O-LevelComputer ScienceHardware2210/11 · May/June 2022 · Q39 Marks

Three types of storage media are magnetic, optical and solid state.

(a)One example of solid-state storage is a Solid State Drive (SSD). Identify one other example of solid-state storage.[1]
(b)Optical storage uses a laser to store and read data from a disk. Explain how the laser is used to store and read data from the disk.[3]
(c)(i)A business is creating a new mobile device that has an SSD as secondary storage. Give three reasons why an SSD is the most suitable secondary storage for their mobile device. Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3[3]
(c)(ii)Identify two examples of software that can be stored on the SSD. Example 1 Example 2[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Any one from e.g.: SD card USB flash memory drive Random access memory // RAM
[3] Any three from: Laser is shone at the disk An (arm/head) moves the laser across the surface of the disk The laser burns pits onto the surface of the disk The laser is used to read the pits and lands on the surface of the disk The reflected light from the laser shining on the disk is captured (by a sensor)
[3] Any three from: It is small in size // compact // lightweight // portable It has low power consumption It runs quietly It runs at a cool temperature It is robust when dropped // durable Fast access/read/write speed High capacity Not affected by magnets
[2] Operating system Application software // by example Utility software // by example

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