Secondary Storage

Secondary Storage

1. It is non-volatile storage. It is needed in a computer system to store your programs, operating systems and files

   • Non-volatile means that the data is not deleted when the computer system has no power connected to it

2. Optical storage

   • Examples:
     • CD's
     • DVD's
     • Blu-rays
   • Advantage:
     • More portable than magnetic storage
       • Therefore you can use it on more devices and transport it to more places
   • Disadvantages:
     • A limited capacity compared to Magnetic storage
       • Therefore you can't store as many files, applications and operating systems

3. Magnetic storage

   • Examples:
     • Hard disk
     • Magnetic Tape
     • Floppy disk
   • Advantage:
     • Cost effective due to having a larger capacity compared to solid state storage
       • Therefore you can save money and still have lots of storage space if you use magnetic
   • Disadvantage:
     • Not as durable as Solid State Storage due to moving parts
       • Therefore, you can't use magnetic in things like a mobile phone because if it is dropped then it is more likely to break

4. Solid State storage

   • Examples:
     • USB stick
     • Hard disc
     • Flash memory
   • Advantage:
     • Faster read/write speed than magnetic storage
       • This means you can open applications and files faster and save applications and files quicker
   • Disadvantage:
     • Less cost-effective in comparison to magnetic storage because it as a much smaller capacity
       • Therefore, you cannot get as much storage for the same price as magnetic storage