My favourite storage and media devices

Reasons for storing data

·         Basic setup information and operating systems are required for the computer to function.

·         Application software needs to be available for the user to carry out tasks.

·         Files created by the user need to be stored so that they can be used again.

·         Data may need to be transferred from tone device to another.

·         Backup copies need to be taken in case the original files are lost or have become corrupt.

File Compression

This is a way of reducing the size of files that need to be stored by compressing them. Photographs, sound and video files tend to be extremely large if they are stored in an uncompressed format, especially if they are of high resolution.

·         Backup software compresses the data that is being stored.

·         Compression can be used when transmitting files from one computer to another which would reduce the transmission time or allows more data to be fitted on to any storage medium

Types of storage

In addition to the immediate storage capacity of ROM and RAM, a computer needs backing storage for mass storage of data and programs.

Magnetic Storage:  Hard disks and floppy disks work by storing data on magnetised surfaces.

Hard disks: Most of the day-to-day storage on PC systems is carried out by the hard disk. A hard disk is made up of rotating plastic or metal disks covered with a magnetic coating on which the data is stored. Hard disks are available with very large storage capacities at a relatively low cost. They are fast, extremely reliable and robust.

Floppy disks: Floppy used to be a popular method of storage, but is no longer a practical storage method. They store data on a circular piece of magnetic film, built into a plastic case for protection. They are easily damaged and not very reliable.

DAT tapes: These tapes are small in size but can hold a lot of data. They are often used to back up servers because they are easy to take away and store at a different location to the server. They are quite slow to write and retrieve data.

Optical Storage: Optical storage devices such as CDs and DVDs use optical technology to etch the data onto a plastic-coated metal disc. Laser beams are then passed over the surface to read the data.

Flash Memory: Because of its small size it is used for portable devices such as digital cameras, MP3 Players, mobile phones

Choosing a storage device

·         Volume of data

·         Purpose of storage

·         Need for re-writing

·         Speed of recovery of data

·         Size of device

 Out of the storage devices the flash memory is my favourite because without it we wouldn't be able to store our favourite pictures , songs , contacts on our mobile phones.