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Learn about two important expansion cards that can be connected to the motherboard - graphics cards and sound cards - and how they work. Expansion Cards PCI slots What are expansion cards? Expansion cards are additional components that you plug into the motherboard’s expansion slots to add or enhance features . The slots are called PCI (on older computers ) or PCIe (on newer models ). Common types are graphics cards (video ), sound cards (audio ), network cards (internet ) and capture cards (streaming ). Graphics Card A graphics card processes images , videos and 3D graphics so they look smooth and realistic . It is used for gaming , video editing , 3D modelling and Virtual Reality (VR ). It has its own processor - the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU ) - and dedicated memory (VRAM ), so it doesn’t overload the CPU or RAM . Modern graphics cards can also handle tasks like artificial intelligence (AI ) and bitcoin mining . Graphics cards usually have a cooling system, like a fan , so it doesn't overheat. The graphics processing unit ( GPU ) is a chip that renders images and video. The graphics card has ports such as HDMI or DisplayPort to connect monitors or TVs. The PCIe connector allows the graphics card to slot onto the motherboard. Sound Card The DAC ( Digital-to-Analogue Converter ) converts digital data (1s and 0s) from the computer into analogue sound waves for speakers/headphones. The ADC ( Analogue-to-Digital Converter ) converts analogue input (like voice from a microphone) into digital data the computer understands. Jacks are small round sockets where you plug in audio devices like headphones, microphones, or speakers. The PCIe connector allows the sound card to slot onto the motherboard. A sound card improves the quality of audio input/output compared to the motherboard’s built-in sound . They are not needed by most users , because of the motherboard's built-in sound , but they are used by music production , gaming or professional audio work . It can support surround sound systems , high-quality microphones , and musical instruments using jacks (audio ports ). Integrated cards Built directly into the motherboard . Cheaper , uses less power and is good enough for basic tasks (e.g. web browsing , watching videos and office work ). Shares the computer’s RAM and processor (CPU ) instead of having its own . An example is integrated graphics on a laptop for browsing and schoolwork . Dedicated cards These are separate expansion cards (e.g. graphics card or sound card ) to connect to the motherboard 's PCIe slots . They usually have their own processor and memory (e.g. GPU & VRAM for graphics ). Much more powerful , ideal for gaming , video editing , 3D design or professional audio . Uses more power and costs more . KS3 Home

Learn about the tags in the head section of an HTML document including the title and meta tags. 7. Head Tags HTML Guide Watch on YouTube: Remember that all HMTL documents are split into the head and the body. The following tags must be typed inside of your head tags . title Title The title is not the main heading. The title is the page title itself that you can see at the tab at the top of your web browser. Add a title to your web page. metadata Metadata Metadata is information about the web page itself. This commonly includes data about the author, the page's contents and any keywords. Metadata will not appear on the actual web page . Add meta data tags between your head tags for author, keywords and a description. The meta tag is made up of a name and content . Author represents who created the web page. Keywords are commonly used words. Description is used for displaying search engine results (such as a Google search). Next it is time to embed YouTube videos into your web page. 6. Organisation Tags HTML Guide 8. Videos

Learn about different types computers such a desktops, games consoles, laptops, smart speakers, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices. Based on Unit F160 (Fundamentals of Application Development) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (H029 / H129) (AAQ - Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ) Unit: F160: Fundamentals of Application Development Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) 5.1.2 - Types of Device Watch on YouTube : Types of Device Applications can be developed for a range of different devices , each type of device having its own characteristics and common uses . The characteristics of popular devices, such as laptop and tablets , may be well known, but ensure you know the difference between augmented reality ( AR ), virtual reality ( VR ) and mixed reality ( MR ) devices. Types of Device Common Devices Desktops are powerful and customisable personal computers designed for use at a desk . Game consoles are designed specifically for playing video games , usually connected to a TV . Laptops are portable computers with a built-in screen and keyboard , suitable for work on the go . Smart speakers are voice-controlled devices that play music , answer questions and can control smart home gadgets . Smart TVs have internet access , interactive features and apps for streaming and browsing . Smartphones have internet , GPS and Bluetooth connectivity , apps and communication functions . Tablets use a touchscreen larger than a phone, they are more portable than a laptop and good for browsing and media . Augmented Reality (AR ) is technology that overlays digital images or information onto the real world . Virtual Reality (VR ) uses a computer-generated 3D environment that fully immerses the user , usually with a headset . Mixed Reality (MR ) is a blend of AR and VR where digital objects interact with the real world in real time . Q uesto's Q uestions 5.1.2 - Types of Device: 1. Explain the difference between the three types of 'reality ' devices . [3 ] 2. Justify which devices a streaming service should consider for an app . [4 ] 3. Describe the characteristics of any devices not covered in your responses to Q1 and Q2 . [ 5 ] The AR app Pokémon Go was so popular when it released in 2016 that within the first 6 months players had walked a combined 8.7 billion kilometres ( 200,000 trips around the Earth ). D id Y ou K now? 5.1.1 - Human-Computer Inter. Topic List 5.2 - Visual Design Considerations

Learn about on-site storage and cloud storage methods such as private, public, hybrid and community. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 1.3 - Storage Watch on YouTube : On-Site Storage Cloud Storage Locations Cloud Storage Types There are five types of on-site (local ) storage you need to know - file servers , network attached storage (NAS ) devices, portable storage devices, solid state drives (SSD ) and storage area networks (SAN ). In regards to cloud storage , you need to know the different locations (private , public , hybrid and community ) and types (file , object , block , elastic /scalable and cloud-based database services . You need to be aware of the characteristics , advantages and disadvantages of each storage location and type as well as the factors to consider when selecting a storage location and type . What You Need to Know On-Site Storage ? YouTube video uploading soon Cloud Storage Locations ? YouTube video uploading soon Cloud Storage Types ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 1.3 - Storage: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 1.2 - Devices Topic List 2.1 - Data Formats & Types

Learn about how to perform binary addition and binary subtraction. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 4.3: Binary Calculations Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 What are binary calculations? Binary addition and binary subtraction are methods of adding or subtracting binary values without having to convert them into denary. How to add binary numbers: How to subtract binary numbers: Overflow & Underflow Errors Overflow and underflow errors occur when there is not enough space to accurately represent a binary number in the bits available . What is an overflow error? An overflow error occurs when a binary value is too large to be stored in the bits available . In technical terms, an overflow error occurs if a carry (remainder) is present on the most significant bit (MSB ). The CPU then sets the overflow flag to true . The most significant bit (MSB ) is the largest bit (always the one furthest to the left ) of a binary value (e.g. 128 for an 8 bit value). A flag is an alert signal . It is either on or off. The overflow flag is turned on by the CPU when an overflow occurs. What is an underflow error? An underflow error occurs when a number is too small to be stored in the bits available . The value is too close to 0 to be accurately represented in binary. Q uesto's Q uestions 4.3 - Binary Calculations: 1a. Describe the terms ' most significant bit ' and ' flag '. [ 2 ] 1b. Using the terms from 1a , explain what an overflow error is. [ 2 ] 1c. Describe what is meant by an underflow error . [ 2 ] 2. Add together the following binary values. If an overflow error occurs you must state one has occurred. a. 010110012 and 010001012 [2 ] b. 110110112 and 010111012 [2 ] c. 001101102 and 011010112 [2 ] d. 110110112 and 010101112 [2 ] e. 011011012 and 110101102 [2 ] 3. Subtract the following binary values; put the first value on top of the second value: a. 100110102 and 000110002 [2 ] b. 110110112 and 010111012 [2 ] c. 011101102 and 011010112 [2 ] d. 110110112 and 010101112 [2 ] e. 111011012 and 110101102 [2 ] Watch on YouTube Watch on YouTube 4.2 Signed Binary Theory Topics 4.4 - Arithmetic Shift

Test your ability to create a more complex program in Python based on a given scenario. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. Extended Task 5 Collection of Colours A new paint company , 'Sparkle and Shine Paint Schemes ' needs a program that can manage the different colours they sell to customers. They currently have a file with many different colours and want a program made with features to add, remove and list the different colours . For this task, you will need to create a document and include the following sections (with screenshots where appropriate): An introduction to explain the Purpose of your program . A List of Requirements for a successful program. Screenshots of your code (with comments in your code to show understanding). Testing – Create a plan to show how you will test your program and then explanations of any errors that you found and how they were fixed . An Evaluation of what worked, what didn’t, and how you met each of your requirements from your original list. Also, discuss further improvements that you could have made to improve your program. Reminders for this task: You will need to create a selection of options for the user to choose from. Subroutines and a while true loop may help. Section 10 will help you to open, write and read from files . Section 10c shows how to remove lines from a file. There are multiple ways to approach this program, and your solution might look different from the example. Break the problem down and focus on one part at a time. Example solution: Use a menu to select the different options using a command word. Download the colours file: Selecting Total will list the number of colours in the file. This should change whenever a new colour is added or one is removed . Selecting Add will allow the user to enter the name of a new colour to be added to the file . Selecting Letter will allow the user to enter a letter . All colours beginning with that letter should be displayed . Selecting Remove will allow the user to enter a colour to be removed from the file . Selecting Random will display a random colour from the file. Selecting End will stop the program. ⬅ Extended Task 4 (Vet Surgery) Extended Task 6 (Word Game) ➡

Learn how to change the colour of text in Python using the colorama library. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python 5d - COlorama What is Colorama? Colorama is a library that allows the colour of text to be changed. Information about the library can be found on the Python Package Index (PyPi) website . Copyright of the library is held by Jonathan Hartley & Arnon Yaari. Colorama can be imported when using some online editors like Replit . Colorama is not available as a default library on the standard Python offline editor (IDLE) . Using Colorama The three main commands using Colorama are: Fore to change the text colour. Back to change the highlight colour. Style to make the text appear dim or bright. from colorama import Fore print (Fore. GREEN + "Hello There" ) Hello There from colorama import Back print (Back.YELLOW + "Goodbye Now" ) Goodbye Now from colorama import Style print (Style.DIM + "Hi Again" ) Hi Again There are 8 possible colours to choose with the Fore and Back commands. You must write the colour name in CAPITAL LETTERS . BLACK CYAN GREEN MAGENTA RED WHITE YELLOW There is also the RESET option, e.g. Fore.RESET The 2 options to choose with the Style command are DIM and BRIGHT . You can also use Style.RESET_ALL Colorama Task 1 ( Traffic Lights) Create a simple traffic light program . The user is prompted for an input . Typing "GO " will output a suitable message in GREEN , typing "WAIT " will output a message in YELLOW and typing "STOP " will output a response in RED . Example solutions: What should the driver do? STOP You must stop your car. What should the driver do? GO It is safe to continue driving. ⬅ 5c - Date & Tim e 5e - M ore Libraries ➡

Learn about designing algorithms including constructing pseudocode and flowcharts. Based on the J277 OCR GCSE Computer Science specification (first taught from 2020 onwards). Exam Board: OCR 1.2: Designing Algorithms Specification: J277 Watch on YouTube : Inputs, Processes & Outputs Structure Diagrams Pseudocode Flowcharts Writing Code in Exams Trace Tables What is an algorithm? An algorithm is a set of instructions , presented in a logical sequence . In an exam you may be asked to read and understand an algorithm that has been written. To prove your understanding you may be asked to respond by actions such as listing the outputs of the algorithm, correcting errors or identifying an error within it. Programmers create algorithm designs as a method of planning a program before writing any code. This helps them to consider the potential problems of the program and makes it easier to start creating source code. There are two main methods of defining algorithms are pseudocode and flowcharts . In exams , OCR will display algorithms in their own 'OCR Exam Reference Language '. Visit the Python section of CSNewbs ---> OCR Exam Reference Language Below is a list of all of the code concepts from the OCR J277 GCSE specification that you need to know , presented in OCR Exam Reference Language (OCR ERL ), which is how code will be presented in the paper two exam . The code below is NOT Python . There are several differences between OCR ERL and real high-level languages like Python or Java , especially in the 'String Handling ' section and with for loops . In an exam, you can write in OCR ERL or a programming language you have learnt. All code-related videos in the CSNewbs YouTube series for Paper 2 show both OCR ERL and Python side-by-side . Basic Commands Annotation // Comments are written using two slashes Assignment name = "Harold" age = 49 Constants and Global Variables constant tax = 15 global name = "Admin" Input / Output name = input ( "Enter your name") print ("Transaction Complete") Casting str (29) int ("102") float (30) bool ("False") Random Number number = random (1,100) Selection Selection (if - then - else) if firstname == "Steven" then print("Hello" + firstname) elif firstname == "Steve" then print("Please use full name") else print("Who are you?") end if Selection (case select) switch day: case “Sat”: print(“It is Saturday”) case “Sun”: print(“It is Sunday”) default : print(“It is a Weekday”) endswitch Iteration Iteration (for loop) for i = 1 to 10 step 1 input item next i Iteration (while loop) while firstname ! = "Steven" firstname = input("Try again:") endwhile Iteration (do while loop) do firstname = input("Guess name:") until firstname == "Steven" String Handling Length of a String word = "dictionary" print(word.length ) outputs 10 Substrings word = "dinosaurs" print(word.substring (2,3)) outputs nos print(word.left (3)) outputs din print(word.right (4)) outputs aurs Concatenation name = "Penelope" surname = "Sunflower" print(name + surname) String Cases phrase = "The Cat Sat On The Mat" print(phrase .lower ) print(phrase .upper ) ASCII Conversion ASC ("C") returns 67 CHR (100) r eturns "d" File Handling File Handling - Reading Lines file1 = open ("Customers.txt") while NOT file1.endOfFile() print(file1.readLine() ) endwhile file1.close() File Handling - Writing to a (New) File newFile ("paint.txt") file2 = open ("paint.txt") paint = input("Enter a paint colour:") file.writeLine (paint) file2.close() Arrays Declare Array array names[3] array names = "Ella", "Sam", "Ali" Declare 2D Array array grid[4,5] Assign Values names[2] = "Samantha" grid[1,3] = "X" More Programming Keywords Connecting strings together using the + symbol is called concatenation . Extracting certain parts of a string (e.g. using .substring() ) is called slicing . An if statement within an if statement or a loop within a loop is called nesting . Flowcharts A flowchart can be used to visually represent an algorithm. It is more likely you will need to be able to interpret a flowchart rather than draw one. The flowchart symbols are: The terminator symbol is also known as a terminal . Algorithm Examples Below are two different methods for representing the same algorithm - a program to encourage people to buy items cheaply at a supermarket. The program allows the price of items in a supermarket to be entered until the total reaches 100. The total price and the number of items entered are tracked as the program loops. Once the total reaches 100 or more, an if statement checks how many items have been entered and a different message is printed if there are 20 or more items, 30 or more items or less than 20 items. Pseudocode // This is a program to see how many items you can buy in a supermarket before you spend over £100} total = 0 itemsentered = 0 while total < 100 itemprice = input ("enter the price of the next item") total = total + itemprice itemsentered = itemsentered + 1 endwhile if itemsentered >= 20 then print ("You are on your way to saving money.") elif itemsentered => 30 then print ("You're a real money saver.") else print ("Look for better deals next time.") endif Flowchart Reading Algorithms In an exam you may be asked to read an algorithm and prove your understanding , most commonly by listing the outputs . Start from the first line and follow the program line by line , recording the value of variables as you go . When you encounter a for loop , repeat the indented code as many times as stated in the range . Example Algorithm: procedure NewProgram() maxvalue = input() for i = 1 to maxvalue output (i * i) ??????? print("program finished") endprocedure Example Questions: 1. List the outputs produced by the algorithm if the 'maxvalue' input is 5 . 2. State the code that has been replaced by '???????' and what the code's purpose is. Example Answers: 1. Outputs: 1 4 9 16 25 program finished 2. Missing Code: next i Purpose: Moves the loop to the next iteration. Watch on YouTube Structure Diagrams Structure diagrams display the organisation (structure ) of a problem in a visual format , showing the subsections to a problem and how they link to other subsections . The noughts and crosses structure diagram below has subsections in light yellow. Each subsection could be coded by a different person . Structure diagrams are different to flowcharts (those show how data is input, processed and output within a program or system). You may be asked in an exam to draw or fill in a simple structure diagram . Trace Tables Trace tables are used to track the value of variables as a program is run . They can be used to manually track the values in order to investigate why the program isn't working as intended . Each row in the trace table represents another iteration . Each column stores the value of a variable as it changes. See below how the trace table is updated for the simple algorithm on the left. num1 = 2 num2 = 5 for i = 1 to 3 output (num1 + num2) num2 = num2 - 1 next i print("complete") For most algorithms, not every variable will be updated in each iteration . Values may not be entered in the order of the trace table either. For example, each iteration outputs num1 + num2 and then decreases the value of num2 by 1. Q uesto's Q uestions 1.2 - Designing Algorithms: 1. What is the definition of an algorithm ? Name two ways an algorithm can be designed . [ 3 ] 2. Using a high-level programming language such as Python , or the OCR Exam Reference Language , write an algorithm that inputs 6 decimal numbers and outputs the total , largest , smallest and average values. [ 8 ] For example, entering 3.1 , 5.3 , 2.3 , 5.4 , 2.9 and 4.4 would output 23.3 (total), 5.4 (largest), 2.3 (smallest) and 3.9 (average). 3. Draw and label the flowchart symbols . [ 6 ] 4. What is the purpose of a structure diagram ? [ 2 ] 5. Create a trace table for the NewProgram() algorithm in the Reading Algorithms section on this page. [ 7 ] 1.1 - Computational Thinking Theory Topics 1.3 - Searching & Sorting

Consider multiple extensions to increase the complexity of your Greenfoot game. Part 7 of the Greenfoot Tutorial for the Eduqas / WJEC GCSE 2016 specification. 7. Extension Ideas Greenfoot Tutorial This concludes the tutorial for a simple Greenfoot game! Try a combination of the suggestions below to add complexity to your game: 1. Make a New Class for 'Bad' Collectibles Create a new subclass in the Actor classes section for a new collectible that will lower the score if picked up. Add code to your main character to remove the collectible when they touch . Add code to decrease the counter by 1 at the same time. 2. Make the Collectibles Move Randomly Copy the code from your enemy class that makes it move randomly and bounce on edge , and paste this into your collectible class . This makes it harder to catch the collectables, especially if there are 'bad' objects to avoid. 3. Stop the Game Go to the code of your enemy and add the line underlined in red within your removal code. This will stop the game if your main character is eaten. 4. Make the Game Multiplayer Create a new subclass in the Actor classes section for a new main character that will be controlled by a second player . Add code to your new character to move it right, down, left and up . Choose different keys for each direction , such as the WASD keys or IJKL keys. If the second player touches a collectible , add code to decrease the score . Multiplayer Rules: Player 1 wins if the final score is above 0 . Player 2 wins if the final score is negative . It is a draw if it finishes on 0 . < Part 6 - The Counter

Learn about how data is input to an application to be converted and output as information. Covers types of data and information such as numbers, text, audio and images as well as the black box concept to show data flow in a diagram. Resources based on Unit F161 (Developing Application Software) for the OCR Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (H029 / H129) AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualification). Qualification: Cambridge Advanced Nationals in Computing (AAQ) Certificate: Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129) Unit: F161: Developing Application Software 2.2 - Data Flow Watch on YouTube : Data vs Information Data Input Information Output Black Box Concept You need to know the difference between the terms 'data ' and 'information ' and how data is input to be converted to information as an output . There are specific types of input and output , including numbers , text , movement , audio and images . You need to understand how data and information flows through application software and can be stored . You must be able to represent data flow in a diagram using the black box concept . What You Need to Know Data and Information ? YouTube video uploading soon Data Input ? YouTube video uploading soon Information Output ? YouTube video uploading soon Black Box Concept ? YouTube video uploading soon Q uesto's Q uestions 2.2 - Data Flow: 1. What? [2 ] 2. What? [1 ] 3. What? [1 ] 4. What? [1 ] ? D id Y ou K now? 2.1 - Data Formats & Types Topic List 2.3 - Data States

