Storage Devices

Storage Devices

1. Flash Memory Devices.

   • USB memory sticks contain flash memory and are used in USB ports; they're used to store data and files for transfer to other computers.

2. Solid State Drive (SSD)

   • SSDs use flash memory to store software and data files. There are no moving parts in SSDs, making them faster and more reliable than HDDs. They can be more expensive than magnetic hard disks for the same amount of storage, meaning that they normally have a smaller storage capacity than HDDs.
     • The files can be read, edited, re-written or deleted. The can be used for storage of the operating system, files and data not in use at the time or when the computer is shut off

3. Hard Disc Drive (HDD)

   • HDDs use magnetic disks for storing software and data files. The disks are circular and spin at high speeds while drive heads read and write the data; this makes the hard disks susceptible to dirt and damage if moved suddenly. Hard disks can store huge amounts of data
     • The files can be read, edited, re-written or deleted. Hard disks are used for storage of the operating system, files and data when the computer is not in use at the time or turned off.

4. Optical Device

   • An optical drive uses optical media such as CDs and DVDs to store software and data in. Blu-ray disks are large capacity optical disks and can store 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 or DVD-R/RWS ARE USED.