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: An electromagnetic head reading binary code from a smooth metal disk.
How it works: The electromagnetic head hover over the metal disk either writing by changing the magnetisation of
specific sections of the platter or reading by reading the polarisation
Examples of Devices/Media: HDDs (Hard Disk Drive), (Cassette) Tapes

Solid State
Definition/Characteristics: Memory tips with no moving parts
How it works: Stored on non-volatile memory chips
Examples of Devices/Media: USB memory sticks, memory card, SSD

Optical
Definition/Characteristics: Information stored on a compact, reflective disk (CD, DVD or Blu-ray).
How it works: Engraved with bumps and flats in a spiral. A laser from computer reflects off the bumps and flat
surfaces and read as 1s or 0s (binary code) so the computer can understand.
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

Hard Disk Drive

Typical Size

Uses

1TB-4TB

Permanently
Stores all data
on the computer

Advantages

Large storage
capacity
Cheap
(relatively) Fast

Disadvantages

Contains
moving parts

Could lose
data if
dropped

100GB-3TB

Stores user data

and

portable

6-8TB

Backup or
transfers large
amounts of data
between
computer

extremely
large
amounts of
storage
reliable

slow to
read and
write on

Storing personal
files

portable
large
amounts of
data in a
small size

they have
limited life
span
easily lost

Portable HDD

Magnetic Tape

32-64GB
Memory Stick

32GB
Flash memory
card

Data on
cameras, tablets
or mobile
phones

Same as
memory stick

Same as above

Same as memory
stick

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?
A storage device that reads data in a sequence.
2. Give one storage device/media that uses the sequential method of file storage
A magnetic tape
3. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of sequential method of file storage
A: simple to understand
D: It can be very slow if the hit rate is low
4. What is Random Access?
A storage device where data can be read/accessed randomly.
5. Give one storage device/media that uses the Random Access method of storage
A hard disk drive
6. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the Random Access method of storage
A: faster access times

D: less efficient

Backup
What is the definition of Backup?
An exact, external copy of a piece of work or data that is saved on a separate device to where the original document
is/was kept.
What is the difference between Backup and Backing Storage?
Back up is a separate and external copy of something whereas backing storage is a non-volatile, permanent, internal
storage.
Give two reasons why backups should be used/made

If a piece of work is lost on the original device then then it is saved/not completely lost on another device.
If any important data gets lost it is lost forever unless it is backed up