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Computer Structure & Architecture 7d - Input, Output & Backing Storage. Lesson 1 – Input and Output Devices. LI: Identify and describe the purpose of a range of computer input and output devices. An input device is used to send information to the computer
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Computer Structure & Architecture7d - Input, Output & Backing Storage
Lesson 1 – Input and Output Devices LI: Identify and describe the purpose of a range of computer input and output devices • An input device is used to send information to the computer • Computers can capture a range of inputs including key strokes, sound, graphics and video • Input devices include, mice / touchpads, keyboards, microphones etc.
Input Devices - Resolution • Resolution is used to measure the quality of an image. • It is measured in DPI (dots per inch) • The more dots per inch an image has, the higher the quality of the image. • Resolution has an effect on file size – the higher the resolution, the larger the file size. • Resolution is used to measure the quality of webcams and scanners.
Output Devices • An output device allows data to be displayed or passed out of a computer. • Data can be output in many ways including visually, aurally or on paper. • Most computer and laptop monitors have an LCD screen (Liquid Crystal Display). • TFT (Thin Film Transistor) is a type of LCD technology. • Resolution is used to measure the quality of a monitor.
Output Devices • Printers are measured by how fast they can print (pages per minute) and resolution. • The output of a printer is known as a hardcopy, electronic copies are known as softcopies. • Inkjet and laser printers can both print high resolution images. • Laser printers are much faster than inkjet printers. • A plotter is an output device which draws pictures using coloured pens.
Lesson 2- Backing Storage & Interfaces LI: Identify and describe the purpose of a range of backing storage devices and be able to identify the most suitable one for different tasks. Identify and describe the purpose of an interface. • Hard discs are found inside the computer base, but portable drives are available. Typical storage 20 GB to 2 TB • Magnetic tape is still used today, mostly for backups, because it is cheap and reliable. • Optical storage includes CD-R’s (700 MB), DVD-R’s (4.7 GB) and Blu-Ray discs (25 GB).
Backing Storage • USB Flash Memory and Flash Cards (such as SD cards) are known as solid state devices. • Solid state devices are robust because they have no moving parts • Sequential access only allows the data to be read into the computer in the same order in which it was saved (i.e. in a sequence). Magnetic tape is an example of sequential access. • Random or direct access allows the user to access data or files on any order. Examples of random or direct access include USB flash drives, hard discs, CD-R’s, DVD-R’s and Blu-Ray discs.
Interfaces • Interfaces go between the computer and a device so they can work together. This compensates for the differences between how they operate. • Interfaces can be both hardware and software. Hardware interfaces include USB, VGA and HDMI ports.Software interfaces include driver software e.g. a printer driver. • Interfaces deal with Data conversion (e.g. analogue to digital) • Speed • Data storage