Test 1Input, Output & Storage devices

1

Describe the purpose of an input device (2).

to enable the user to enter data into a computer system (1).

It should be able to do this quickly, efficiently & accurately. An example: Keyboard (1)

2Describe the difference between memory and backing storage (2). Memory is short term data storage, eg

RAM (1). Backing storage is long term,

secure/non volatile, eg Hard disk (1) Must have clear definition plus example

3Describe where magnetic tape might be used for back up purposes (2). In a large organization with a large

amount of data to back-up, because magnetic tapes can hold typically hundreds of gigabytes of data (1).

Where speed of data access is not critical, because magnetic tapes store data in a serial/sequential manner (1) Must have clear definition plus reason/expansion

4Give TWO reasons why an organization might choose to use magnetic tape rather than DVDs for back up (2). Can be written & rewritten many times, so bit

for bit it is cheaper in the long term than DVD (1).

Magnetic tapes can hold hundreds of gigabytes of data, where as DVDs are limited to typically 4.7gb (1) Must have clear definition plus explanation of sizes. Size matters! 

5A company wants to update its back up files. Why might DVDs be better for back up than magnetic tape? (2) May not have the hardware required to use

magnetic tape (eg mag tape drive) (1). May need direct/random access to back-up

data (1)

6Give TWO places where you might find a numeric keypad used for data entry (2). ATM (1). Burglar alarm/ restricted entry area (1)

7

Give two types of data that a keyboard can be used to enter into a computer system (2). Numeric (1). Text (1)

8

What advantage do SMART cards have over magnetic strip cards? (2) SMART cards can hold much more data

than magnetic strips (1). SMART cards are more robust as the chip

is inside/protected/cannot be damaged by magnetic fields(1) OR

SMART cards can be updated instantly so can be used in place of cash, for example as public transport cards (1)

9Where would a Chip and PIN reader be used? (2) at EFTPOS, where secure payments need to

be made(/ secure transactions are carried out1).

For example, in a supermarket or a bank (1) 1 mark for explanation, 1 for example

10Why are Chip & PIN readers used rather than magnetic strip cards? (2) Chip & PIN is much more secure than magnetic

strip because the PIN is verified before connection with the bank is made (1)

Chip & PIN cards are much more difficult to clone than Magnetic stripe cards (1)

11

Describe TWO types of input device that are suitable for use by people with disabilities: (2) Foot mouse—allows a user to use their feet in

case of limited mobility in hands Braille keyboard—allows blind/partially sighted

users to enter original text using their keyboard Puff stick—allows data entry by users who are

unable to use hands or feet Eye reader - converts eye movement into

cursor movement or text input fro the severely disabled (or any other sensible and well researched answers)

12

What do the letters MIDI stand for? (1) Musical Instrument Digital Interface 

13

What is a MIDI instrument used for? (2) converts the analogue output signals

from the musical instrument (1) into digital data that the computer

can process (1)

14

Laser More expensive than an inkjet to buy Very high quality output/good for high

volumes Inkjet

Cheaper than a laser printer to buy BUT higher running costs than….

Dot matrix Noisy/noisier than laser/inkjet Can print on multipart/continuous stationary

15

Other than magnetic tape, name TWO other magnetic storage devices: (2) Hard drive/hard disk (1) , floppy disk drive (1), magnetic tape drive (1) MUST be DEVICE, not MEDIA

16

What is the difference between a magnetic storage device and an optical storage device? (2) Magnetic device stores data by

arranging magnetized bits on the surface of the media (1).

An optical device burns the data onto the surface of the media using a laser (1)

 

17

Name one type of solid state storage device: (1) Memory stick SD Card

18

Why are solid state storage devices less likely to break down than magnetic or optical storage devices? (3) They have no moving parts/ are usually covered

with a plastic shell (1) PLUS COMPARISON TO BOTH TYPES MENTIONED:

And are therefore more robust than magnetic—cannot be affected/corrupted by strong magnetic fields/scratched (1)

And are more robust than optical (cannot be scratched or snapped) (1)

19Describe modern Information and Communication Technology devices John would use today. (5)Five from: Satnav system to find his way to the companies A laptop/PDA/handheld computer for his appointments A laptop/PDA/handheld computer/mobile phone for

keeping phone numbers Mobile phone to contact the company he was visiting

when in traffic jams An MP3 player for his music A laptop to type up reports about his visits Laptop + hotel phone + Internet connection to find out

information about the company

20

Explain the advantages of these devices to John. (4)Four from: Satnav – more up to date maps/easier to locate route PDA/handheld computer – quicker/easier to search for

information Mobile phone – can be used wherever you are/can

send text messages MP3 player – smaller than CD player/stores more

tracks Laptop – easier to edit/format text Internet – easier/quicker to search for information Such devices are more portable than other methods