DIGITAL DEVICES

What is a computer?  Some laptops are used as desktop replacements

A computer is an electronic device capable of Advantages Disadvantages

taking an input, processing data, storing Easy to carry and use Difficult to upgrade
information and providing an output. on the go hardware and
therefore limited
What is a mainframe computer? expandability
 A mainframe computer is a computer with huge Access to internet and Lower performance
processing power and data storage capabilities. resources from compared to desktop
 Build to handle enormous amounts of data and anywhere computers
carry out complex calculations. Multi-functional Needs frequent
charging
 Designed to be secure, reliable and support large
What is a mobile phone?
volumes of simultaneous users.
 Carry out critical tasks for large organisations in  An ultra-portable electronic device designed to
sectors such as: Finance, Health and Government. be lightweight and fit in a pocket or small bag.
 Used to transmit information between people and
What is a microprocessor?
devices using radio waves.
 A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that  Examples: Smartphones, Specialist
contains a central processing unit
What is a smartphone?
 It is embedded into devices to help them carry out
tasks.  A versatile general purpose device
 Responsible for executing instructions.  Use SIM cards to link the devices to a network
 Used in a home to monitor and control devices carrier, allowing them to make them phone calls
such as: Central heating systems, security alarm and messages.
systems and home entertainment system.  Features: SMS messaging, Phone calls, VoIP,
Accessing the internet through cellular reception
What is a desktop computer?
on the move, Mobile payments using NFC, Built-
 A computer designed to stay in one place. in camera.
 Traditionally consists of a separate: Monitor,
What is a specialist phone?
Keyboard and Mouse
 More powerful than mobile computers.  Designed for a particular groups of users or
 Upgradable, the parts can be replaced/changed to environment.
increase performance.
What is a tablet device?
What is a laptop computer?
 General purpose device that sits between a
 Designed to be portable laptop and a smartphone.
 Traditionally consists of built-in: Monitor,
Smartphone Tablet
keyboard and touchpad
Ultra-portable, Portable but the larger
 Less powerful than desktop computers due to:
designed to fit in a screen means they
Power constraints due to size, focus on extending
pocket require a bag or case to
battery life.
carry around
 Not easily upgradable, components are integrated
Communication (calls, Entertainment &
for size and efficiency. texts, mobile data), productivity (games,
 Battery powered
 camera for capturing reading, watching What is multifunctional device?
images & videos movies)
 A device designed to carry out a wide range of
Carry out everyday Typically more
tasks
tasks but may lack powerful than a
 Combines functions that would usually be
power for demanding smartphone but not as
applications or tasks powerful as a laptop, separate.
more processing power  Examples :- smartphone, printers and Smart TVs
& RAM.
What is convergence?
Due to battery size Typically longer
they usually require battery life depending  Merging of technologies that would usually be
charging more often on usage separated
than a tablet
FEATURES OF DIGITAL DEVICES
Cameras and camcorders

 Uses light sensors to capture images formed by Connectivity

light passing through a lens  Device's ability to connect to the network +
 Lens – high quality lens allows light to pass other devices
through without defects  different devices = different features
 Image processor – compensates for poor lighting
 Sensors – capture detail, more pixels are Portability:
produced  Can be easily carried/moved around
Games console  relating to the size + weight of the device

 Specialised PC for playing video games Performance

 Powerful processors and graphics for high quality  high-performance devices can perform
smooth gameplay tasks/jobs quickly. speed is determined on speed
 Online capability it carries out instructions from the software by a
 Controllers for interactivity processor. faster processor = higher
Home entertainment systems performance
 CPUs that carry out software instructions.
 Hub for connecting audio and video devices instructions are loaded into the processor from
 Connect TVs, speakers and media players RAM. faster RAM = faster instructions loaded
together into the processor. more RAM = more programs
 Receiver processes audio and video signals to be run at the same time. RAM: Random
 Can provide immersive experience (surround Access Memory, holding all of the softwares
sound) instructions + used for running software. faster
storage = faster loading of instructions to RAM
Media players
 when space in the RAM runs out, storage is
 A device for multimedia playback using an overflow known as 'virtual memory' .
 Connects to TVs, or speakers for playback Virtual memory: Storage used by the processors
 Plays different media such as Blu-ray, DVD when RAM runs out. fast storage = fast access
 Portable media players for on the go to instructions of virtual memory
Storage

