motherboard

storage

In a computer, storage is the place where data is held in an electromagnetic or optical form for access by a computer processor. There are two general usages.

1) Storage is frequently used to mean the devices and data connected to the computer through input/output operations - that is, hard disk and tape systems and other forms of storage that don't include computer memory and other in-computer storage. For the enterprise, the options for this kind of storage are of much greater variety and expense than that related to memory. This meaning is probably more common in the IT industry than meaning 2.

2) In a more formal usage, storage has been divided into: (1) primary storage, which holds data in memory (sometimes called random access memory or RAM

) and other "built-in" devices such as the processor's L1 cache, and (2) secondary storage, which holds data on hard disks, tapes, and other devices requiring input/output operations.

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Primary storage is much faster to access than secondary storage because of the proximity of the storage to the processor or because of the nature of the storage devices. On the other hand, secondary storage can hold much more data than primary storage.

In addition to RAM, primary storage includes read-only memory (ROM) and L1 and L2 cachememory. In addition to hard disks, secondary storage includes a range of device types and technologies, including diskettes, Zip drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and holographic storage. Devices that hold storage are collectively known asstorage media.

A somewhat antiquated term for primary storage is main storage and a somewhat antiquated term for secondary storage is auxiliary storage. Note that, to add to the confusion, there is an additional meaning for primary storage that distinguishes actively used storage from backup storage.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS: hard disk, magnetoresistive head technology, yottabyte, serverless backup, byte, partition, InfiniBand, failover, RAMAC (random access method of accounting and control), Fibre Channel

output divice

Output devices are things we use to get information OUT of a computer.
Here are some examples of output devices.

Monitor - A monitor is the screen on which words, numbers, and graphics can be seem.  The monitor is the most common output device.
Compact Disk - Some compact disks can be used to put information on.  This is called burning information to a CD. NOTE:  A CD can also be an input device.
Printer - A printer prints whatever is on the monitor onto paper.  Printers can print words, numbers, or pictures.
Speaker - A speaker gives you sound output from your computer.  Some speakers are built into the computer and some are separate.
Disk Drives - A disk drive is used to record information from the computer onto a floppy disk or CD.
Floppy Disk - A floppy disk is used to record information on.  The information is stored on the floppy disk and can be used later or used on another computer.
Headphones - Headphones give sound output from the computer.  They are similar to speakers, except they are worn on the ears so only one person can hear the output at a time.

input device

Input devices are things we use to put information INTO a computer.
Here are some examples of input devices.
Note:  An APPLICATION is a type of computer program.
Some applications are word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and games.

Camera - most cameras like this are used during live conversations.  The camera transmits a picture from one computer to another, or can be used to record a short video.
Compact Disc (CD) - CDs store information.  The CD can then be put into another computer, and the information can be opened and added or used on the second computer. Note:  A CD-R or CD-RW can also be used as an OUTPUT device.
Keyboard - The keyboard is a way to input letters or numbers into different applications or programs.  A keyboard also has special keys that help operate the computer.
Mouse - The mouse is used to open and close files, navigate web sites, and click on a lot of commands (to tell the computer what to do) when using different applications.
Digital Camera - A digital camera can be used to take pictures.  It can be hooked up to a computer to transfer the pictures from the camera to the computer.  Some digital cameras hold a floppy disk, and the floppy disk can be taken out of the camera and put directly into the computer.
Drawing Tablet - A drawing tablet is similar to a white board, except you use a special pen to write on it and it's connected to the computer.  Then the word or image you draw can be saved on the computer.
Microphone - A microphone is used to record sound.  The sound is then saved as a sound file on the computer.
Scanner - A scanner is used to copy pictures or other things and save them as files on the computer.
Disk Drive - A disk drive can hold a CD or a floppy disk.  It reads the information on the disk so that the computer can use it.
Joystick - A joystick is used to move the cursor from place to place, and to click on various items in programs.  A joystick is used mostly for computer games.
Touch Screen - A touch screen is a computer screen or other screen that you can touch with your finger to enter information.  Examples of touch screens include a smart board, a microwave, a dishwasher, or an ATM at a bank.
Bar Code Scanner - A bar code scanner scans a little label that has a bar code on it.  The information is then saved on the computer.  Bar code scanners are used in libraries a lot.