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A cloud storage provider installs new servers - Edexcel - GCSE Computer Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
A cloud storage provider installs new servers. (a) The data on the servers is encrypted. Identify one encryption technique. (b) Describe how hardware and software... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A cloud storage provider installs new servers - Edexcel - GCSE Computer Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Describe how hardware and software work together to start a computer.
Answer
When a computer is powered on, hardware components like the CPU and RAM initialize first. The BIOS or UEFI (software) then runs the POST (Power-On Self Test) to check hardware integrity. After that, the BIOS loads the bootloader from the storage device, allowing the operating system to be loaded into RAM and executed, enabling the user to interact with the computer.
Step 3
Compare the storage media options available to a cloud storage provider.
Answer
When comparing HDD (Hard Disk Drives) and SSD (Solid State Drives) for cloud storage:
- Cost and Capacity: HDDs typically offer larger capacities at a lower cost compared to SSDs, which are more expensive per gigabyte.
- Speed: SSDs provide faster access speeds due to their lack of moving parts, while HDDs are slower because they rely on mechanical components.
- Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power, making them more energy-efficient than HDDs, which is beneficial for cloud storage providers aiming to reduce operational costs.
- Data Access: SSDs can access data quickly, which is crucial for applications requiring high performance. In contrast, HDDs can provide larger storage capacity but with slower access times. For optimal performance, frequently accessed data can be cached on SSDs while less crucial data can reside on HDDs.