Storage Devices

Storage Devices

1. Optical Device

   • 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.
   • Blu-ray disks are large capacity optical disks and can store very large amount of data.
   • An optical drive uses optical media such as CDs and DVDs to store software and data in files .

2. Solid-State Drive (SSD)

   • SSDs use flash memory to store software and data in files. There are no moving parts in SSds, which makes them faster and more realiable than HDDs.
   • They can be more expensive than magnetic hard disks for the same amount of storage so they usually have a similar capacity than HDDs.
   • The files can be read, edited, re-written or deleted.
   • They can be used for storage of the operating systems, files and data not in use at the time or when the computer is turned off.

3. 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 to transfer to other computers or for taking away from, or back to, the office.

4. Cloud Storage

   • Cloud storage provides very large data storage capacity facilities online fore remote access using a web interface.
   • It can be used to easily share files between all members of staff.

5. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) using other magnetic disks

   • Hard disk drives use magnetic disks for storage software and data in files. These are circular and spin at high speeds while drive heads read and write the data which then makes the 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 not in use at the time or when the computer is turned off.