Storage and Connectivity Devices

1. Storage and Connectivity Devices Mr Conti Year 9 Lesson 4

2. Key Words for Todays Lesson Kilobyte (KB) Megabyte (MB) ROM RAM Storage Magnetizing Optical Medium Network card (NIC) Modem Router Switch

3. The amount ofdata storedin a computer is measured in kilobytes(KB). Confusingly, 1KB is actually 1,024 bytes (210), not 1,000 as you might expect, but most people think in multiples of 1,000. 1megabyte(MB) is 1,000KB(220) 1gigabyte(GB) is 1,000MB (230) 1terabyte(TB) is 1,000GB(240).

4. Read Only Memory (ROM) When a computer is first switched on, it needs to load up the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and basic instructions for the hardware. These are stored in ROM (Read Only Memory). This type of memory is called non-volatile because it retains the data. Data stored in ROM remains there even when the computer is switched off. ROM can be found on the motherboard.

5. Random Access Memory (RAM) When a computer is started operating instructions, any computer programs that are opened and data are stored in the RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily. The contents of RAM are constantly rewritten as the data is processed. When the computer is switched off all the data is cleared from the RAM. This type of memory is called volatilebecause it only stores the data while the computer is switched on. RAM sticks are found on the motherboard.

6. Storage devices and media There are two types of storage device: • those that store data by magnetizinga special material that coats the surface of a disk, • and others that store data using optical technologyto etch the data onto a plastic-coated metal disk. Laser beams are then passed over the surface to read the data. The medium is what the data is actually stored on. Examples of media include floppy disks, CD-ROM and zip disks.

8. Storage Task Pupil Resources ICT Mr Conti Year 9 Lesson 4 L4 Storage Task

9. Answers

10. Whole Class Task Work out what you are Work out where you should stand

11. SocrativeTask www.socrative.com Room Number 161099

12. Network Devices

13. Every computer on a network needs a network interface card (NIC) which is connected to the motherboard inside the computer. NIC switch A cable plugs into the card, and the other end of the cable plugs into a switch. The switch is then linked to the server.

14. Building a network

15. When you connectto the Internet you connect your computer to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is done through telephone or cable services. Computer signals are digital and normal telephone lines are analogue, so you need an analogue to digital converter if you are using an analogue telephone line. This is called a modem (modulator/demodulator).

16. In order for a computer to function as part of a network, it has to have a special piece of equipment called a network interface card (NIC) installed. A NIC has a port for a network cable to be connected. NICs are still very common, but increasingly people are using wireless network cards or wireless USB adaptors.

17. It is possible to connect computers on a LAN without using wires. A wireless network cardis similar to a standard NIC but has a transmitter/receiver for sending signals via radio waves. Wireless networks are popular as they allow the user more freedom, such as working outside.

20. AFL Check How did you do? Copy the actions below to show how much you agree with the statements. • I understand what RAM and ROM is. • I know the two types of storage device. • I can give you an example of a medium. • I am able to explain the job of a router.

21. Extension Task • Explain one advantage of using writeable DVDs instead of writable CDs for storing data. • Describe two features of a USB memory stick that make it suitable for transferring files between computers.