Common Types of Storage (OCR GCSE Computer Science): Revision Note

Robert Hampton

Written by: Robert Hampton

Reviewed by: James Woodhouse

Updated on

  • Storage devices are non-volatile secondary storage, that retain digital data within a computer system

  • They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include software applications, documents, images, videos, and more

  • There are 3 types of storage:

    • Magnetic

    • Solid State

    • Optical

Magnetic Storage

What is magnetic storage?

  • Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses magnets (polarity) to store binary 0s and 1s

Advantages

Disadvantages

Capacity - High storage

Durability - Moving parts can get damaged if dropped

Cost - Low per gigabyte

Portability - Heavy & bulky making them less convenient for transport

Speed - Moderate read/write access 

Reliability - Prone to mechanical failure

 

Noise - Loud (spinning disks)

Solid State Storage

What is solid state storage?

  • Solid state storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses electronic circuits to store binary 0s and 1s

Advantages

Disadvantages

Capacity - Medium/high storage

Cost - Very high per gigabyte

Speed - Very fast read/write access

Reliability - Limited read/write cycles

Durability - No moving parts

 

Portability - Small and no moving parts

 

Noise - Silent 

 

Optical Storage

What is optical storage?

  • Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk, creating pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s

Advantages

Disadvantages

Cost - Very low per gigabyte

Capacity - Very low

Durability - No moving parts

Speed - Very slow read/write access

Portability - Small and no moving parts

Reliability - Prone to scratches

Noise - Silent 

 

Worked Example

Zarmeen has purchased a new tablet computer. The tablet has an internal secondary storage device.

The storage device is a solid state device.

  1. Give three benefits of the tablet having a solid state device instead of a magnetic device [3]

  2. Give two drawbacks of the tablet having a solid state device instead of a magnetic device [2]

Answers

  • Benefits

    • Faster access / read/write speeds

    • Smaller in physical size

    • More durable // no moving parts

  • Drawbacks

    • More expensive (per gigabyte)

    • Smaller capacity (usually)

    • Limited number of read/write cycles

Guidance

  • Portable is not enough on it's own

  • No moving parts is not enough on it's own

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Robert Hampton

Author: Robert Hampton

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.