Input, Output & Storage (OCR A Level Computer Science)

Keyboard

The most common input device. It allows users to input text and commands by pressing keys

Mouse

Allows users to navigate the computer screen, click on items, and perform other functions

Touchscreen

Found on smartphones, tablets, and some computers, touchscreens allow users to interact with the device by touching the screen

Microphone

Captures audio input, which can be used for voice commands, recording audio, or video conferencing

Webcam

Captures video input, often used for video conferencing or recording videos

Scanner

Digitises physical documents or images, converting them into a format that the computer can process

Game Controller

Used primarily for video games, these devices allow users to control game characters and interact with the gaming environment

Graphics Tablet

Allows artists and designers to draw or sketch directly onto a computer. It's particularly useful for graphic design, 3D modelling, and other visual creative tasks

Biometric Devices

These devices, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition systems, are used for security purposes to verify a user's identity

Barcode Reader

Scans barcodes, typically used in retail and inventory management

Joystick

Often used for computer games, especially flight simulators. It allows the user to control movement more fluidly than with a keyboard or mouse

Monitor

This is the most common output device. It displays visual output from the computer, including text, images, and videos

Printer

Produces a hard copy of digital documents or images. There are various types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and 3D printers

Speakers

Output audio from the computer, such as music, sound effects, or voice

Headphones

Similar to speakers, headphones output audio directly to the user, providing a more personal and potentially immersive experience

Projector

Projects the computer's display onto a large screen or wall, useful for presentations or movie viewing

Braille Display

This specialised device outputs information in Braille, allowing visually impaired users to read text from the computer

Plotter

Used for printing large, high-quality diagrams and designs, often used in engineering or architecture

Virtual Reality (VR) Headset

Provides an immersive visual and audio output, primarily used for gaming and virtual simulations

Computer-Controlled Machinery

In manufacturing or robotics, computers often output commands directly to machinery to control their operation

Magnetic Storage Devices (e.g., Hard Disk Drives, Magnetic Tape Drives)

Store data by magnetising particles on a disk or tape.

High storage capacity; relatively low cost per gigabyte; suitable for long-term storage and backup.

Slower read/write speeds compared to other types; susceptible to physical damage; moving parts can wear out over time.

Optical Storage Devices (e.g., CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs)

Store data using a laser to burn pits into the surface of the disc.

Durable and relatively immune to environmental conditions; easy to transport; suitable for distributing software, music, or movies.

Lower storage capacity compared to other types; slower read/write speeds; can be easily scratched or damaged.

Flash Storage Devices (e.g., Solid-State Drives, USB Flash Drives)

Store data in flash memory cells.

Fast read/write speeds; no moving parts, so less likely to fail due to physical shock; silent operation.

Higher cost per gigabyte; flash memory cells can wear out after a certain number of write cycles.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Magnetic

500GB - 2TB (consumer-grade)

Low cost per GB

Low (especially for internal HDDs)

Moderate (susceptible to damage from shocks or falls due to moving parts)

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Flash

120GB - 4TB (consumer-grade)

High cost per GB

High (especially for external SSDs)

High (no moving parts, less susceptible to physical shock)

USB Flash Drive

Flash

8GB - 256GB (common sizes)

Moderate cost per GB

Very High (small and lightweight)

Moderate (can withstand casual handling, but can be lost or damaged if not cared for)

CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc

Optical

CD: 700MB, DVD: 4.7GB - 9GB, Blu-ray: 25GB - 50GB

Low cost per disc

High (thin and lightweight)

Low (can be scratched or damaged easily)

Scalability: Easy to increase storage capacity as needs grow.

Dependence on Internet Connection: Access to data can be slow or impossible with a poor Internet connection.

Accessibility: Data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Security Concerns: Storing sensitive data off-site can pose a risk, despite the provider's security measures.

Data Protection: Data redundancy protects against data loss due to hardware failure.

Ongoing Costs: While cost-effective, virtual storage is an ongoing expense and costs can add up over time.

Cost-Effective: Pay only for the storage used, often more affordable than maintaining own storage infrastructure.