IT Unit 1

• Optical Storage


  • Low CAPACITY: 700 MB (CD), 4.7 GB (DVD), 25 GB (Blu-ray)
  • Not DURABLE because discs are very fragile and can break or scratch easily
  • Discs are thin and very PORTABLE
  • Optical discs have the Slowest ACCESS SPEED
• Magnetic Disks are spelled with a k and Optical Discs have a c
• Solid State Storage


  Storage with no moving parts
• Cloud Storage


  Data stored on large servers owned by a hosting company
• There are no moving parts in solid state storage
• SSDs (Solid State Drives)

  • Replacing magnetic HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) in modern computers and video game consoles
  • Generally quieter, faster and use less power
• Solid state storage


  • USB flash drive (USB stick)
  • Memory cards (SD card, Micro SD Card)
• Cloud storage


  • Data is stored on large servers owned by the hosting company
  • The hosting company is responsible for keeping the servers running and making the data accessible on the internet
• Cloud storage


  • Typically free for a certain amount of storage
  • Allows people to work on a file at the same time
  • Can be accessed from different devices
• Internet connection fails or servers are attacked

  Data could become inaccessible
• Solid State Characteristics


  • High capacity but more expensive per gigabyte than magnetic
  • Usually durable but cheap USB sticks can snap or break
  • Small size makes them very portable and can fit easily in a bag or pocket
  • Fastest access speed because they contain no moving parts
• Cloud Storage Characteristics


  • Huge capacity and you can upgrade your subscription if you need more storage
  • Portability, durability and access speed depend on your internet connection
• SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)


  A protocol (set of rules) for attaching external devices to a computer system, such as a printer, storage drive or scanner
• SAS (Serial Attached SCSI)

  An improved version of SCSI that enables many more external devices (up to 128) to be connected at the same time to a computer system
• Expansion cards

  Dedicated circuit boards with a specific purpose, attached to the motherboard
• Most expansion cards can also exist as integrated components on the motherboard, rather than a separate card
• Graphics Card

  • Processes graphical data (e.g. videos or animations) and converts it into a displayable output on a monitor
• Network Interface Card (NIC)


  Allows computers to connect to networks (such as the Internet) and enables them to transfer data to other computers
• Sound Card


  • Converts analogue sound waves into digital data (binary) when inputting audio through a microphone
  • Converts digital data (binary) into analogue sound waves to output audio through speakers or headphones
• Fibre Channel Card


  • Transfers data between servers across a network
  • Fibre channel allows for quick transfer speeds and is primarily used to connect data storage to servers in large data centres
• Expansion cards


  Dedicated circuit boards with a specific purpose, attached to the motherboard
• Most expansion cards can also exist as integrated components on the motherboard, rather than a separate card
• Graphics Card


  • Processes graphical data (e.g. videos or animations) and converts it into a displayable output on a monitor
• Sound Card


  1. Converts analogue sound waves into digital data (binary) when inputting audio through a microphone

  2. Converts digital data (binary) into analogue sound waves to output audio through speakers or headphones
• Network Interface Card (NIC)


  • Allows computers to connect to networks (such as the Internet) and enables them to transfer data to other computers
• Fibre Channel Card


  • Transfers data between servers across a network
  • Fibre channel allows for quick transfer speeds and is primarily used to connect data storage to servers in large data centres
• Storage Controller Card


  • Required for the computer to manage and use any attached storage devices
• Port


  Interface between external devices and the computer, allows data to be transferred from and to these devices
• USB Port


  • Connects storage devices such as USB sticks or external hard drives
  • Connects input devices such as a keyboard or mouse, as well as other devices for data transfer such as a camera or smartphone
• Firewire Port


  • Similar to USB but developed for Apple products, transfers data at a high speed from devices such as camcorders and external hard drives
• SD Port


  • Enables data from an SD card to be transferred from a device like a camera to the computer
• Ethernet Port


  • Connects computers to network devices such as a modem or router, allowing access to the internet
• SATA Port


  • Allows data transfer to external HDD, SSD or optical drives
• Micro SD Port


  • Allows data from a micro SD card to be transferred from devices such as smartphones, tablets and handheld games consoles to a computer
• Desktop


  A computer suitable for use at an ordinary desk. They are bulky and not so easy to move. Individual components (e.g. graphics card) can be upgraded over time.
• Desktop


  • Versatile, they allow the user to carry out a range of activities, including document creation, data manipulation, game playing, design and communication facilities for personal or business purposes
• Tablet / Laptop


  A portable type of computer. Many modern laptops can also fold back, effectively turning them into a tablet with a screen-based virtual keyboard.
• Tablet / Laptop


  • Can perform many of the functions of the traditional PC, but the screen size can be restrictive, especially if several documents need to be open at the same time. Because it can be transported through public spaces, loss or theft is more likely.
• Smartphone


  Device that can run a range of applications including email, social media, videos and music
• Smartphones


  • Can negatively affect social interaction (e.g. by using them and ignoring people around you)
  • Can reduce spatial awareness when being used