Answer 14

+ Usually long lasting and durable
+ Often provided with device
- Can take up desk space
- Not personal, everyone can hear it

Question 15

Braille terminal

Answer 15

+ Effective output alternative for the visually impaired

- Cannot be used by any other users

Question 16

Infrared

Answer 16

IR emitters send out IR light which travels through the glass scree

Question 17

Infrared

Answer 17

. IR emitters send out IR light which travels through the glass screen
. IR sensors receive this light
. When the screen is touched the IR light scatters
. IR sensors will detect the less intense light and calculate the location of the touch

Question 18

Resistive

Answer 18

. Uses a glass panel covered by a thin flexible film
. Both are covered in charged electrodes
. When the film is touched the two metallic coatings make contact, resulting in a change of electrical current
. This identifies the change point

Question 19

Capacitative

Answer 19

. Uses a glass panel with a clear electrode layer on top
. When a finger touches the screen, some of the electrodes transfers to the finger
. This reduction is detected

Question 20

Communication devices

Answer 20

Communication devices allow one computer device to connect to another.

Question 21

Hub

Answer 21

Sends packets to all devices on the network.
+ Cheap so can be used as a temporary backup
- Slow as it cannot send and receive packets at the same time

Question 22

Switch

Answer 22

Collects the MAC address of all devices on a network and send packets directly to them.
+ Faster and more efficient than a hub
- Expensive

Question 23

Router

Answer 23

Forwards packets over a network
+ Monitors condition of the network to adapt to changes
- Has to be connected to more than 2 networks

Question 24

Modem

Answer 24

Converts digital signals into analogue signals.
+ Can receive calls in absence of the user
- Can leave you vulnerable to malware and hackers gaining access to your devices

Question 25

Wireless access point

Answer 25

Allows multiple devices to send and retrieve wireless communication.
+ Allows for a broader range of communication
- Allows for interception

Question 26

Hybrid device

Answer 26

Combines the functionality of many communication devices.
+ Allows for the flexibility of a wireless network while providing speed for accessing large files
- Expensive