 files + programs are stored in storage Gesture interface

 more space in storage = can store more
 allowing user to control the device based on
files/programs
movement
User interface
Connectivity
Command Line Interface
 devices shares data by connecting to each other
 user enters text instructions = computer through wireless/wired connectivity
provides feedback/results as a text  can update, back up files + play media from one
 found in older systems with limited storage devices to another
as it requires little memory  different connectivity = different speeds of data
 commands have to precise/accurate as the transfer + levels of convenience
interface recognizes certain commands
Media support
 help menu listing + explaining acceptable
commands  different devices can read/write data to different
types of medias
Menu-driven interface
Energy consumption
 displays a list of options on the menu =
selecting an option triggers a  digital devices require electricity to work
command/displays more menus to choose  lower energy consumption = longer battery life
from  pressure of people, government + cost of energy
 time-consuming as you have to select your of eco-friendly, manufacturers create digital
options devices that consume less energy

Graphical User Interface (WIMP) WHAT IS SOFTWARE?

 controlled by a pointer on the screen, uses a Software is the set of programs that control the
screen made up of windows, icons + menus hardware; they live on the computer system but
 icons represent an application cannot be physically touched
 windows are areas that dedicate to
Software can be broken down in to two categories:
operations/operating system tasks
 menus provide options for tasks relating to  Application software
operating system/open applications  System software
 take up more memory + storage
What is application software?
Voice interface
Application software (abbreviated 'apps') is
 allows user to give spoken commands from software chosen by a user to help them carry out a
the user specific task
 voice recognition matches the spoken words
Application software is installed on top of system
in a library of words to find the match = saves
software and is user-chosen to best suit industry
storage as the library of words are stored
requirements
online
 requires the internet in order to access Common categories of application software
 can't always find the correct result/returns include:
incorrect match
 Word processing: creating and editing text Defragmentation (maintain)
documents
 Defragmentation software groups fragmented
 Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a
files back together in order to improve access
grid format
speed
 Database management systems: storing,
 As programs and data are added to a new hard
retrieving and managing data in databases
disk drive, it is added in order, over time as
 Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure
files are deleted this leaves gaps
and control a system
 As programs and data are added over time,
 Video editing: creating and modifying video files
these gaps get filled and data becomes
 Graphics editing: creating and modifying images
fragmented
 Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files
 Defragmentation can only used on magnetic
 Computer-Aided Design (CAD): designing and
storage
modelling objects in 2D or 3D
Compression (enhance)
What is system software?
 Compression reduces the amount of secondary
System software is software essential for the
storage required by performing an algorithm
operation of a computer system
on the original data
Without system software, a user has no starting
 Lossy compression physically removes data
point for giving a computer instructions
from the original data to reduce its size, the
System software gives users a platform to run
original file can not be re-created
applications and carry out tasks
 Lossless compression uses mathematics to
Essential services carried out by system software
order data more efficiently reducing its size,
include:
the original files can be re-created as no data
 Compilers: translating high-level programming
is lost
languages into machine code
 Linkers: combining object files into a single Encryption (enhance)
executable program
 Encryption is the process of scrambling data
 Device drivers: controlling hardware
using an algorithm from plain-text into cipher-
components and peripherals
text in order to make it unreadable to users
 Operating systems: managing the computer's
without the master key
resources and providing a user interface
 Encryption software enhances the security of
 Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimising
the computer system and keeps data safe
the computer's performance
Task manager (troubleshoot/repair)
What is utility software?
 Task manager is software that is built into the
 Utility software is software designed to help
operating system to allow users to monitor
maintain, enhance and troubleshoot/repair a
system resources in order to help troubleshoot
computer system
potential problems
 Utility software is designed to perform a limited
 Task manager gives system information such
number of tasks
as: Processes, Performance, App history, Start-
 Utility software interacts with the computers
up apps, Users and Services
hardware, for example, secondary storage devices
 Some utility software comes installed with the
operating system
What is an operating system?  The OS dynamically manages the memory,
adjusting allocation as needed to maintain
 An operating system (OS) is software that
optimal system performance
provides an interface between the user and the
 Memory management makes multitasking
hardware in a computer system
possible
 An operating system hides the complexities of
the hardware from the user, for example: Processor
 A user does not need to know 'where' on
 Processor management is a process carried out by
secondary storage data is kept, just that it is
the operating system dividing time (time slicing)
saved for when they want it again
in to small chunks and allocating them to
 There are two main types of operating systems:
different programs
Single User Operating System and Network
 The CPU can only execute one instruction at a
Operating Systems (NOS)
time, it can can execute billions of them in one
 An operating system has many functions, this
second.
includes: Memory management, Resource
 The OS decides what programs get access to the
management, Security and Print spooling
CPU to give a user the perception of being able to
Single User OS NOS use multiple programs at the same time
Allow for a single Provide access to (multitasking)
general user network storage and
Inputs & outputs
No option to customize shared resources
user interface for Server is sent requests  Input/output (I/O) management is a process
different users when users log in with carried out by the operating system managing the
Typically used in a username and
way input and output devices interact with
household appliances passwords
software
User accounts are kept
 The OS allocates system resources to
separate to ensure
inputs/outputs to ensure efficient operation
users cannot access
each other’s files  I/O management makes plug-and-play (PnP)
Resource management functionality possible, automatically detecting
and configuring new inputs/outputs without the
Memory need for manually installing device drivers or
 Memory management is a process carried out by power cycling the system
the operating system allocating main memory Files
(RAM) between different programs that are
open at the same time  File management is a process carried out by the
 The OS is responsible for copying programs and operating system creating, organising,
data from secondary to primary storage as it is manipulating and accessing files and folders on a
needed computer system
 Programs and data require different amounts of  The OS manages where data is stored in both
RAM to operate efficiently and the OS manages primary and secondary storage
this process  File management gives the user the ability to:
 RAM is allocated based on priority and fairness, Create files/folders, Name files/folders, Rename
for example, system applications (essential) may files/folders, Copy files/folders, Move files/folders
have a higher priority than user applications and Delete files/folders
 The OS allows users to control who can access,
modify and delete files/folders (permissions)
 The OS provides a search facility to find specific Spreadsheet
files based on various criteria
 Spreadsheet software is software used for
Security tasks involving calculations
 Spreadsheets allow users to model financial
 Security management is a process carried out by
situations and answer 'what if' questions
the operating system enabling different users to
 Formulas and functions can be used to aid
log onto a computer
complex arithmetic calculations
 A system administrator is able to allocate
 Examples of spreadsheet applications include:
different access rights for different users on a
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
network
 The OS is able to maintain settings for individual Desktop publishing
users, such as desktop backgrounds, icons and
 Desktop publishing software is software used
colour schemes
for tasks that involve complicated page layouts
 The OS audits (keeps a log of) files created by
 Common tasks include: Newsletters and
users, accesses, edits and deletes
Leaflets
 Operating systems can provide software
 Examples of desktop publishing applications
firewalls
include: Microsoft Publisher and Adobe
Print spooling InDesign

 Print spooling is a process carried out by the Database

operating system when printing is required
 Database software is software used to store
 The spooler creates a temporary holding area
data
(queue) for the print job
 Common features include: Data entry form
 Queuing pages increases efficiency
design, Perform queries to select data that
What are office productivity tools? meet a certain criteria and Build reports to
display data in a readable format
 Office productivity tools are applications
 Examples of database applications include:
designed to enable common work related tasks
Microsoft Access and Oracle MySQL
to be carried out
 Office productivity tools are often combined into What is web authoring software?
a single application suite
 Web authoring software is software designed
Word processing to allow the creation of websites
 Websites are written in HTML and translated
 Word processing software is software used
by web browsers to display in a way users can
primarily for tasks involving text and images
see and read
 Common tasks include: Letters, Reports, Essays
 Web authoring software gives users with little
and Books
to no HTML experience tools to help them
 Examples of word processing applications
create web pages
include: Microsoft Word and Google Docs
 Uses a What You See Is What You Get
(WYSIWYG) interface
 Examples of web authoring applications
include: Adobe Dreamweaver and Google
Sites
What is image editing software?

