Worksheet 3.1: for testing basic understanding
1
2
a
Create a table with the first column listing the names of different computer components used for storage.
b
Use the second column of the table to record a definition and details of use for each component in the
table (no need to consider internal operation).
Choose the correct word or phrase from the list, A–G, to complete the following table. Components should be
arranged so that access time increases down the column. You can use each word or phrase more than once.
Component
Category
A Primary storage
B
Register
C
Main memory
D Cache memory
E
Secondary storage
F
Hard disk
G Processor component
3
Choose the correct word or phrase from the list, A–H, to complete the blank spaces in the following four
sentences. Note: one word or phrase is not needed.
a
RAM is a ____ component that can be directly accessed and can be ______________.
b
It is ____ which means that all data ____ if the system is switched off.
c
ROM is a ____ component that can be directly accessed and can be ______________.
d
It is ____ which means that all data ____ if the system is switched off.
A memory
B
storage
C
read from
D read from or written to
E
volatile
F
non-volatile
G remains stored
H is lost
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4
Identify the two incorrect statements from the following list:
A Storage capacity is higher for Blu-ray disc (BD) compared with other optical technologies, because blue
light has a shorter wavelength and, therefore, can be focused to a smaller area.
B
A hard disk has a rigid platter that can store data on both sides.
C
A hard disk is a direct-access device because each track is divided into sectors.
D A CD-ROM is not a direct-access device because there is only one spiral track.
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6
E
A solid state drive has no moving parts so is more reliable than a hard disk drive.
F
The technology used in a hard drive or in a DVD drive can take account of the dependence of the surface
speed at different distances from the centre.
Create a two-column table with:
a
one column listing names or acronyms of different memory components
b
a second column listing a definition of each memory component and at least one example of its use.
Match each word or phrase with the correct description.
Liquid crystal display
screen
does not require a
soft screen.
Screen pixel
requires a soft screen.
Plasma screen
consists of three subpixels: typically one each
for red, green and blue.
Capacitive touch screen
a screen back-lit by
light-emitting diodes.
Resistive touch screen
contains cells where
each cell is a light source.
7
There are some similarities in the logic underpinning how a keyboard works and how a user can interact with
a screen display. Identify and give a brief explanation of aspects of the operation of these devices that
support this statement.
8
Consider the following two statements:
A A microphone is an output device.
B
A speaker is an input device.
Now consider the context of a computer system making use of each of these devices. For each device discuss
whether there is any truth in the statement. Give a full account of how the devices are used.
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