block 13 hardware and storage

Computers do not operate in a vacuum - they require robust ways to gather data from the physical world, output results, and save files securely for the long term. In this block, you will look inside everyday hardware to discover how barcode readers, digital cameras, and laser printers actually work. You will also investigate the physical differences between magnetic hard drives, optical discs, and solid-state flash memory, learning how each technology stores binary data and how to choose the right storage medium for a specific application.