INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES

Some devices handle both input and output functions. These devices are called input/output (I/O) devices, a term you will encounter quite often.
• Floppy disk drive
Mechanism for reading and writing to low-capacity, removable, magnetic disks. Used to store and easily transport information.

• Hard disk drive
High-capacity internal (and sometimes external) magnetic disks for storing data and program files. Also called fixed disks.

• Modem
Converts computer data to information that can be transmitted over telephone wires and cable lines. Allows communication between computers over long and short distances.

• Network card
An expansion card that allows several computers to connect to each other and share information and programs. Also called network interface card (NIC).


• CD recorder
Also called CD-R. You can copy data to a CD with this device, but you can only write to a section of the disc once. Variations on this type of device include compact disc–rewritable (CD-RW) drives. These drives allow you to read, write, and overwrite a special CD-ROM-type disc.

• Tape drive
Large-capacity, magnetic, data storage devices. Ideal for backup and retrieval of large amounts of data. Works like a tape recorder and saves information in a linear format.