Learning objective

Input and output devices: Know the main characteristics, purposes and suitability of the devices and understand their principles of operation. Devices that need to be considered are: • barcode reader • digital camera • laser printer • RFID.

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Topic

External hardware devices

Subtopic

Input and output devices

Aqa A Level Computer ScienceFundamentals of computer organisation and

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Quick explanation

Input and output devices: Know the main characteristics, purposes and suitability of the devices and understand their principles of operation. Devices that need to be considered are: • barcode reader • digital camera • laser printer • RFID

This point belongs to External hardware devices, especially Input and output devices.
You need to be able to input and output devices: Know the main characteristics, purposes and suitability of the devices and understand their principles of operation. Devices that need to be considered are: • barcode reader • digital camera • laser printer • RFID.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Input and output devices to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for External hardware devices.

Quick student answer

Which device is most suitable for automatically identifying a product at a supermarket checkout when the product has a printed code?

Direct answer

Barcode reader

Key terms

RFID: Radio-frequency identification, a method of identifying objects using radio communication between a reader and a tag.
Toner: The material used by a laser printer to form printed text and images on paper.

Common trap

Confusing RFID with barcode scanning: State that a barcode reader uses optical scanning of printed markings, whereas RFID uses radio communication between a reader and a tag.

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Question 1

Which device is most suitable for automatically identifying a product at a supermarket checkout when the product has a printed code?

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Related learning objectives

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Secondary storage devices