Secondary Storage

Secondary Storage

1. Stores data and programs when the power is switched off

2. Magnetic Hard Disk

   • Stores the operating system, installed programs and user data
   • Reliable
   • High capacity
   • Low Cost

3. Optical Disk

   • Transfers files or distributing software
   • Good capacity
   • Low cost
   • Lightweight and portable
   • A CD can store 700 MB and DVD can store 4.7 GB

4. Flash Memory

   • Consumes little power
   • Good capacity (but less than a hard disk)
   • Used in hand held devices
   • More expensive than a hard disk

5. Main considerations when selecting storage

   • Capacity
   • Speed of data transfer
   • Portability
   • Durability (how easily it's damaged)
   • Reliability