Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Desktop Computers
A desktop computer is a computer that fits on or under a desk. They utilize peripheral devices for
interaction, such as a keyboard and mouse for input, and display devices like a monitor, projector, or
television. Desktop computers can have a horizontal or vertical (tower) form factor, or be combined
with a monitor to create an All-in-One computer. Unlike a laptop, which is portable, desktop
computers are generally made to stay at one location.
Mobile Computers
Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that allow users to
access and use computer applications and resources on the go.
Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware)
Access to internet and resources from anywhere Less powerful (Lower performance compared to desktop
(Flexibility) computers)
Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-
Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)
functionality)
Worked example
magnetic stripe
HDD microphone mouse
reader
remote control speaker touchpad touch screen
Microphone
Touch screen
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output
CPU Functions
CPU Components
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process
ROM RAM
Volatility Non-volatile (retains data when powered off) Volatile (loses data when powered off)
Main Purpose Stores essential instructions (e.g. BIOS) Stores data and instructions in use by CPU
Worked example
Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to
RAM is volatile memory
RAM is temporary storage
Input Devices
Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
o Keyboard
o Mouse
o Scanner
o Microphone
o Touch screen
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Note that a mouse isn't built into a laptop - instead, it would be another pointing device e.g.
trackpad
All the devices listed here are input devices. Some people think microphones and webcams are
output devices
Worked example
For each of the following uses of data capture, name one appropriate direct data entry device. The
devices must be different in each case
Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system
e.g.:
o Monitor
o Printer
o Speakers
o Projector
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Converting digital audio signals into Range of sizes and power Can be power-hungry, the
Speaker
sound outputs, immersive audio sound quality varies
Converting electrical signals into
Precise movement, Requires power, potential
Actuator physical movement, e.g., motors and
programmable mechanical wear
valves in robotics
Holographic imaging
Worked example
Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list below.
A numeric keypad
An interpreter
A 3D printer
A speaker
Exam Tip
Make sure you know which printer is which. Some people get mixed up between dot matrix and
laser
Detail is needed in the description in order to achieve full marks. Relating the answer back to
the scenario is important as some printers would not work in the given scenario
Storage
Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in use
e.g.:
o hard disk drives (HDD)
o solid-state drives (SSD)
o USB flash drives
o optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity
It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off
Storage Media
Storage
Examples Use Advantages Disadvantages
Media
Worked example
Give two error messages that may appear when trying to save to a CFast solid-state memory card.
Two of:
Medium is full
Corrupt card
Write error
Card error
Storage
Use Media Advantages Disadvantages
Devices
Slower access time, moving
Long-term data storage, High capacity (10TB),
Magnetic Drive Magnetic parts, susceptible to
backup, and archiving low cost per GB
magnets
Large storage
Fixed Magnetic General-purpose storage in Magnetic Moving parts, vulnerable to
capacity (5TB),
Hard Drive computers and servers Hard Disk physical damage
relatively fast
Portable Slower than SSDs,
External storage for data Magnetic Portable (5TB), large
Magnetic Hard vulnerable to physical
transfer and backup Hard Disk storage capacity
Drive damage
Backup and archiving,
Magnetic Tape Magnetic High storage capacity Slow access time, sequential
especially for large volumes
Drives Tape (10TB), low cost access
of data
Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),
CD CD
software distribution compatible susceptible to scratches
Higher capacity storage for Higher capacity than
Susceptible to scratches,
DVD data, video, and software DVD CD (8.5GB),
lower capacity than Blu-ray
distribution affordable
High capacity (50GB),
High-definition video and More expensive, and
Blu-ray Blu-ray high-resolution video
high capacity data storage requires specific hardware
storage
Fixed Solid- Fast access time, no
Fast internal storage for More expensive, limited
State Drive Solid-State moving parts, high
modern computers write cycles
(SSD) capacity (30TB)
Fast access time,
External storage for fast portable, no moving More expensive, limited
Portable SSD Solid-State
data transfer and backup parts, high capacity write cycles
(2TB)
Small size, fast
Portable data storage and Limited capacity compared
Pen Drive Solid-State read/write speeds,
transfer for various devices to other storage devices
high capacity (1TB)
Worked example
A program collects a large amount of data and this could be stored using either a fixed solid-state
drive (SSD) or cloud storage.
a. Describe four advantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using the SSD
Four of:
The cloud has greater storage capacity
The data could be sent directly to/from the cloud from any computer/device
Three of: