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 uses magnetised dots to store data
How it works: it uses the poles of the magnet to read the data which is in 0 and 1 form
Examples of Devices/Media: It usually comes in two forms - HDD's (Hard Disc Drives) or Tape (cassette tapes)

Solid State
Definition/Characteristics: Is a storage device that has no moving parts and uses magnetic chips to store data
How it works: Data stored on non-volatile memory chips.
Examples of Devices/Media: USB memory stick, SD Cards and Solid State Drive

Optical
Definition/Characteristics: Is a disc that uses reflected lasers for data
How it works: That uses reflected light that has either hit a bump or a flat on the CD, DVD or Blu-ray to read the data
Examples of Devices/Media: CD, DVD , Blu-Ray

Advantages and Disadvantages

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

Typical Size

Uses

Advantages

Disadvantages

1-4 Terra Bites

Store OP ,
Program files and
data

Large amount of
storage and
cheap

Moving parts and

can be damaged
easily

1-2 Terra Bites

Backups ,
personal backups

Large amount of
portable storage

More prone to
damage and has
moving parts

Hard Disk Drive

Portable HDD

6 Terra Bites

Backup

Some Advantages
are that it is really
cheap and you
can store lots of
data on it.

Slow to access.

Portable personal
storage of files

It can be made
really small but
large capacity

Easily lost and

data can be
corrupted if not
safely removed
from computer

Storing data in :
digital camera ,
mobile phones
and tablet
computers

It can be made
really small but
large capacity

Easily lost and

data can be
corrupted if not
safely removed
from computer

Magnetic Tape

32-64GB
Memory Stick

Flash memory
card

32Gb

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? Data that is stored and accessed in a sequence.
2. Give one storage device/media that uses the sequential method of file storage A tape cassette
3. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of sequential method of file storage this is good, because you
know exactly where things are and things are stored in an ordered fashion.

4. What is Random Access?

It is all the volatile memory and applications

5. Give one storage device/media that uses the Random Access method of storage RAM
6. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the Random Access method of storage It is good because you
can store all your data but because it is not volatile it can go as soon as there is no power

Backup
What is the definition of Backup?
It is : an exact copy of data stored externally to the original

What is the difference between Backup and Backing Storage?

Backup is an exact copy of the file stored away from the original when backup is with the original file .
Give two reasons why backups should be used/made
Data could be corrupted on the original medium, therefore a backup would be needed to recover the data
Data could be accidentally amended or overwritten on the original medium, therefore a backup could be used to
replace lost data.