Explaining Specific Computer Parts

¶ … Computer Parts

For printed questionnaires, it is perhaps best to scan the document. This would have the advantage of simply translating the information on the questionnaire directly into the computer, where it can be further processes and used. On the other hand, scanning would have the disadvantage that it does not necessarily check that the information in the questionnaire is correct and one still has to ensure manually that all the questions were answered, etc. Additionally, the scanning method may prove a little bit more expensive than other methods.

For the telephone survey, manual data entry seems the obvious choice, since the operator receives the information directly and I can think of no technology that can actually take over data and transfer it from the telephone to the computer.

In the case of bank checks, due to the high level of accuracy that needs to be reached, I would suggest something like an optical reader or an electronic scanning device.

The retail tags would probably work fine with something like automatic digitization, while long documents should surely be scanned, due to the fact that manual input tends to reduce accuracy over time.

2. In the case of a hand held computer, adaptable devices such as smaller memory chips are available.

For a color photograph, I would suggest a high resolution printer, because we would tend to emphasize quality in this case. An ink jet printer would probably be preferred.

For a resume or a memorandum a normal laser printer can be used, because we are only interested in the actual information that is presented in these documents rather than in its quality.

For a statistical report, given the fact that we may have a lot of graphs and charts, we may consider using a plotter, that is an output device specially designated for diagrams, etc.

Finally, for the company's report, given the fact that we may want to present it to the other members in the company, we can use a projector or another similar presentation device.

3. According to Wikipedia, primary storage is "used to store data that is likely to be in active use," which makes it generally much faster than the secondary storage. Devices for primary storage are Random Access Memory (with all its derivatives, VRAM, WRAM, NVRAM) and Read-only memory.

On the other hand, secondary storage devices are used for data that is not "in active use." Common devices here include DVD, CD-ROM, floppy and hard disks, as well as magnetic tapes.

4. As I have mentioned here above, the RAM is best for things in active use. The floppy disk, the CD Rom and the tape are portable secondary storage devices, so we would generally prefer such devices when we need to get the information from one computer to another. As for the hard disk, while it is not portable, it may be included in the category of secondary devices with larger storage capabilities than the normal portable ones.