Storage Technologies and Input & Output

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering storage concepts, hardware technology, and various input and output devices based on the lecture material.

Primary Storage

Locations which can be accessed directly by processing devices; mostly volatile but fast, with examples including RAM, Registers, and Cache.

Secondary Storage

Locations which cannot be accessed directly by processing devices; non-volatile and comparatively slow, including Hard Disk, DVD ROM, and Flash Drive.

Storage Medium

The hardware where data is physically stored, such as a Hard Disk, DVD-ROM Disc, or SD Card.

Storage Device

The hardware which writes data on a storage medium or reads data from it, such as a Hard Drive, DVD Drive, or SD Card Slot.

Files

A collection of related bits which are named so they can be retrieved together when needed.

Folders

Collections of related files meant to organize them in a manner which makes it easier to locate the files.

Optical Storage Systems

Systems that store data optically using laser beams, such as CD, DVD, and BD.

Magnetic Storage Systems

Systems that store data using magnetic spots on disks which represent 0s and 1s using different magnetic alignments, such as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

Solid State Storage Systems

Systems that use flash memory technology to store data, such as a Solid State Drive (SSD), which is faster than other technologies and has no moving parts.

Smart Card

A small piece of plastic containing computer circuitry (processor, memory, and storage) that stores a small amount of data, about $64\,\text{KB}$ or less.

Network Storage

A storage location accessible through a local network.

Online Storage

A storage location which is accessed through the Internet.

Input Devices

Hardware and related software that convert text, point, image, audio, or video into bits for processing and storage.

Output Devices

Hardware and related software that convert bits into different forms understandable to humans.

Keyboard

An input device for text having keys arranged in typewriter configuration (QWERTY), used to input characters and symbols.

Pointing Device

An input device that moves a pointer (cursor, arrow, or insertion point) to interact with objects on a screen, such as a mouse, stylus, or touch screen.

Scanner

A device that scans photos, documents, and images; types include Flatbed, Portable, and 2D or 3D scanners.

Biometric Readers

Devices used to input biometric data such as fingerprints, retina patterns, facial features, or voice for identity verification.

Mega Pixels (MP)

The unit used to measure the quality of digital cameras.

RGB

The three basic colors (Red, Green, and Blue) mixed to create all colors shown on display screens and monitors.

Data Projectors

Also known as Multimedia Projectors, these devices display output from a computer onto a wall or projection screen.

3D Projectors

Projectors that can show three-dimensional output using special 3D glasses, and may also show holograms.

Resolution (DPI)

Printer quality determined by dots per inch; typical values include $300\,\text{DPI}$ for general use and $2,400\,\text{DPI}$ for high-quality marketing prints.

Print Speed (PPM/IPM)

The speed of a printer measured in Pages Per Minute ($PPM$) or Images Per Minute ($IPM$).

Cyan, Magenta and Yellow

The three basic colors mixed to create output on prints, often supplemented by a separate black ink or toner.

Laser Printers

Printers that use toner (powder) and heat to produce output; they are faster and produce better quality than inkjet printers.

Inkjet Printers

Printers that spray droplets of ink to produce output; they are generally cheaper than laser printers.

Multi-Function Devices (MFDs)

Devices that combine several functions into one, such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing.

3D Printers

Devices that use plastic or other materials to form output in layers to build a 3D version of an object.

Screen Readers

Software that works with speakers to provide an audible version of data shown on a screen for visually impaired users.