Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is Storage
- Storage is a mechanism that enables a computer to retain data, either temporarily or
permanently.
What is information retrieval
Information Retrieval is the activity of obtaining material that can usually be documented on an unstructured nature
For example, Information Retrieval can be when a user enters a query into the system
Why do we store
– Kept Tidy
– Kept Safe
– Stored in an accessible place
– Able to be found easily and quickly when needed
Information can be stored in what way
- In a manual, paper based form (hard copy)
Or - In an electronic form (soft copy)
Mention features of a good filing system
- Quick and simple to use
- Not taking up too much space
- Able to meet present and future needs
- Located in a convenient place
- Documents should be safe and tidy
Describe Floppy disks
Floppy Discs
* Generally available as 3.5” hard
cased disc
* Storage space 1.4/2 Mb
* Disc must be formatted before use * Can be stored in folders like a filing cabinet
Describe Hard Disc
- Storage medium provided with
the computer - Most common external storage
device - Well-protected inside the
computer - Storage capacity of hard disc
drives is quoted in Gb (Gigabytes)
Describe ZIP drive
- Newer type of storage device – saves 100 Mb or 200 Mb
- Can save up to 175 more data than a floppy
- Useful for backing up
and storing large files – especially internet downloads
Describe Flash Memory
Most widely used data storage technology in consumer devices today.
Stores our photos, our videos, our music, our documents and so much more.
Has mostly replaced the magnetic hard drive disks (HDDs) that used to be common in computers
Describe CD ROM
- Stores up to 650 Mb of
data - Most programs are now
supplied on CD-Rom - Using a CD writer it is
possible to store
information on CD-Rom
Describe DVD
- More computers are now fitted with DVD drives
- Stores up to 17 Gb of
Data (26 CD’s) - Now possible to make
your own DVD’s
What is a magnetic tape
A magnetic tape drive
is a storage device that makes use of magnetic tape as a medium for storage.
It uses a long strip of
narrow plastic film with tapes of thin magnetizable coating.
Give examples of other electronic storage devices
Difference between magnetic disk and optical disk
Data Storage Mechanism:
Magnetic Disk: Uses magnetic fields to store data.
Optical Disk: Uses a laser to read and write data onto a reflective surface.
Data Access Speed:
Magnetic Disk: Typically offers faster access speeds compared to optical disks.
Optical Disk: Generally has slower access speeds compared to magnetic disks.
Durability:
Magnetic Disk: More susceptible to physical damage due to its mechanical components and the sensitivity of the magnetic coating to external magnetic fields.
Optical Disk: Generally more durable than magnetic disks
Capacity:
Magnetic Disk: Typically offers higher storage capacities compared to optical disks. Modern magnetic disks can store terabytes (TB) or even petabytes (PB) of data.
Optical Disk: Generally has lower storage capacities compared to magnetic disks. Common optical disk formats like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs have capacities ranging from a few hundred megabytes to a few dozen gigabytes.
Use Cases:
Magnetic Disk: Often used for primary storage in computers, servers, and other devices requiring fast and efficient access to data.
Optical Disk: Commonly used for archival storage, distribution of software, movies, music, and other multimedia content, as well as for data backup purposes.
Differences betweens computer storage and how humans sotre information in their brain
Sure, here’s a simplified list:
Computer Storage:
1. Digital, binary form (0s and 1s).
2. Vast capacity, measured in gigabytes, terabytes, etc.
3. Very fast access speed, especially with SSDs.
4. Data retention is indefinite but may degrade over time.
5. Processing is done according to programmed instructions.
Human Brain:
1. Stored as patterns of neural activity and synaptic connections.
2. Immense capacity, possibly several petabytes.
3. Variable access speed; some memories quick, some slower.
4. Memories can degrade or become less accessible over time.
5. Processes and interprets information, allowing for complex cognitive functions.
