Storage devices and media : Uses and distinguishing features

Question 1

What does Data back- up refer to?

Answer 1

Backing-Up Data

Backing up refers to copying files or data into a different medium in case of damage or loss of original copy.

Question 2

Why do we back up data?

Answer 2

• To safeguard against loss of data.
• To safeguard against damages caused by hackers.
• In case files need to be sent elsewhere, to protect the original format of files.

Question 3

Features of Magnetic Backing Storage Media:

Answer 3

• Holds data magnetically.
• The surface area of the media is magnetized so that it can hold bits of data.
• The device that reads media can also read the bits held - on the surface area

Question 4

Uses of Magnetic tape drives:

Answer 4

• Used in applications where batch processing is used.
• Used as a backup media where vast amounts of data need to be stored.
• Used in long-term archiving of data, they have huge data storage capacities and are known to be very stable.

Question 5

Uses of Fixed Hard Disks/Drives:

Answer 5

• To store the OS, systems software and working data/ files.
• Storing applications files.
• Used in real-time systems and in online systems.
• Used in file servers for computer networks.

Question 6

Uses of Portable Hard Disk Drives:

Answer 6

• Can be used as a backup system to prevent data loss.
• It can be used to transfer data/ files/software between computers.

Question 7

Features of Optical Media and Optical Storage Devices:

Answer 7

• Holds data by burning ‘dots’ onto the surface with a high powered laser.
• The data that reads the media can read the data by shining a lower-powered laser over the dots.

Question 8

Uses of CD-R/DVD-R:

Answer 8

• Home recordings of music and (CD-R) and films (DVD-R).
• Used to store data to be kept for later use to be transferred to another computer.

Question 9

Uses of CD-RW/DVD-RW:

Answer 9

• Used to record television programs which can be recorded over, time and time again.
• Used in CCTV systems.
• Can be used as a backup device for files and data.

Question 10

Uses of CD-ROM/DVD-ROM:

Answer 10

• These are read-only memory (ROM) which means they can’t be written over and can only be read. Permanent storage method.
• CD-ROM is used to store music files and to store software, computer games and reference software.
• DVD-ROM has much larger storage and is used to store films.
• Used in applications where there is a real need to prevent deletion or overwriting of important data.

Question 11

Uses of Blu-Ray discs:

Answer 11

• Home video consoles.
• Storing and playing back movies.
• Computers can use this technology for data storage or backing hard drives.
• Camcorders can use this media to store movies.

Question 12

Features of Solid State Backing Storage:

Answer 12

• Holds data on devices that don’t have any moving devices.

Question 13

Uses of Solid-state drives (SSD):

Answer 13

• Storage device to store files, applications, OSs, and so on.

Question 14

Uses of Pen drives (Memory sticks):

Answer 14

• Transporting files between computers or using it as a backing store.
• Used as a security device to prevent software piracy (known as a dongle).

Question 15

Types of Flash Memory cards:

Answer 15

Different types of memory cards:

» SD cards (secure digital card)
» XD cards (extreme digital card)
» CFast card (compact, fast card).

Question 16

Uses of Flash Memory cards:

Answer 16

• Storing photos on digital cameras.
• Used as mobile phone memory cards.
• Used in MP3 players to store music files.
• Used as a backing store in hand-held computer devices.