Give some examples of an input device
Allows data to be entered into the computer
Keyboard
Scanner
Camera
Microphone
Sensor
Give some examples of an output device
Reports the results of processing to the user
Printer
Monitor
Speaker
Headphones
Actuator
Give some examples of an specialist input and output devices
Foot mouse
Eye Tracker
Puff/suck switch
Screen Reader
What are the 3 categories of storage devices?
Optical
Flash
Magnetic
What are some examples and key facts about Optical Storage?
DVD / Blu-Ray / CD
Read & written to using a laser on to a reflective surface
Uses ‘pits’ and ‘lands’
+ Robust enough for long periods of use
+ Low cost per MB
+ Small / Light / Portable
- Slowest read/write speeds than others
What are some examples and key facts about Flash Storage?
Solid State Drive (SSD) | USB Memory Stick | SD Card
+ No moving parts so is more robust and quieter than alternatives
+ Lower power consumption due to the no moving parts.
+ Faster read/write times than others
+ Unaffected by magnetic fields
- High cost per GB
What are some examples and key facts about Magnetic Storage?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Moving parts so susceptible to damage when moved.
- Physical size limitations due to moving parts
- Lower read/write speeds than Flash
+ Cheaper per GB that Flash
+ Currently the largest storage medium
What is stored in RAM?
Stores software and data currently in use
What are the key facts about RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Primary Memory
Faster read/write speed than secondary storage media.
Volatile - loses contents when power is off
Stores software and data currently in use
What is stored in ROM?
Stores the Boot Program (Boot Loader) which starts the operating system
What are the key facts about ROM?
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Primary Memory
Non-volatile - data is stored when power is lost
Quick to start up
Stores the Boot Program (Boot Loader)
What is virtual storage?
Not physically on your computer, you only access the files from a remote location via a network/internet
What are the advantages of virtual storage?
- Backups automatically saved on the cloud for recovery if needed
- Data can be access anywhere with an internet connection
- Data can be easily shared and worked on collaboratively
- Stored away from the computer in case of disaster, date is not damaged.
- Storage can be expanded as necessary
What are the disadvantages of virtual storage?
- Dependent on internet connection that is fast enough
- Privacy Issues – Data is held by a third-party, so you are putting trust in them to store your data.
- One cloud storage company could be hacked meaning thousands of companies hacked
- Reliant on servers of the company providing the connection (possible down time).
