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:
How it works: data stored on non-volatile memory chips
Examples of Devices/Media:

Solid State
Definition/Characteristics: memory tips with no moving parts
How it works:
Examples of Devices/Media:

Optical
Definition/Characteristics: Information stored on optical media
How it works: it uses lasers to read info from reflective discs
Examples of Devices/Media: DVD CD

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

1TB-4TB

To transfer files
between
computers

You can store lots

of data you would
even be able to
transfer all the
files on the
computer

If its damaged
you can lose
everything.
moving parts

2TB

Backup or
transferring big
amounts of data
between
computers

You can move

data around

You can also

damage and lose
the data

6TB-8TB

backup

Large storage
very reliable

Slow to read and

write data on

32-64GB

Storing files and

transferring data
between
computers

Its very portable

its small size with
big storage

They have a
limited life span

Data on camaras

Its very portable

its small size with
big storage

They have a
limited life span
Get lost

Portable HDD

Magnetic Tape

Memory Stick

Flash memory
card

Get lost

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?

What is the difference between Backup and Backing Storage?

Give two reasons why backups should be used/made