 Image editing software is software that allows Common features include:

users to manipulate and enhance digital
 Timeline - shows a graphical representation of
photographs and images
events and the time and order in which they
 Common features include: Resizing, Adjusting
occur
brightness & contrast, Applying filters, Red-eye
 Critical path - allows a project manager to see
removal and Cropping
the shortest time a project will take to
 Examples of image editing applications include:
complete
Adobe Photoshop and GIMP
 Milestones - a time or date by which a task
What is sound editing software? must be completed

 Sound editing software is software that allows Gannt charts are often used to visualize project
users to edit audio files timelines
 Common features include: Cut and join audio
What is a software licence?
clips, Alter volume, Change tempo, Add effects
and Apply audio processing  A software license is a legal agreement that lays
 Examples of sound editing applications include: out rules for how software can and can't be
Audacity and Adobe Audition used
 There are two main types of software license,
What is presentation software?
each with very different rules on usage,
 Presentation software is software designed to distribution and support, they are: Free or open
allow users to create multimedia content that can source and Proprietary
be displayed typically on slides
Free Free to modify, study, copy or
 Common features include: Transitions &
distribute
animations, Presenter notes and Automatic or
Open source Access to source code to
timed navigation
edit/change
 Examples of presentation applications include: Able to edit and distribute
Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides
Proprietary Costs money
What is control software? Produced by 'professional'
companies
 Control software is software that users sensors to More regular official
capture inputs, processes them and outputs updates/support/upgrades/fixes
something Free and open source
 They make something happen in the physical
Advantages disadvantages
environment
Allows collaboration Relies on support of
 Outputs can be commands that control devices
with other people who other users
such as: Actuators and Motors
may want the same To edit the code, you
 Commonly used in engineering, vehicles and modifications need expert
building control Less buggy versions of knowledge
the software may May not receive regular
What is project management software?
appear faster updates
Project management software is software designed Usually free, good for Could be more open to
make the organisation of projects more efficient by companies with limited exploitation through
tracking individual tasks budgets. Generally users adding malicious
strong social support code
Proprietary software Social media

Advantages Disadvantages  Social media is a platform where users can

Generally free Cost can be significant connect with others and share content
customer support Limited expansion,  They include platforms such as Facebook,
Created to professional only what is available Tiktok, X (Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn
standards Relies on one company  Social media platforms usually require users to
Always someone to go May not fully meet the create a profile and allow them to share text,
back to with any need of the images, videos, and links
problems user/customer
 They facilitate interaction, collaboration, and
What is communication software?
information sharing on a large scale
 Communication software is software that  Privacy settings allow users to control who can
provides remote access to systems see their content
 To exchange files and messages in text, images,
SMS/MMS
audio and/or video formats between different
computes or users  Short messaging service (SMS) and multimedia
 Common examples of communication software messages service (MMS) are a method of
include: Web browsers, Email, Social media, communication using a mobile phone network
SMS/MMS and Instant messaging  SMS allows 160 text characters per message
 MMS allows more than 160 characters and can
Web browsers
include video, animations, images and audio
 A web browser is a piece of software used to  No internet connection is required
access and display information on the internet
Instant messaging
 The purpose of a web browser is to render
hypertext markup language (HTML) and display  Instant messaging requires an internet
web pages connection to allow multimedia communication
 Web browsers interpret the code in HTML between single and groups of users
documents and translate it into a visual display  Includes extra features such as: See when users
for the user are typing (online/offline status) and Include
location data
Email
Why is software updated?
 Email is a method of exchanging messages and
files over the internet Software is updated to:
 The main uses of email are: Personal
 Fix bugs or software vulnerabilities
communication, Professional correspondence
 Increase compatibility with newer operating
and Marketing
systems
 Companies provide guidelines about acceptable
 Improve performance
use of emails
 Introduce new features
 Guidelines about emails from a company
 Improve usability
include: Purpose of the email, Using acceptable
language and Email security, including anti-virus Updates are typically downloaded from the
software internet by a user or automatically from within the
software itself
Operating system can schedule updates to suit user  Update issues - in rare cases the installation
needs and minimise disruption process can go wrong, leading to data loss

