1.1.3 Input, output and storage

Input device: a device that allows you to pass information from the outside world into a computer system

Output device: a device that can take data stored in digital form and convert it into another format that humans can process

Storage device: device used for either temporary or permanent storage

Storage devices

Magnetic

Flash

Optical

  • Cheap
  • Portable
  • Easy to distribute (easy to copy)
  • \

RAM and ROM

Random Access Memory:

Volatile memory which holds information being executed by the processor, temporary storage of instructions and data, programs in use. faster than hard disks, holds the OS

Read Only Memory:

Non-volatile read only memory located on the motherboard and contains the BIOS/bootstrap

Virtual storage

  • Virtual storing and retrieving data over the internet in the cloud instead of local storage device.

Pros:

  • Data can be accessed from anywhere any where (internet access)
  • storage is unlimited
  • Data can be easily shared
  • Easy to collaborate

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Slow access times if thereā€™s bad connections
  • No connection = no access to files