Storage & Connectivity

Learning Outcomes LO1 LO2 LO3

What are these items collectiviely? Can you come up with a definition?

Storage Devices Storage devices are used to store files of data that a user wants to keep.

Key Words for Todays Lesson Kilobyte (KB) Megabyte (MB) ROM RAM Storage Magnetizing Optical Medium Network card (NIC) Modem Router Switch

Storage capacities and sizes are measured from highest to lowest

Read Only Memory (ROM) When a computer is first switched on, it needs to load up the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and basic instructions for the hardware. These are stored in ROM (Read Only Memory). This type of memory is called non-volatile because it retains the data. Data stored in ROM remains there even when the computer is switched off. ROM can be found on the motherboard.

Random Access Memory (RAM) When a computer is started operating instructions, any computer programs that are opened and data are stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily. The contents of RAM are constantly rewritten as the data is processed. When the computer is switched off all the data is cleared from the RAM. This type of memory is called volatile because it only stores the data while the computer is switched on. RAM sticks are found on the motherboard.

Storage devices and media There are two types of storage device: those that store data by magnetizing a special material that coats the surface of a disk, and others that store data using optical technology to etch the data onto a plastic-coated metal disk. Laser beams are then passed over the surface to read the data. The medium is what the data is actually stored on. Examples of media include floppy disks, CD-ROM and zip disks.

Activity Complete L4-Task

Answers

Connectivity Devices Connectivity Devices are used to connect computer systems together. Some devices are built into computers to connect a computer to a network or to the internet. While some are used to connect networks together of into the internet.

When you connect to the Internet you connect your computer to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is done through telephone or cable services. Computer signals are digital and normal telephone lines are analogue, so you need an analogue to digital converter if you are using an analogue telephone line. This is called a modem (modulator/demodulator).

In order for a computer to function as part of a network, it has to have a special piece of equipment called a network interface card (NIC) installed. A NIC has a port for a network cable to be connected. NICs are still very common, but increasingly people are using wireless network cards or wireless USB adaptors.

It is possible to connect computers on a LAN without using wires. A wireless network card is similar to a standard NIC but has a transmitter/receiver for sending signals via radio waves. Wireless networks are popular as they allow the user more freedom, such as working outside.

Activity Connectivity devices activity sheet

Can you write what each of these key terms are from today’s lesson? Plenary Kilobyte (KB) Megabyte (MB) ROM RAM Storage Optical Medium Network card (NIC) Modem Router Switch Can you write what each of these key terms are from today’s lesson?

Extension Task Explain one advantage of using writeable DVDs instead of writable CDs for storing data. Describe two features of a USB memory stick that make it suitable for transferring files between computers.

Socrative Storage devices task: 468995