Podcast
Questions and Answers
Secondary storage is __________, used to save and store data that can be accessed repeatedly.
Secondary storage is __________, used to save and store data that can be accessed repeatedly.
non-volatile
A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) is the most common form of __________ within desktop computers.
A magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) is the most common form of __________ within desktop computers.
secondary storage
Optical storage uses a __________ to project beams of light onto a spinning disc.
Optical storage uses a __________ to project beams of light onto a spinning disc.
laser
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are generally __________, faster and use less power compared to HDDs.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are generally __________, faster and use less power compared to HDDs.
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Magnetic tape has a high storage capacity but data has to be accessed in __________.
Magnetic tape has a high storage capacity but data has to be accessed in __________.
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USB flash drives are another type of solid state storage used to __________ files easily.
USB flash drives are another type of solid state storage used to __________ files easily.
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Discs are very __________ because they are fragile and can break or scratch easily.
Discs are very __________ because they are fragile and can break or scratch easily.
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The small size of USB sticks and memory cards means they are very __________ and can fit easily in a bag or pocket.
The small size of USB sticks and memory cards means they are very __________ and can fit easily in a bag or pocket.
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Study Notes
Secondary Storage Types
- Secondary storage is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the device is turned off.
- It is separate from the motherboard, making it slower than primary storage to access.
- Key characteristics include capacity (maximum storable data), access speed (data read/write time).
Magnetic Storage
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Common desktop storage. A read/write head moves over a spinning disk, using magnetism to read/write data.
- Durability: Modern external HDDs are robust and portable. Avoid moving them when powered on to prevent damage.
- Portability: Modern external HDDs are portable.
- Speed: Slower than solid-state storage due to moving parts.
- Capacity: High capacity.
- Floppy Disk: Obsolete; replaced by faster, higher-capacity options.
- Magnetic Tape: High capacity, but data is accessed sequentially (serial access). Primarily used for data backup and archiving by large companies.
Optical Storage
- Uses lasers to read data from spinning discs (CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays).
- Durability: Fragile; discs can break or scratch easily.
- Portability: Portable, thin and readily available cheaply in bulk.
- Speed: Slowest type of secondary storage.
- Capacity: Lower capacity than HDDs and SSDs.
Solid-State Storage
- SSD (Solid State Drive): Replacing HDDs in computers and consoles because they are quieter, faster, and use less power.
- USB Flash Drive (Stick): Portable device for file transport.
- Memory Cards (SD, Micro SD): Used in digital cameras and smartphones.
- Durability: Durable.
- Portability: Very portable because of small size.
- Speed: Fastest access speed due to no moving parts.
- Capacity: High capacity.
Storage Comparison (Magnetic, Optical, Solid-State)
- Capacity: HDD > SSD > Optical
- Durability: SSD > HDD > Optical
- Portability: SSD ≈ HDD > Optical
- Speed: SSD > HDD > Optical
- Cost: Optical < HDD ≈ SSD
Storage Justification for Scenarios
- Sending videos/pictures by post: Optical storage (disc) due to its portability and cheap cost. (Note that other methods might be chosen, depending on the quantity)
- Project files (group collaboration): SSD or HDD (depending on the project requirements) is likely ideal for quick access.
- Backing up an old computer: HDD, particularly magnetic tape due to its high storage capacity to handle the large file count involved in backing up a computer; even SSD would be excellent for this.
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Description
Test your knowledge on secondary storage types including magnetic and optical storage. This quiz covers key characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of different storage media. Check how well you understand concepts like HDD, magnetic tapes, and more!
