Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education

NAME: Mr. BD Ngwenya

DATE: 18 March 2024 CLASS: Form 4A & 4B

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

SUBJECT CODE - 0417
CHAPTER 3 – STORAGE DEVICES AND MEDIA
TOTAL MARKS - 60
DURATION - 2 PERIODS

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

• Write your Name, Class and Date in the spaces at the top of this page

• Write in dark blue or black pen.

• Answer all questions.

• The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question are part of

the question.

MARKS
1. Name the storage media A, B, C and D using words from the list.

A Magnetic Tape B Flash Memory Card

C Blu-Ray Disc D Hard Disc

[4]

2. There are two types of storage within a computer, internal memory and backing
storage. Discuss the differences between internal memory and backing storage.
Internal storage examples RAM and ROM
Internal storage is chip based
Backing storage can be solid state, optical or magnetic
Backing storage is permanent storage
RAM loses memory when computer is turned off
RAM contains current instruction
ROM contains instructions to boot up the computer
Backing storage has slower access speeds
More storage in backing storage
[6]

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3. Tick (✓) whether the following storage devices are examples of optical, magnetic or
solid-state storage.

Optical Magnetic Solid

State
Flash drive ✓
Hard disk drive ✓
Blu-ray disc drive ✓
SSD ✓

[4]

4. Magnetic tapes are used in organisations for backing up data.

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using magnetic tapes rather than flash
memory for backing up data.
Advantages
Less expensive per GB/gigabyte of memory
Not as easily lost, as larger in size
Disadvantages
Data access time is slower
The data transfer rate is slower
Affected by magnetic fields
They have moving parts, therefore, less robust
Read and write is more noisy
Less compact than flash memory
Harder to transfer to other devices
Requires a special reader

[6]

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5. Computer data can be stored on physical storage devices. Data can also be stored
in the ‘cloud’.

a) Explain what is meant by the cloud,

Data is stored on offsite servers - Many servers in many locations
Data is stored on more than one server - Uses data redundancy
Cloud is an online service/data storage

[2]

b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of storing data in the cloud

compared with physical storage devices.
Allows data access from any internet-connected device.
Convenience: No need for physical storage.
Easy Sharing: Share data easily using links.
Better security (Allows for Backup) - Offers vast storage capacity.
Allows data Synchronization across devices.
Adjusts services to business needs.
Saves on infrastructure and maintenance.
Globally available for remote work and sharing.
Relies on stable internet access. - More storage means higher expenses.
Security Concerns: Vulnerable to hacking.
Risk of Data loss if the provider shuts down.
High-speed internet is required for large files
[6]

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6. Tick (✓) whether the following statements refer to Backing storage, RAM or ROM.

Backing RAM
ROM
storage (✓)
(✓)
(✓)
This is temporary storage used for the
✓
application being executed.

This is volatile memory. ✓

An example of this storage is an SSD. ✓

This stores the start-up instructions for the
✓
computer.

[4]
7. Some laptop computers use Solid State Drives (SSD) rather than Hard Disk Drives
(HDD). State three advantages of using SSDs rather than HDDs in a laptop computer.
The startup of the laptop is faster
SSDs consume less power than HDD so conserve battery power
Reduces the weight of the laptop as SSD is lighter
It makes the laptop more compact

[3]
8. Name two devices that could use solid-state storage and give a reason for your
choice; a different reason should be given in each case.
games consoles - • they have a lower power consumption • they run much cooler
than HDDs. They are considerably lighter, high-performance level.
mobile phones: • small size, • do not use much power, more robust than hard drives
(mobile phones dropped often, • do not generate a lot of heat, immediate start-up
and data transfer, lightweight.

[4]

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9. CD-ROMs, DVD-RWs and Blu-ray disks are used in a number of applications. Four
applications are shown in the following table. By ticking (✓) a box, indicate which type
of optical media is the most appropriate for each application.

CD-ROM DVD-RW
Application Blu-ray (✓)
(✓) (✓)
Supplying software for use on a
✓
computer
Backing up files on a regular basis ✓
Recording of a high-definition three-
✓
hour movie
Files to support an application which
✓
cannot be altered

[4]

10. A student wrote:

‘Optical storage media is likely to disappear in the next 5 years.’
Discuss this statement by referring to a range of modern technologies.
High-quality audio can be stored on hard disk drive systems instead of CDs.
Audio files can now be stored in MP3 format on computers no need for disc
Cloud storage allows access to music from anywhere in the world, unlike optical
media.
Users can stream music and movies from the internet on various devices.
Smart TVs enable streaming without DVD or Blu-ray players, acting as central
computers.
Streaming requires a strong internet connection; optical media remains relevant in
areas with poor connectivity or expensive internet.

[5]

ICT – Chapter 3 6
11. Tick (✓) the most appropriate storage medium that should be used in each scenario.

Magnetic
Scenario RAM ROM
tape
To store the current instructions in
✓
use by a computer
To back up data from a school
✓
network server

To store data temporarily ✓

To store the start-up instructions
✓
of a computer
[4]

12. Modern laptop computers tend to use external solid state storage rather than external
optical storage. Compare and contrast the use of solid state storage with the use of
optical storage to store data.

Differences
Optical discs such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs …
…. are read from and written to using a laser beam
Solid state storage such as pen drives and SSDs …
…. are read from and written to using semiconductor chips
Optical discs have slower access times
Optical discs have slower transfer rates
Optical discs can be more easily scratched
Solid state do not have to get up to speed before they work
Solid state has lower power consumption
Max seven from: - Comparisons
Both store videos, music, files, images, data
Both are portable
Both use direct access
Both can be easily lost/stolen
Both backing storage
[8]

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