Data storage and compression
9 flashcards to master Data storage and compression
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Define the term 'data storage' in the context of computer science.
Data storage refers to the methods and technologies used to record and retain digital information for later retrieval. It involves using various storage mediums like hard drives, SSDs, or cloud services to preserve data.
Arrange the following units of storage in ascending order: Terabyte (TB), Kilobyte (KB), Gigabyte (GB), Megabyte (MB).
The correct order is: Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), Terabyte (TB). Remember that 1KB < 1MB < 1GB < 1TB.
Explain the purpose of data compression.
Data compression reduces the size of a file or data stream. This is done to save storage space and bandwidth during transmission, making it more efficient to store or send the data.
What is 'lossy' compression and provide an example of a file format that uses it.
Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently removing some data. An example is JPEG for images, where some image quality is sacrificed for a smaller file size.
Explain 'lossless' compression and give an example of a file format that uses it.
Lossless compression reduces file size without losing any data. The original data can be perfectly reconstructed. An example is ZIP or PNG for images.
Describe how Run Length Encoding (RLE) works.
RLE replaces consecutive repeating occurrences of a symbol with a count of the repetition followed by the symbol itself.
Give an example scenario where RLE compression would be effective.
RLE is effective for compressing images with large areas of the same color, such as simple graphics or black and white images with long runs of black or white pixels.
Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of using lossy compression.
Advantage: Significantly smaller file sizes compared to lossless. Disadvantage: Some data is permanently lost, reducing the quality of the reconstructed file.
Explain why lossless compression is preferred for text documents and program code.
Lossless compression is preferred because any data loss in text or code can corrupt the file, rendering it unusable or causing errors. Perfect reconstruction is necessary.
Key Questions: Data storage and compression
Define the term 'data storage' in the context of computer science.
Data storage refers to the methods and technologies used to record and retain digital information for later retrieval. It involves using various storage mediums like hard drives, SSDs, or cloud services to preserve data.
Explain the purpose of data compression.
Data compression reduces the size of a file or data stream. This is done to save storage space and bandwidth during transmission, making it more efficient to store or send the data.
What is 'lossy' compression and provide an example of a file format that uses it.
Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently removing some data. An example is JPEG for images, where some image quality is sacrificed for a smaller file size.
Explain 'lossless' compression and give an example of a file format that uses it.
Lossless compression reduces file size without losing any data. The original data can be perfectly reconstructed. An example is ZIP or PNG for images.
About Data storage and compression (1.3)
These 9 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Data storage and compression for your Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.
What You'll Learn
- 4 Definitions - Key terms and their precise meanings that examiners expect
- 3 Key Concepts - Core ideas and principles from the 0478 syllabus
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After mastering Data storage and compression, explore these related topics:
- 1.2 Text, sound and images - 10 flashcards
- 2.1 Types and methods of data transmission - 10 flashcards
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