Task 1

1. A floppy disk is an old-fashioned storage device that can store up to

1.44 MB of data.
2. U3 smart drives are USB flash drives that can run portable applications
without installing them on the host computer.
3. Non-volatile memory is a type of memory that retains its data even when
the power is turned off.
4. Cells are the smallest units of data storage in flash memory.
5. Partitions are logical divisions of a hard drive that can have
different file systems and operating systems.
6. A hard drive is a common storage device that uses magnetic disks called
platters to store data.
7. Platters is a magnetic disk used to store data.
8. Transfer rate is the speed at which data can be read from or written to
a storage device.
9. Access time is the time it takes to locate and retrieve data from a
storage device.
10. Seek time is the time it takes for the read/write head to move to the
desired track on a disk.
11. A directory is a folder that contains files and other directories.
12. To back up files means to make a copy of them in case the original ones
are lost or damaged.
13. A head crash is a serious failure of a hard disk that occurs when the
read/write head comes into contact with the platter, causing physical damage and
data loss.
14. Laser beams are used to read and write data on optical disks such as
CDs and DVDs.
15. A dual layer DVD can store twice as much data as a single layer DVD by
using two layers of recording material.
16. A double-sided disk has data on both sides and can be flipped over to
access the other side.
17. Multi-format playback is a feature of some DVD players that can play
different types of disks such as DVD, CD, MP3, etc.
18. Blue-Ray is a high-definition optical disk format that can store up to
50 GB of data on a single layer disk.
19. Tracks are concentric circles on a disk where data is stored.
20. Pits are microscopic indentations on the surface of an optical disk
that represent binary data.
21. Volatile memory is a type of memory that loses its data when the power
is turned off.
22. A hybrid drive is a storage device that combines a hard disk and a
flash memory to improve performance and reliability.
23. A solid-state drive is a storage device that uses flash memory instead
of moving parts to store data.
Task 2
1. The types of magnetic drives I know are hard disk drives, floppy disk
drives, and tape drives.
2. CD stands for Compact Disc and DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc or
Digital Video Disc.
3. The main advantage of using DVDs instead of CDs is that DVDs can store
much more data than CDs. For example, DVD can store up to 4.7 GB of data, while a
CD can store up to 700 MB of data.
4. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile memory. It is commonly used in
USB flash drives, memory cards, and solid-state drives.
5. NOR and NAND are two types of flash memory that differ in their
architecture and performance. NOR flash memory allows random access to any
location, but has slower write and erase speeds. NAND flash memory has faster write
and erase speeds, but requires sequential access to blocks of data.
 6. The amount of data that a flash memory can hold depends on its capacity
and format. For example, a 16 GB flash drive can hold up to 16 billion bytes of
data, but the actual usable space may be less due to the file system and other
factors.
7. A sector is a subdivision of a track on a disk that can store a fixed
amount of data. A track is a circular path on a disk where data is stored. A disk
can have multiple tracks, and each track can have multiple sectors.
Task 3
A head crash is a failure of a hard disk drive that the read/write causing physical
damage and data loss. It is a serious problem that can render the disk unusable and
compromise the security and integrity of the stored information.
There are several factors that can cause a head crash, such as physical impact,
dust, power surges, or manufacturing defects. Any of these can affect the alignment
and distance between the head and the platter, which are normally separated by a
thin layer of air. If the head touches the platter, it can scratch the magnetic
coating and create bad sectors that cannot be read or written.
To prevent a head crash, some precautions should be taken to protect the hard disk
drive from external and internal threats. For example, using a protective case or a
padded bag can reduce the risk of physical shock or vibration. Avoiding extreme
temperatures and humidity can prevent thermal expansion and contraction that can
alter the geometry of the disk. Cleaning the disk regularly can prevent dust
accumulation that can interfere with the airflow and the head movement.
Additionally, following the manufacturer's instructions and specifications can
ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the disk.
In conclusion, a head crash is a severe problem that can damage a hard disk drive
and erase the data stored on it. To avoid this problem, some precautions should be
taken to protect the disk from physical and environmental hazards. However, since a
head crash can still occur unpredictably, it is advisable to back up the files to
ensure their safety and availability.