What are the risks of updating software? What are the risks of NOT updating software?

Software updates typically require the removal of  Software is often released in a less than perfect
components to be replaced with new ones state and flaws/vulnerabilities may exist which
can provide an opportunity for hackers
This process can cause
 Unpatched/outdated software can lead to:
 Incompatibility - may not work with older  Data breaches
hardware or software  Installation of malware
 Workflow disruption - new features/interface
tweaks may need time to adjust to, slowing
down productivity
TYPES OF PERIPHERAL DEVICES

What is an input device?

 Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer system
 They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer then processes to
produce an output

Keyboard Entering data into a Easy method of entering data Repetitive strain injury
computer Very common Slow to enter data compared
to direct data entry
Mouse To select on screen Intuitive and precise control RSI (strain on wrist)
objects Fast to make on-screen Requires flat surface
choices People with disabilities can
find them difficult to use
Joystick Moves sprites/characters Enhances gameplay/ Expensive
around a game simulation experience Limited use outside of gaming
Improve realism and simulators
Accurate
Graphics Use a stylus to draw or Precise Cost
tablet write Natural feel Learning curve
Ergonomic Battery life
Scanner Convert paper documents Accurate reproduction Quality depends on resolution
to electronic Easy to share and store High quality means can be
Combined with barcodes slow
becomes a DDE
Digital Taking photos/videos Vast amounts can be captured Storage compression can lead
camera No developing to a loss in quality
Easy to share Need to be tech-savvy to use
effectively
Webcam Streaming images/video Real-time communication Image quality
Cheap Privacy concerns
Multipurpose
Microphone Input speech, sensor to Hands-free input Variable quality
pick up sounds
 Can be used for voice Verbal inputs can be
recognition inaccurate
Fast Need to remember key words
and/or phrases
Resistive Pressure causes layers to Intuitive Screens can get dirty
touchscreen 'touch' No need for a separate Easily scratched
Durable pointing device Less precise than a mouse
Capacitive Conduct electricity Easy to keep clean
touchscreen Finger causes a change in
electrical charge and can
be measured precisely
OMR Read marks on exam Fast processing Limited to specific forms
Optical Mark paper in pen/pencil Reduced human error Cannot read handwriting
Recognition Form must be completed
accurately
OCR Text to digital data Fast data entry Can struggle with complex
Optical Accurate and less error prone layouts
Character Font dependent
Recognition Not always 100% accurate
Expensive
Barcode Reads barcode labels Fast and accurate Requires line-of-sight
scanner Low cost Barcodes are easily damaged
Allows for automatic stock Barcodes can be
control swapped/altered by
Tried & trusted consumers
Biometric Fingerprint/facial/voice/iris Easier than passwords Privacy concerns
scanner recognition More secure Expensive
Speed
Chip and PIN Retail card payments Secure Requires PIN input
reader Reduced fraud risk Potential for skimming
High payment limits an issue
for stolen cards
RFID reader Contactless payments Fast transaction (no pin) Transaction limit is smaller
Data wirelessly transferred RFID signals can be
securely read/intercepted
Retailers don't have to access
customer credit/debit
information
Analogue Measure environmental Generally accurate May require calibration
sensors data e.g. temperature, Provides real-time Data must be converted to
light, sound, humidity etc. information digital data (ADC)
Automatic Data may need to be checked
Can collect data from places for accuracy
where they may be threat to
human life
What is an output device?

Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to
the user in a comprehensible form

They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or commands

CRT Display output from a Large viewing angles Run hot

monitor computer Can be used with light pens Heavy
Screen size is measured Consume more power (than
diagonally in inches other monitor types)
LCD Resolution is the number of Low power Motion blur/ghosting
monitor pixels measured horizontally Lightweight Colour & contrast variable
across the screen No flickering from different viewing angles
No image burn-in
LED No motion blur/ghosting More expensive (than LCD)
monitor Low power Contrast can be poor
Long life
Laser High volume printing Fast Expensive initial cost
printer Electronically charged toner High-quality prints Limited to flat surfaces
Dry ink Lower cost per page
Inkjet Home printing & Lower initial cost Slower
printer photographs High-quality prints Higher cost per page
Uses wet ink separated into Ink can be refilled Ink may smudge
black, cyan, magenta &
yellow
Tiny dots sprayed onto
paper
Dot matrix Useful when printing Low cost Noisy
printer multiple copies Can print multi-part forms Low print quality
Paper is impacted through a Very good for long print runs Slow
ribbon of ink
3D printer Create real-life versions of Customisable designs Limited materials
digital models Rapid prototyping Slow process
Medical benefits Counterfeit items easier to
produce
Very expensive
Plotters Create drawings and High accuracy Slow
blueprints Can print on various materials Expensive to buy
Inexpensive to run Large size
Multimedia Output computer usually to Large display Requires darkened room
projector much larger display Good for presentations Expensive bulbs
Space saving Need separate audio
Quality is variable
Speakers Output audio Range of sizes and power Expensive for higher quality
outputs output
Immersive audio Varying sound quality
Helps people with disabilities
 Actuators Control motors, pumps, Precise movement Requires power
switches etc. Programmable Potential mechanical wear
Allow automatic control of Requires DAC interface
many devices

What is a storage device? Advantages Disadvantages

Capacity - Cost - Very high per
 A storage device is the hardware that reads
Medium/high storage gigabyte
from and writes to different storage medias
Speed - Very fast Reliability - Limited
 Storage devices are non-volatile secondary read/write access read/write cycles
storage, that retain digital data within a Durability - No moving
computer system parts
 They provide a means of storing, accessing, and Portability - Small and
retrieving data, which can include software no moving parts
applications, documents, images, videos, and Noise - Silent
more Optical storage
 There are 3 types of storage device: Magnetic,
Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that
Solid State and Optical
uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk, creating
Magnetic storage pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s

Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media Advantages Disadvantages

that uses magnets (polarity) to store binary 0s and Cost - Very low per Capacity - Very low
1s gigabyte Speed - Very slow
Durability - No moving read/write access
Advantages Disadvantages parts Reliability - Prone to
Capacity - High Durability - Moving Portability - Small and scratches
storage parts can get damaged no moving parts
Cost - Low per if dropped Noise - Silent
gigabyte Portability - Heavy & Capacity of storage describe the amounts of binary
Speed - Moderate bulky making them digits that can be stored on a digital device
read/write access less convenient for
transport 1 kibibyte = 1024 bits - binary prefixes (to the
Reliability - Prone to power of 2)
mechanical failure
1 kilobyte = 1000 bits - decimal prefixes (to the
Noise - Loud (spinning
power of 10)
disks)
Solid state storage What is storage media?
Solid state storage is a type of non-volatile media  Storage media is the physical media that holds
that uses electronic circuits to store binary 0s and non-volatile data
1s  Storage devices have a specific read/write
mechanism built in to interact with a particular
storage media
 For example, magnetic tape media is read by a
magnetic storage device
Hard disks What is RAM?

