Input, Output and Storage

• Input devices are used to enter data into a computer system, examples include keyboards, mice, touch screens, microphones, and cameras
• Each input device has a specific purpose and is most useful for certain types of tasks:

  • Keyboard: practical for entering text
  • Camera: best for capturing images or video
• Understanding how different input devices work is crucial when designing software or hardware, as the user interface should be designed to work smoothly with the appropriate input devices
• Output devices are used to present information from a computer system in a form that is understandable to humans (or sometimes to other machines). Examples include monitors, speakers, printers, and projectors
• Each output device, like input devices, is designed for a specific purpose. For example, a monitor is designed to display visual information, such as text, images, and video
• Developing software and hardware involves considering which output device(s) will be used and ensuring that they deliver information in a clear, efficient manner
• Storage devices are used to keep digital information when it is not in use, examples include hard drives, solid state drives, and memory sticks
• Types of storage:

  • Primary storage: located in or near the processor, stores information currently being used or about to be used by the processor
  • Secondary storage: used for long-term storage of information
• Considerations when choosing a storage solution:

  • Amount of data to be stored
  • Speed of data access needed
  • Data security and loss concerns
• Managing, structuring, and retrieving data stored in a computer requires understanding various storage technologies, file systems, and how data is managed and organised by operating systems