What is cloud storage, and what makes an embedded system different from a general-purpose computer?
Cloud storage and its advantages and disadvantages, and the characteristics and uses of embedded systems compared with general-purpose computers.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on cloud storage (what it is, its advantages and disadvantages) and embedded systems (their characteristics, why they suit one dedicated task, and how they differ from general-purpose computers).
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
Have a quick question? Jump to the Q&A page
Jump to a section
What this dot point is asking
Eduqas wants you to explain what cloud storage is and weigh its advantages against its disadvantages, and to describe what makes an embedded system different from a general-purpose computer. Both come up as short "give an advantage and a disadvantage" or "define and give examples" questions, so precise characteristics matter.
Cloud storage
When you weigh cloud storage in an exam answer, tie each point to the scenario. A small business with remote staff benefits from anywhere-access and provider-managed backups, but must weigh the running cost and the risk of an outage; a user on a slow or unreliable connection may find local storage more practical.
Embedded systems
Try this
Q1. State one advantage and one disadvantage of cloud storage. [2 marks]
- Cue. Advantage: access from any internet-connected device (or provider handles backups). Disadvantage: depends on an internet connection (or ongoing cost, or third-party security risk).
Q2. Define an embedded system. [1 mark]
- Cue. A computer built into a larger device to perform one specific, dedicated task.
Q3. Give one typical characteristic of an embedded system. [1 mark]
- Cue. Small, cheap, low-power and reliable, with a fixed program (any one).
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas Component 1, 20224 marksA business is considering storing its files using cloud storage instead of local hard drives. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of cloud storage, explaining each.Show worked answer →
Advantage (up to 2 marks): files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, so staff can work from different locations; or the provider handles backups and maintenance, so the business does not have to; or storage can be scaled up easily without buying hardware.
Disadvantage (up to 2 marks): it depends on an internet connection, so files are unavailable if the connection is lost; or there are ongoing subscription costs rather than a one-off purchase; or data security and privacy depend on trusting a third party.
Markers reward a clear advantage and disadvantage each with a brief explanation, not just two words. Listing only advantages or only disadvantages caps the marks.
Eduqas Component 1, 20233 marksDefine what is meant by an embedded system and give two examples of devices that contain one.Show worked answer →
Definition (1 mark): an embedded system is a computer built into a larger device to perform one specific, dedicated control task, rather than being a general-purpose computer.
Examples (1 mark for two correct): a washing machine controller, the engine management system in a car, a digital camera, a microwave oven, a central heating thermostat, traffic lights.
Markers reward "dedicated to one task" and "built into a larger device" in the definition. Giving a general-purpose computer (such as a laptop) as an example loses the example mark.
Related dot points
- The purpose of the CPU, the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the von Neumann architecture, and the function of the common CPU components and registers (ALU, control unit, PC, MAR, MDR, accumulator).
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the purpose of the CPU, the von Neumann architecture, the fetch-decode-execute cycle, and the function of the ALU, control unit and the named registers (Program Counter, MAR, MDR and accumulator).
- The factors that affect CPU performance: clock speed, the number of cores, and the size and use of cache memory, and how each one changes how quickly programs run.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the three factors that affect CPU performance (clock speed, number of cores, and cache size), why doubling cores rarely doubles speed, and how cache hits reduce waiting time.
- Primary storage (RAM, ROM and virtual memory), the need for and types of secondary storage (magnetic, optical and solid state), and the factors used to choose a storage device.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on primary storage (RAM, ROM and virtual memory), the need for secondary storage, the three types (magnetic, optical, solid state), and the factors used to choose a storage device.
- The purpose of input and output devices, common examples (including sensors and actuators), and how to choose suitable devices for a given system or user.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on input and output devices: their purpose, common examples including sensors and actuators, and how to choose suitable devices for a particular system or user, including accessibility.
- LANs and WANs and the benefits and drawbacks of networking, and the bus, star and mesh network topologies with their advantages and disadvantages.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on LANs and WANs, the benefits and drawbacks of networking, and the bus, star and mesh topologies with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas GCSE Computer Science specification (from 2016) — Eduqas (2020)