Common Types of Storage (OCR GCSE Computer Science): Revision Note
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.
Give three benefits of the tablet having a solid state device instead of a magnetic device [3]
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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