Test your understanding of string and number handling techniques in Python. Try practice tasks and learn through text and images. Perfect for students learning GCSE Computer Science in UK schools. top Python - Section 9 Practice Tasks Task One It is the national hockey championships and you need to write the program for the TV channel showing the live games. Let the user enter the name of the first country that is playing. Then let the user enter the name of the second country . Shorten country 1 to the first two letters . Shorten country 2 to the first two letters . Bonus: Display the teams in uppercase . Example solution: Welcome to the National Hockey Championships!!! Enter the first country: Montenegro Enter the second country: Kazakhstan Scoreboard: MO vs KA G Task Two In some places, the letter G is seen as an offensive letter. The government want you to create a program to count how many times the letter G appears in a sentence . Let the user input any sentence that they like. You need to count how many g’s there are. Then print the number of g’s there are. Example solution: Enter your sentence: good day! great golly gosh, got a good feeling! There were 7 instances of that awful letter! Task Three A pet shop has just ordered in a batch of new dog collars with name tags. However, there was a mistake with the order and the tags are too small to display names longer than 6 characters . You need to create a program that checks the user’s dog name can fit. Let the user enter their dog’s name . Calculate the length of their name. Use an if statement to see if it is greater than 6 characters . If it is then print – Sorry but our dog tags are too small to fit that. Otherwise print – Excellent, we will make this dog tag for you. Example solutions: Welcome to 'Dogs and Cats' Pet Shop! What is the name of your dog? Miles Excellent, we will make this dog tag for you! Welcome to 'Dogs and Cats' Pet Shop! What is the name of your dog? Sebastian Sorry, our dog tags are too small! Task Four It’s literacy week and the Head of English would like you to create a vowel checker program to ensure that year 7s are using plenty of vowels in their work. Let the user enter any sentence they like. For each letter in the sentence that they have just entered you need to use if statements to check if it is a vowel . You will need to use the OR operator between each statement to separate them. After the for loop you need to print the number of vowels they have used. Example solution: Enter your sentence: Put that thing back where it came from, or so help me! You used 14 vowels in your sentence. Task Five Remember the national hockey championships? Well, the company that hired you just fired you… Never mind though, a rival scoreboard company want to hire you right away. You need to let the user enter two countries like last time. But this time you don’t want to calculate the first two letters, you want to print the last three letters . Example solution: Welcome back to the National Hockey Championships!!! Enter the first country: Montenegro Enter the second country: Kazakhstan Scoreboard: GRO vs TAN Task Six Too many people are using inappropriate names on Instagram so they have decided to scrap the username and will give you a code instead. The code is the 2nd and 3rd letters of your first name , your favourite colour and then the middle two numbers of the year you were born . Let the user input their name, then their favourite colour and then the year they were born. Using their data, calculate their new Instagram name! Example solution: Welcome to Instagram What is your name? Matthew What is your favourite colour? red Which year were you born in? 1987 Your new profile name is: ATRED98 Task Seven Copy the text on the right and create a program that will split the text at each full stop. Count the number of names in the list. Print the longest name. Example solution: The list contains 20 names The longest name is alexandria annabelle.clara.damien.sarah.chloe.jacques.mohammed.steven.rishi.raymond.freya.timothy.claire.steve.alexandria.alice.matthew.harriet.michael.taylor ⬅ 9b - Number Handling 10a - Open & Write To Files ➡

Learn about the four types of secondary storage - magnetic, optical, solid-state and cloud. Also, learn about the data storage units from bit to yottabyte. Based on the 2020 Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE specification. 1.4: Secondary Storage & Data Units Exam Board: Eduqas Specification: 2020 Secondary storage (also known as backing storage ) is non-volatile storage used to save and store data that can be accessed repeatedly. Secondary storage is not directly embedded on the motherboard (and possibly even external ) and therefore further away from the CPU so it is slower to access then primary storage . Storage Characteristics: CAPACITY : The maximum amount of data that can be stored. DURABILITY : The physical strength of the device, to withstand damage. PORTABILITY : How easy it is to carry the device around. ACCESS SPEED : How quickly data on the device can be read or edited . COST : The average price it costs to purchase a storage device. Magnetic Storage Optical Storage A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD ) is the most common form of secondary storage within desktop computers. A read/write head moves nanometres above the disk platter and uses the magnetic field of the platter to read or edit data. An obsolete (no longer used) type