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 is a magnetised piece of storage
How it works: electromagnet that reads data
Examples of Devices/Media: hard disk drives and magnetic tapes

Solid State
Definition/Characteristics: data stored on non-volatile memory chips.
How it works: electronic circuits with no moving
Examples of Devices/Media:

Optical
Definition/Characteristics:
How it works:
Examples of Devices/Media:

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

Permanantley
store files
operating system

Large amounts of
storage cheap

Moving parts can

be damaged if it
dropped

Portable

More prone to
damage because
its portable

Ina a computer

Portable HDD

Transport large
amounts of data
in a computer

Backup
Magnetic Tape

Large amounts of
storage

Slow to access
sequential access

Reliable
32 64gig
Memory Stick

Portable personal
storage of files
from data

Small

Can be easily lost

Portable

Data can be
corrupted

Large capacity

32gig
Flash memory
card

Storing data in
cameras mobile
phones and table
computers

Small

Can be easily lost

Portable

Data can be
corrupted

Large capacity

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?
2. Give one storage device/media that uses the sequential method of file storage
3. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of sequential method of file storage

4. What is Random Access?

5. Give one storage device/media that uses the Random Access method of storage
6. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the Random Access method of storage

Backup
What is the definition of Backup?
a copy of a file or other item of data made in case the original is lost or damaged
What is the difference between Backup and Backing Storage?

Give two reasons why backups should be used/made