 Hard disks are a magnetic storage media  RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary
 Made up of platters that spin on a central storage that is directly connected to the CPU
spindle and holds the data and instructions that are
 A read/write head moves on an arm across the currently in use (temporary)
platter to read/write data  RAM is volatile which means the contents of
 The amount of time taken to read/write data is RAM are lost when the power is turned off
influenced by: How fast the platters spin  For the CPU to access the data and instructions
(measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and they must be copied from secondary storage
How fast the head moves across the platter  RAM is very fast working memory, much faster
 Used in personal computers, servers and than secondary storage
backups  RAM is read/write which means data can be
read from and written to
Optical media
 In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger
Used with an optical storage device capacity
 RAM capacity can be increased to improve
All optical media is recordable (CD-R, DVD-R, BD-
performance
R)
What is ROM?
Some optical media can be re-written (CD-RW,
DVD-RW, BD-RE)  ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage
that holds the first instructions a computer
Used for multimedia (music, games & films)
needs to start up (Boot file)
CDs DVDs Blu-ray  ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output
up to 700 MB 4.7 GB single 25 GB single System)
data sided/single sided  ROM is a small memory chip located on the
layer 50 GB double computers motherboard
18 GB double sided  ROM is fast memory, much faster than
sides/double secondary storage but slower than RAM
layer  ROM is non-volatile which means the contents
Flash media of ROM are not lost when the power is turned
 Flash media is a solid state storage media off
 More reliable than a hard disk as contains no  ROM is read only which means data can only be
moving parts read from
 Very fast read/write speeds  In comparison to RAM, it has a much smaller
 Used in mobile devices, laptops capacity
 ROM capacity cannot be increased
Magnetic tape  Some types of ROM can be changed
 Old technology used primarily for recording EPROM - erasable programmable read only
sound memory
 Now used to store vast amounts of data EEPROM - electronically erasable
(backups) programmable read only memory
 Very slow read/write speeds
 Used for whole system backups and archives
What is flash memory? Number of cores

 Flash memory is a type of EEPROM  A core works like it is its own CPU
(Electronically Erasable Programmable Read  Multiple core processors mean they have
Only Memory) multiple separate processing units that can
 Non-volatile fetch, decode and execute instructions at the
 Fast access times same time
 Low power consumption  Multi-core processors can run more powerful
 Used in solid state drives, USB drives and SD programs with greater ease
memory cards  Multiple cores increase the performance of the
CPU by working with the clock speed
What is the purpose of the CPU?
Accessibility
 The purpose of the Central Processing Unit
(CPU) is to execute instructions Hardware solutions
 The CPU achieves this by completing processor
Adjustable monitor stands: Provide ergonomic
cycles
viewing positions to reduce strain
 A modern CPU is capable of performing billions
of processor cycles in one second Alternative input devices: Use trackballs, head
pointers, or adaptive keyboards for users with
The processor cycle stages
limited dexterity
Fetch stage: During the fetch stage of the cycle, the
There is a wide variety of other accessibility
next instruction or data must be fetched from the
hardware features available such as:
computer's memory (RAM). The instruction or data
is brought back to the CPU  Gesture interface: allows data entry for those
with low levels of mobility/dexterity
Decode stage: During the decode stage of the
 Braille keyboards: would allow those with
cycle, the CPU needs to work out what is required
visual impairments to enter data
from the instruction. This could be a range of tasks
 Reading pen: allows users with dyslexia to
depending on what the instruction or data included
interpret text
Execute stage: During the execute stage of the
Software solutions
cycle, the CPU will carry out the instruction that
was fetched. Some examples that would take place Screen readers: Assist users with visual
at this stage are: Performing a calculation, Storing a impairments by reading on-screen text aloud
result or data back in main memory (RAM) and
Voice-to-text applications: Enable users to dictate
Going to main memory to fetch data from a
text and control devices via voice commands
different location
Customisable keyboard shortcuts: Simplify
How is the speed of a processor measured?
navigation and command execution for users with
 The speed of a processor is measured by its motor impairments
clock speed
 Clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz)
 The clock speed measures the number of
processor cycles that can take place in 1 second.
 The faster the clock speed, the more instructions
can be fetched and executed per second