Magnetic Storage and Data Management

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Questions and Answers

What is a key disadvantage of implementing 100% data redundancy through mirroring?

It allows for the recovery of deleted files.

It requires more hard disks for storage.

It lacks data protection from physical damage. (correct)

It is prone to data corruption.

How is data written on magnetic tape technology?

Magnetized sequentially on the tape. (correct)

Pamphlet approach using a laser.

Magnetized randomly for quick access.

Kept in a digital format on hard drives.

What does the term 'hot swapping' refer to in the context of hard disks?

Converting data formats during disk changes.

Replacing old disks with larger capacity disks.

Swapping disks without shutting down the system. (correct)

Recovering data from failed disks through software.

Which storage medium uses a reflective surface for data reading and writing?

Optical storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of tape libraries in data storage?

To assist with robotic movement of tape cartridges. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the GFS backup method?

It archives data while ensuring redundancy. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of optical storage allows it to represent data?

Data structured through bumps and pits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using magnetic tape for large data backups?

It is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Signup and view all the answers

What determines a binary digit's value in magnetic storage?

Strength of the magnetic force Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of RAID 0?

Data is split across multiple disks for faster access Signup and view all the answers

How are data sectors typically organized on hard disks?

Into tracks and sectors with a fixed storage size Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a RAID controller?

To manage data flow between disks and the computer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hard disk platters is true?

They spin to allow read/write mechanisms to access data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of RAID 0?

A failure of one drive results in total data loss Signup and view all the answers

What type of magnetic force is associated with a binary '0'?

Low magnetic force Signup and view all the answers

In modern hard disks, what characteristic is noted about sectors?

Number of sectors can vary with the radius of tracks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Magnetic Storage

Popular for maintaining large data volumes due to high storage capacity and rapid direct access.
Digital data is represented by binary digits (0 and 1) influenced by magnetic forces.
High magnetic force (1) occurs at magnetic poles; low magnetic force (0) is found between the poles.
Data is written to magnetic materials using electromagnets found in write heads of hard disks and tape drives.

Hard Disks (Magnetic Disks)

Data stored on spinning aluminium or glass platters that are fixed in the computer.
Double-sided platters necessitate two read/write heads for operation.
Data is organized into sectors and tracks; sectors typically hold around 512 bytes.
Modern hard disks feature an increasing number of sectors with the radius of the tracks.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

Combines multiple hard disks with a RAID controller managing data flow, appearing to the computer as a single drive.
Capacity ranges from two to hundreds of disks based on requirements.
Stripping (RAID 0) divides data across multiple drives for high read/write speeds but lacks redundancy; failure of one drive results in data loss.
Mirroring (RAID 1) duplicates data on multiple disks, offering 100% redundancy; continues operation even if one disk fails, but lacks historical data and vulnerability to physical damage.
Hot swapping allows for changing disks without system downtime, though it requires costlier duplicated data for redundancy.
Recommended to use a combination of grandfather-father-son backup methods and offsite storage to enhance data protection.

Cartridge and Tape

Magnetic tape has been used since the 1950s as a secondary storage technology, currently in cassettes or cartridges.
Composed of a plastic strip coated in magnetic material wound onto reels, ideal for backing up large data volumes (up to 500GB).
Must be magnetized sequentially, making this process slower.
Two primary technologies for data storage include helical and linear systems.
Tape libraries automate backup processes, containing racks of cartridges and robotic systems for management.
Implement the GFS (grandfather-father-son) method for consistent, round-the-clock backups.

Optical Storage

Utilizes laser technology for reading and writing data on polycarbonate discs with reflective metal surfaces.
Data represented by bumps/pits (0) and flat lands (1), generating electric signals for the sensor.
Offers direct access to data but typically slower compared to magnetic storage methods.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of magnetic storage systems and their significance in managing vast amounts of digital data. This quiz covers the advantages of magnetic over optical storage and the principles of binary data representation. Test your knowledge on how magnetic forces influence data representation.