computer science test 2

test 2

Magnetic Storage

Uses magnetism to store data on rotating disks

Examples of Magnetic Storage

Hard Disk Drive (HDD), magnetic tape.

Advantages of Magnetic Storage

Large capacity, low cost per GB.

Disadvantages of Magnetic Storage

Slower than SSDs, moving parts can fail.

Flash Storage

Uses solid-state memory with no moving parts.

Examples of Flash Storage

SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards.

Advantages of Flash Storage

Fast access speeds, durable, portable.

Disadvantages of Flash Storage

More expensive per GB than HDDs.

Optical Storage

Uses lasers to read/write data on discs.

Examples of Optical Storage

CD, DVD, Blu-ray.

Advantages of Optical Storage

Cheap, good for distribution.

Disadvantages of Optical Storage

Low capacity, slow access speed.

Backing Up Data

Making copies of data to prevent loss.

Purpose of Backups

Protects against hardware failure, theft, viruses, accidental deletion.

Backup Methods

Cloud backup, external drives, network backup.

Full Backup

Copies all data every time.

Incremental Backup

Copies only data changed since the last backup.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Hardware that allows a device to connect to a network.

Wired NIC

Connects via Ethernet cable.

Wireless NIC

Connects using Wi-Fi signals.

Router

Connects different networks and forwards data packets.

Switch

Connects devices within a LAN and sends data to the correct device.

Hub

Sends data to all connected devices (less efficient than a switch).

Modem

Converts digital data to analog and back for internet access.

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.

Client

A device that requests services or data.

Server

A powerful computer that provides services or resources.

Examples of Servers

File server, web server, email server.

Advantages of Client–Server Networks

Centralized control, better security, easy backups.

Disadvantages of Client–Server Networks

Expensive to set up, server failure affects all clients.

Peer-to-Peer Network

Network where all devices have equal status.

Role of Devices in P2P

Each device can act as both client and server.

Advantages of P2P Networks

Cheap, easy to set up, no dedicated server needed.

Disadvantages of P2P Networks

Poor security, hard to manage, slow with many devices.

Typical Use of P2P Networks

Small home or office networks.

Network Topology

The layout of devices in a network.

Star Topology

All devices connect to a central hub or switch.

Advantages of Star Topology

Easy to manage, failure of one cable doesn’t affect others.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

Central device failure stops the whole network.

Mesh Topology

Devices are connected to multiple other devices.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

Very reliable, no single point of failure.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

Expensive, complex to install and maintain.