1.2 - Types of Information Storage Media

Question 1

list information storage media

Answer 1

paper (forms, handwritten notes, maps, telephone directories)

optical media (CD, DVD)

magnetic media (magnetic hard drives, and tapes)

solid state media (ssd hard drives, memory cards)

Question 2

Purpose of storage

Answer 2

Keeps information for the LONG TERM.

Question 3

what is the difference between storage MEDIUM and storage MEDIA?

Answer 3

storage medium - one method.

storage media - multiple methods

Question 4

What are the advantages of PAPER?

Answer 4

• it does not require electricity or internet.
• confidential information can be easily locked.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of PAPER?

Answer 5

• it is difficult to create backups /make copies
• difficult to convert/reuse
• takes up lots of PHYSICAL space.

Question 6

OPTICAL storage examples

Answer 6

CDS - 700 MB
DVD - 5GB
BLU RAY - 25 GB

Question 7

Optical storage purpose.

Answer 7

it uses REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT to read data, and it uses a LASER to write data.

Question 8

Optical storage characteristics

Answer 8

holds information on the disc, to access it you need a disk drive.

Question 9

Optical storage - advantages

Answer 9

Reliable - able to use it without any issues happening

Good portability - easy to pack and carry.

Question 10

Optical storage - disadvantages

Answer 10

Per unit - they have a smaller capacity.

• SLOW read/write speed times compared to other alternatives
• Requires disc drive

Question 11

Magnetic storage

HDDS - Hard drive, Cassettes, Swipe Cards.

PURPOSE

Answer 11

Writes data by changing the magnetism on the disk tape.

It then reads it by detecting the magnetism.

Question 12

Magnetic storage - advantages

Answer 12

Available with large capacities - cheaper to buy.

Usually RELIABLE (however failures can occur.)

Question 13

Magnetic storage - disadvantages

Answer 13

• not durable generally: the disk can break easily.
• has slower read/write times compared to SSDS ( a type solid state storage)

Question 14

Solid state storage purpose

Answer 14

PURPOSE: uses electronic circuits to store data.

it has NO moving parts.

Question 15

Examples of solid state

Answer 15

SSDS

flash memory devices

UDB

memory sticks + cards

Question 17

solid state - pros

Answer 17

• reliable
• durable
• portable
• fast read/write times.

Question 18

solid state - cons

Answer 18

• high cost per GB
• ocassionally: limited number of read/write times can cause reliability problems in the long term.