Year 10 - Computing
Secondary storage
Computer Systems
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will discover the difference between general purpose and embedded systems. They will examine computer architecture and the components that make up a processor. Pupils will recognise the need for storage and be able to select a suitable storage device for a given purpose.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare the characteristics of different types of secondary storage.
Key Notes
- Secondary storage types are optical, magnetic and solid state.
- The most commonly used secondary storage devices are optical storage using lasers, and solid state using 0s and 1s.
Vocabulary To Learn
- solid state storage: no moving parts; stores data in electrical circuits using 0s and 1s
- optical storage: uses lasers to read and write data on a reflective surface
- magnetic storage: older format; data stored in series as polarised dots
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- More storage always means a faster computer.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Secondary storage types are optical, magnetic and solid state. The most commonly used secondary storage devices are optical storage using lasers, and solid state using 0s and 1s.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'solid state storage'
no moving parts; stores data in electrical circuits using 0s and 1s. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: More storage always means a faster computer. Correction: Upgrading from a HDD to a SSD will improve speed, but simply increasing the capacity of the same type of drive does not make the computer faster.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Computing guide library.