Storage Devices

Storage Devices

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) using magnetic disks

   • Hard disk drives use magnectic disks for storing software and data in files.
   • the disks are circular and spin at high speeds while drive heads rea and write the data which makes hard disks susceptible to dirt and damage if moved suddenly. Hard disks can store huge amounts of data.

2. Optical Device

   • This uses optical media such as CDs and DVDs to store software and data in files. Blu-ray disks are large capacity optical disks and can store very large amounts of data.
   • data stored on CD-ROMS and DVD-ROMS can be read but cannot be altered. The files can be read, edited, re-written or deleted only if CD-R/RWs are used.

3. Solid-State Drive (SSD)

   • SSDs use flash memory to store software and data in files. There are not moving parts in SSDs which makes them faster and more reliable than HDDS.
   • They can be more expensive than magnetic hard disks for the same amount of storage so they usually have a smaller capacity than HDDs.
   • The files can be read, edited, re-written or deleted. They can be used for storage of the operating system, files and data not in use at the time of when the computer is turned off.

4. Flash Memory Devices

   • USB memory sticks contain flash memory and are used in USB ports. USB memory sticks are used to store data and files for transfer to other computers or for taking away from, or back to, the office.

5. Cloud Storage

   • Cloud storage provides very larger data storage capcity facilities online for remote access using a web interface. It can be used to easily share files all members of staff.
   • Internet
     • Online file servers
     • Laptop computer
     • Desktop computer
     • Smartphone