Storage

Devices
In this section, fill in the information below about each method of storage. Include relevant diagrams under each
heading. Delete this red text when youre done.

Magnetic Storage
Definition/Characteristics: Magnetic storage media and devices store data in the form of tiny magnetized dots.
How it works: By tiny electromagnetic manipulating the magnetised dots.
Examples of Devices/Media: magnetic tapes, portable/ external hard disc drive and hard disc drives.

Solid State
Definition/Characteristics: The phrase solid state simply means, no moving parts.
How it works: The data stored on solid state backing storage is rewritable.
Examples of Devices/Media: Memory sticks, flash memory cards and SSD (Solid State Drives)

Optical
Definition/Characteristics: Optical storage devices save data as patterns of dots that can be read using light. A laser
beam is the usual light source.
How it works: If the beam hits a dot it is reflected back differently to how it would be if there were no dot. This
difference can be detected, so the data can be read.
Examples of Devices/Media: CDs, Blue Ray discs

Advantages and Disadvantages

Fill in the table below. Use the internet to help you. Delete this red text when youre done.
Type of Storage

Hard Disk Drive

Typical Size

Uses

Advantages

Disadvantages

3-4 TB

Controls all
data.

Very large
capacity and
portable

Quite slow and

have moving
parts so could be
damaged.

2-3 TB

Storage of
personal data and
backups.

Very large
capacity and
portable

Quite slow and

have moving
parts so could be
damaged.

6-8 TB

In the backup of
servers.

Large capacity
and lasts a lo0ng
time.

Only suitable for

back up.

64-128 TB

Portable personal
storage.

Small size, large

capacity and
portable.

Easily lost or
damaged.

32-64 TB

Used in cameras
for extra storage.

Small size, large

capacity and
portable.

Easily lost or
damaged.

Portable HDD

Magnetic Tape

Memory Stick

Flash memory
card

Storage Methods
Youve looked a lot at storage methods and what storage devices are used for. But you havent looked at how the
data is actually stored and accessed on a device.
Answer the following questions:
1. What is SEQUENTIAL storage/Access? Is access to a computer data file that requires the user to read
through the file from the beginning in the order which it is stored.
2. Give one storage device/media that uses the sequential method of file storage: Disk storage.
3. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of sequential method of file storage: The advantage of ordering
records in a sequential file according to a key is that you can then search the file more quickly.

1. What is Random Access? The process of transferring information to or from memory in which every memory
location can be accessed directly rather than being accessed in a fixed sequence.
4. Give one storage device/media that uses the Random Access method of storage: Ram

5. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the Random Access method of storage: Good to
access but takes for power to organize.
Backup

What is the definition of Backup? A copy of a file or other data in case the original data is lost or accidently
deleted.

What is the difference between Backup and Backing Storage? Back up is basically a copy of a file on your computer
where as backing storage is on a memory stick and everything is saved.

Give two reasons why backups should be used/made: To have the data saved if it is accidently deleted and to help
prevent viruss