Hardware Devices: Module 1.2

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering input, processing, output, storage, and communication hardware devices from Module 1.2.

Information Processing Cycle

The complete cycle of input, processing, output, and storage—supplemented by communication—that converts raw data into usable information.

Input

The beginning stage of information processing that provides the data that needs to be processed to generate information.

Processing

The collection of steps, decisions, and calculations taken to convert data into information, carried out primarily by the CPU and loaded into RAM.

Output

The visible or audible proof that processing has taken place, communicated to people using devices such as monitors, printers, and speakers.

Storage

The hardware location where data, software, and output results are kept when the computer is not busy with that specific task or when the computer is switched off.

Communication

The function that allows ICT devices to connect with each other using devices such as cellular modems and routers.

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions used by a computer system to perform tasks, solve problems, or carry out processing.

Encryption

The security method of protecting and securing a file with a password, key, or code.

Ergonomic Design

The design of input devices to fit the natural posture and movement of the user, preventing physical strain and wrist bending during prolonged computer use.

Touch Screen

A display interface that serves as both mouse and keyboard, allowing direct interaction with on-screen elements via natural gestures such as swiping, pinching, and expanding.

Touch Pad / Track Pad

An integrated laptop input device that replaces a mouse, providing identical navigation actions without requiring a dedicated desk or surface area.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Specialized software that converts scanned images of printed or written text into editable digital text files.

Barcode Scanner

An optical input device commonly utilized in Point of Sale (POS) systems that provides faster and more accurate code processing than manual typing.

Document Feeder

An office automation scanning feature that automatically processes multiple pages into a single digital document.

RFID Tags

Radio Frequency Identification tags used in access control systems and swipe cards that are scanned by wireless reading devices.

Biometric Scanner

A specialized security input scanner designed to verify identity by reading unique biological features such as fingerprints, irises, or facial structure.

Colour Depth

The amount of colours that a display pixel or camera sensor can represent, measured in bits (such as $24\text{ bit}$ on monitors or up to $32\text{ bits}$ on camera sensors).

ISO Rating

A camera specification that measures its sensor's sensitivity to light, where higher ratings indicate better low-light performance.

Aspect Ratio

The proportional relationship between the width and the height of a display or projected image, commonly $16:9$ or $4:3$.

Refresh Rate

The frequency at which a monitor updates its displayed images each second, measured in Hertz ($\text{Hz}$).

Contrast Ratio

The relationship between the darkest black and brightest white a monitor can produce; low values produce soft or muddy images.

Response Time

The time it takes for a display pixel to change its colour, commonly measured in milliseconds (e.g., $4\,\text{ms}$).

Laser Printer

A high-speed printer that produces text and graphics using toner cartridges.

Inkjet Printer

A printer that uses liquid ink cartridges to spray microscopic droplets onto paper, representing the best printer type for colour photos.

Pages Per Minute (ppm)

The standard metric used to measure the printing speed of a printer.

Dots Per Inch (DPI)

The unit of measurement used to quantify printer resolution, where higher numbers produce finer details but consume more ink or toner.

Data Projector

An output device designed to project an enlarged display image onto a wall or screen to share content with a large group of people.

3D Printing

A manufacturing process that creates physical three-dimensional objects layer by layer from the bottom up by melting plastic filament according to digital designs (e.g., CAD).

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A mechanical, magnetic permanent storage device that provides high capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte, while also acting as virtual memory.

Virtual Memory

An operating system storage mechanism that allocates an area of free hard drive disk space to be used as if it were RAM.

Disk Defragmentation Utility

A system utility program used to rearrange fragmented files on a mechanical hard drive so scattered parts are assembled consecutively, speeding up system responsiveness.

Disk-Scanning Utility

A diagnostic maintenance tool that checks storage disks for bad sectors and attempts to repair corrupted disk areas.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A completely electronic, non-mechanical storage device with no moving parts that offers faster data transfer speeds, silent operation, and high durability.

Optical Media

Portable disc storage media—including CDs ($700\,\text{MB}$) and DVDs ($4.7\text{ to }8.5\,\text{GB}$)—that store digital data readable and writable via lasers.

Cellular Modem

A portable communication dongle or Wi-Fi device that plugs into a USB port to provide internet connectivity via 3G or 4G mobile networks.

ADSL Router

A communication networking device that connects to the internet via copper telephone landlines while supporting simultaneous phone calls and wireless Wi-Fi connections.

Fibre Router

A communication device that establishes high-speed internet connections through physical optic fibre cables rather than traditional copper cabling.

Augmented Reality (AR)

A technology that enhances reality by overlaying computer-generated 3D content onto the real world via smartphones, tablets, or specialized wearables, requiring greater bandwidth.

Virtual Reality (VR)

A technology that replaces physical reality by visually immersing the user inside a simulated computer-generated environment using a VR headset, motion controllers, and sensors.