A parcel delivery company gives each driver a handheld device that stores delivery records. The device is used all day in a van and is often dropped.
(a) State why a computer needs secondary storage. [1]
(b) Recommend the most suitable type of secondary storage for the handheld device. Justify your choice. [4]
- (a) To store data / programs permanently / when the power is off, because RAM is volatile(1)
- (b) Solid state (e.g. flash memory / SSD / SD card) – recommendation needed to access the remaining marks(1)
- (b) Any three justifications, each linked to the scenario (one mark each): no moving parts so robust / durable / not damaged when dropped or shaken in the van; small / lightweight so portable / fits in a handheld device; low power use so the battery lasts all day; fast access so records load / save quickly; reliable; enough capacity for delivery records (text records are small)(1)
- (b) A second, different justification from the list above(1)
- (b) A third, different justification from the list above; magnetic or optical recommended scores 0 for (b)(1)
- Answer: (a) Non-volatile, permanent storage. (b) Solid state – no moving parts so durable, small/light, fast and low power
- Examiner tip: Each justification must be about the scenario (dropped, in a van, handheld, battery) – generic facts about SSDs score less.