Data Input, Output, Storage and Access Methods Essay Example

digital document (. doc or . pdf, for example).

One data is actually entered into a computer, there is a means by which it must be extracted.Convenience and Quality of Data Output As there are various methods for data being put into a computer, there are also several means by which data output can be created and viewed. For example, a handheld computer’s output would best be via the device’s screen. The handheld is more of a convenience device that is rarely used for high quality documents or graphics creation.

Color photographs are best put to paper specifically designed to accept photographic images and ink. For a resume, the best way is via a laser printer, for its sharpness, on to high quality bond paper for a feel of quality and professionalism.Could you imagine handing over a USB thumb drive at an interview? In the case of memorandums, either regular office or copy paper would be acceptable, or simply viewing it in the body of an email. What is important about the memorandum is the information contained in it, not the presentation.

Statistical reports could also fall under this category, but color printing would be desirable as usually these types of reports have graphs and charts that are colored to highlight the different areas they represent. Finally, a company annual report generally takes the form of a high quality, high resolution document, such as a . df . If printed, it will usually be bound in some sort of spiral booklet or binder. Both presentation and the information being conveyed are important in this case. Once all this data is created, it is becoming less

feasible to store reams and reams of paper.

This is were digital storage devices come into play. Best Practice Use of Data Storage Devices There are several types of storage devices for computers, and each of them has a best practice for use. If we start at the heart of the computer, we have the hard disk, or sometimes called the hard drive. This item is the de facto standard for end user storage of data.With a decreasing cost per unit of storage and high reliability, they are ideal for mass storage of data. Floppy disks are highly unreliable as a means to store data, and have all but disappeared from a standardized desktop computer.

They used to be great for data portability, but their fragility kept them from being around too long. In addition, their capacity just could not keep up with marketplace trends. RAM (random access memory) is ideal for those users who need data to react quickly, such as online gamers, or those who work with high resolution graphics.Instead of accessing the hard drive for information, if the computer has a large amount of RAM, this info can be stored there for quick, constant access.

CD-ROMs have more capacity, and are sturdier than the floppy disk. According to Slattery (2004) “CD-R and DVD-R media can be very stable…Unfortunately, it is very difficult for customers to identify these more stable media. ” Tape is more suited to back up computer systems. As it can be removed from the system, this allows it to be free of any hardware failure, and can preserve data created up to the back up point.Flash or Jump drives

are becoming the next standard for data portability.

They are small hard drives, which allow the transfer of large files without having to use the network. The amount of data on any one of these media will most certainly have an effect on the speed of the computer itself. Factors Affecting Computer Speed There are many parts of a computer that have an effect on its speed. RAM is by far the most important factor. A large amount of RAM allows the CPU to access this repository of data rather than having to seek it out on the hard drive.

The larger the ‘well’ of data in the quick access bucket (RAM), the quicker the computer can return the output to the user. Clock speed is generally viewed as the standard for assessing a computer’s speed, generally measured in megahertz (MHz) and more recently, gigahertz (GHz). The higher the MHz or GHz, the faster the computer’s CPU works. The amount of data on the hard drive can also affect the speed of a computer. A large amount of data on a hard disk means that the computer must search through a larger amount of data to find what it wants, which can slow a computer down.

Data on CD-ROMs or floppy disks generally don’t have an affect on computer speed, unless there is an abnormally low amount of RAM in the system, then only the CD-ROM would affect the speed. Floppy disks carry such a small amount of data that they do not affect the computer speed one way or the other. Conclusion In conclusion, I have shown that there are several means by which data can

be put in to a computer, as well as various means of the output. Depending on the situation, different types of input methods are appropriate for efficiency and accuracy. Also, output methods are dependent on the context in which they are needed.Data storage has several formats, and these are best practices for when to use which type of storage.

Finally, hardware has a great effect on the perceived speed of a computer. References Slattery, O. , Lu, R. , Zheng, J.

, Byers, F. , & Tang, X. (Sept-Oct 2004). Stability comparison of recordable optical discs--a study of error rates in harsh conditions.

Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 109, 5. p. 517(8). Retrieved October 02, 2008, from General OneFile via Gale: http://find. galegroup.

com/itx/start. do? prodId=ITOF - cd rom stability