Which device is used to speed up a computer's performance?

NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Computer and Nursing Information

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses flash memory, similar to a USB drive, to store data.
The key advantage of an SSD is its lack of moving parts, which allows for near-instantaneous data access.
This results in significantly faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and overall improved system responsiveness compared to other storage types.

Option A: An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses mechanical spinning platters and a moving read/write head, which makes its data access speeds much slower than an SSD.
Option C: A Floppy Disk is an obsolete technology with extremely low storage capacity and very slow data transfer rates, making it unsuitable for modern computing.
Option D: A CD-ROM is an optical, read-only medium. Its data access speed is very slow, and it cannot be written to by the operating system for general tasks, so it cannot speed up performance.

Visual 1: Infographic - A side-by-side comparison showing the internal components of an SSD (flash memory chips and a controller) versus an HDD (spinning platters, actuator arm, and read/write head). This visually explains the 'no moving parts' advantage of the SSD.
Visual 2: Bar Chart - A chart comparing the average boot-up times and file transfer speeds for a computer using an SSD, HDD, and CD-ROM, clearly illustrating the performance difference.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Computer Storage Devices and Performance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In modern healthcare, fast and efficient computer systems are critical. Nurses and doctors rely on quick access to Electronic Health Records (EHRs), medical imaging (like X-rays and CT scans), and other clinical software.
A computer equipped with an SSD can significantly reduce wait times when accessing patient data, allowing for faster decision-making and more efficient patient care.
What if? - If a hospital's workstation computers used older HDDs instead of SSDs, nurses might experience significant delays in logging in, opening patient charts, and documenting care. This lost time could impact patient safety and workflow efficiency, especially in an emergency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key requirement of the question: 'speed up a computer's performance'. This is the central criterion for evaluating the options.
Next, recall the basic function and characteristics of each listed device: HDD, SSD, Floppy Disk, and CD-ROM.
Evaluate each option against the 'speed' criterion. Think about which technology is the most modern and designed for fast data access.
Compare the underlying mechanisms: mechanical (moving parts) vs. electronic (solid-state). Recognize that electronic/solid-state is inherently faster.
Eliminate obsolete (Floppy Disk, CD-ROM) and slower mechanical (HDD) options, which leads to the SSD as the correct choice for performance enhancement.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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