of magnetic storage is a floppy disk but these have been replaced by solid state devices such as USB sticks which are much faster and have a much higher capacity. Another type of magnetic storage that is still used is magnetic tape . Magnetic tape has a high storage capacity but data has to be accessed in order (serial access ) so it is generally only used by companies to back up or archive large amounts of data . Optical storage uses a laser to project beams of light onto a spinning disc, allowing it to read data from a CD , DVD or Blu-Ray . This makes optical storage the slowest of the four types of secondary storage. Disc drives are traditionally internal but external disc drives can be bought for devices like laptops. Magnetic Storage Characteristics: ✓ - Large CAPACITY and cheaper COST per gigabyte than solid state . X - Not DURABLE and not very PORTABLE when powered on because moving it can damage the device. X - Slow ACCESS SPEED but faster than optical storage . Optical Storage Characteristics: X - Low CAPACITY : 700 MB (CD ), 4.7 GB (DVD ), 25 GB (Blu-ray ). X - Not DURABLE because discs are very fragile and can break or scratch easily. ✓ - Discs are thin and very PORTABLE . Also very cheap to buy in bulk. X - Optical discs have the Slowest ACCESS SPEED . Magnetic Disks are spelled with a k and Optical Discs have a c. Solid State Storage Cloud Storage There are no moving parts in solid state storage. SSD s (Solid State Drives ) are replacing magnetic HDDs (Hard DIsk Drives) in modern computers and video game consoles because they are generally quieter , faster and use less power . A USB flash drive ( USB stick ) is another type of solid state storage that is used to transport files easily because of its small size. Memory cards , like the SD card in a digital camera or a Micro SD card in a smartphone , are another example of solid state storage. When you store data in 'the cloud', using services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, your data is stored on large servers owned by the hosting company . The hosting company (such as Google) is responsible for keeping the servers running and making your data accessible on the internet . Cloud storage is very convenient as it allows people to work on a file at the same time and it can be accessed from different devices. However, if the internet connection fails , or the servers are attacked then the data could become inaccessible . Solid State Characteristics: X - High CAPACITY but more expensive COST per gigabyte than magnetic . ✓ - Usually DURABLE but cheap USB sticks can snap or break . ✓ - The small size of USB sticks and memory cards mean they are very PORTABLE and can fit easily in a bag or pocket. ✓ - Solid State storage has the 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. ✓ / X - Cloud storage is difficult to rank in terms of PORTABILITY , DURABILITY and ACCESS SPEED because it depends on your internet connection. A fast connection would mean that cloud storage is very portable (can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet) but a poor connection would make access difficult . ✓ - Cloud storage is typically free for a certain amount of storage. Users can then buy a subscription to cover their needs - Dropbox allows 2 GB for free or 2 TB for £9.99 a month. Data Storage Units 0 / 1 All data in a computer system is made up of bits . A single bit is a 0 or a 1 . 4 bits (such as 0101 or 1101) is called a nibble . 1,024 bytes is called a kilobyte . A kilobyte can store a short email . A 8 bits is called a byte . A byte can store a single character . 1,024 kilobytes is called a megabyte . A megabyte can store about a minute of music . 1,024 megabytes is called a gigabyte . A gigabyte can store about 500 photos . 1,024 terabytes is called a petabyte . A petabyte can store about 1.5 million CDs . 1,024 gigabytes is called a terabyte . A terabyte can store about 500 hours of films . More data storage units: 1,024 petabytes is called a exabyte . 1,024 exabytes is called a zettabyte . 1,024 zettabytes is called a yottabyte . Q uesto's Q uestions 1.4 - Secondary Storage: 1. Rank magnetic , optical and solid-state storage in terms of capacity , durability , portability , speed and cost . For example, magnetic has the highest capacity , then solid-state, then optical. This could be completed in a table . [15 ] 2. Justify which secondary storage should be used in each scenario and why it is the most appropriate: a. Sending videos and pictures to family in Australia through the post . [ 2 ] b. Storing a presentation to take into school . [ 2 ] c. Storing project files with other members of a group to work on together . [ 2 ] d. Backing up an old computer with thousands of files to a storage device. [ 2 ] 3. Put the following data storage units in order from smallest to largest : a . kilobyte - gigabyte - byte - megabyte - nibble - bit [3 ] b. gigabyte - petabyte - kilobyte - exabyte - terabyte - megabyte [ 3 ] 1.3 - Primary Storage 1.5 - Performance Theory Topics