Computer Storage Devices Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental difference between a compiler and an interpreter?

An interpreter stops execution upon encountering an error, while a compiler continues processing. (correct)

A compiler executes code line by line, while an interpreter compiles all code at once.

A compiler produces an object file, while an interpreter generates an executable file directly.

An interpreter checks for errors after generating intermediate code, whereas a compiler checks while compiling.

What does the output of an assembler produce?

Executable program

Source code

Intermediate code

Object file (correct)

How does a compiler handle errors during the compilation process?

It generates a debugging version of the program.

It corrects errors autonomously.

It compiles the program, ignoring errors. (correct)

It immediately stops and reports errors.

What role does an assembler play in software development?

Translates assembly language into machine code. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What process does an interpreter follow when executing code?

Reads each statement, converts it to intermediate code, and executes it in sequence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the BIOS in a PC?

To load the operating system and personal settings (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which key is NOT commonly used to access BIOS on Windows PCs?

F8 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your PC goes through the power on self-test startup too quickly?

Use Windows advanced start menu recovery settings (A) Signup and view all the answers

When should you press the BIOS hotkey to access the BIOS on older operating systems?

Before the Microsoft Windows logo appears (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one feature you can modify within the BIOS setup?

Change the system time and date (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step required to access the BIOS on a Windows PC?

Turn off the computer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you do not press the BIOS hotkey at the right time during startup?

You will not be able to access any settings (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which method can be used specifically for Windows 10 to enter BIOS?

Through Windows advanced start menu recovery settings (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does system configuration primarily refer to?

The specifications of a computer system's hardware and software (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can you check your PC's hardware specifications?

By clicking on the Windows Start button and navigating to Settings (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following storage components is known for being the default in PCs for decades?

Hard-disk drives (HDDs) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What feature is currently found primarily in enterprise-specific hard drives?

Energy-assisted magnetic recording (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the read/write heads in a hard disk drive?

To retrieve or record data on the platters (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which material is used in certain modern external hard drives to improve performance?

Helium (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of drive is considered a more advanced alternative to hard-disk drives?

Solid-state drives (SSDs) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What remains essentially unchanged in modern hard disk drives despite advancements?

The underlying hard drive technology (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of HDMI technology over analog video standards?

It can transmit both audio and video signals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes NFC technology?

NFC is suitable for crowded areas due to its short range. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is stored on secondary storage devices?

Programs, applications, and user data (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of passive NFC devices?

They can operate without power. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between SATA and PATA interfaces?

SATA can transfer data faster than PATA. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of secondary storage?

Random Access Memory (RAM) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the way data is transferred in SATA versus PATA?

SATA transfers data one bit at a time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are secondary storage devices frequently utilized by companies embracing the SaaS model?

As cloud repositories for data storage (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which storage device has largely fallen out of use for backup storage?

Floppy diskettes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required before pairing a Bluetooth device to a laptop?

The Bluetooth device must be made discoverable. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is serial communication considered advantageous for SATA over PATA?

It reduces the complexity of the data transfer process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What arrangement do secondary storage drives receive from modern operating systems?

Assigned letters D: and onwards (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does system configuration generally refer to?

The settings and hardware-software arrangement of a computer system (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range for NFC communication?

10 cm. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding secondary storage devices?

They can be both external physical drives and virtual devices. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a primary purpose of secondary storage devices?

Backup data for disaster recovery (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Secondary Storage Devices

Store operating systems, device drivers, applications, and user data.
Used for backup data, long-term archiving, and low-cost non-critical data storage.
External drives, USB flash drives, and cloud storage are common forms.
Cloud storage services include Dropbox, Google Drive, AWS, and Microsoft Azure, supporting the SaaS model.

Backup Storage Types

Includes solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), cloud storage, CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, tape drives, and Zip/Jaz drives.
Secondary drives are usually assigned letters from D: onwards, following historical DOS volume letter assignments.

System Configuration

Refers to hardware, software, and processes that comprise a computer system.
Includes both automatic settings and user-defined configurations.
Specifies types, models of devices installed, and the software used.

Checking System Configuration

To view hardware specs on a Windows PC:
- Click the Start button, go to Settings, click on System, then select About to see processor, memory, and system info.

Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

Traditional storage component in PCs, now supplemented by SSDs but still prevalent.
Modern HDDs are advanced with features like helium-filled enclosures for better performance.
Uses rotating magnetic platters and read/write heads for data retrieval/recording.

Entering BIOS on Windows PCs

BIOS initializes hardware before the operating system loads.
Access BIOS by pressing the designated key during startup (e.g., F10, F2, F12, F1, DEL).
Windows 10 also allows access through advanced start menu recovery settings.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

Short-range wireless technology for data exchange (about 10 cm distance).
Provides higher security than Bluetooth, ideal for crowded areas.
Two types: Active (sends and receives data) and Passive (only sends data, e.g., student ID cards).

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)

Interface for data transfer between the motherboard and storage devices.
Replaced PATA (Parallel ATA) for better speed and reduced interference.
Serial communication enables simpler and slimmer cabling, enhancing performance.

Bluetooth Device Pairing

To pair Bluetooth: Turn on the device and make it discoverable.
Specific discoverability methods depend on the device.
Pairing usually involves accessing the Bluetooth settings on a laptop.

Assembler

Translates assembly language programs into machine code.
Produces object files combining machine instructions and necessary data.
Allows developers to manage computer hardware by interpreting assembly language into executable code.

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Description

Explore the various types of computer storage devices and their functions. This quiz covers the roles of these devices in data backup, archiving, and storage of applications. Test your knowledge on how these components work together in a computer system.