Secondary Storage

• What is secondary storage?

  Non-volatile storage used to save and store data that can be accessed repeatedly
• Why is secondary storage slower to access than primary storage?

  Because it is further away from the CPU and not directly embedded on the motherboard
• What are the characteristics of storage you should know?

  • Capacity: Maximum data storage
  • Durability: Strength of the device
  • Portability: Ease of carrying
  • Access Speed: Speed of reading/editing data
  • Cost: Average price of the device
  • Reliability: Likelihood of continued performance
• What is the most common form of secondary storage in desktop computers?

  Magnetic hard disk drive (HDD)
• How does a read/write head function in a magnetic hard disk drive?

  It moves above the disk platter to read or edit data using the magnetic field
• What is an obsolete type of magnetic storage?

  Floppy disk
• Why is magnetic tape generally used by companies?

  Because it has a high storage capacity and data must be accessed in order
• What are the characteristics of magnetic storage (HDD)?

  • Large capacity
  • Cheaper cost per gigabyte than solid state
  • Durable and portable
  • Slower access speed than solid state but faster than optical
• What technology does optical storage use to read data?

  A laser to project beams of light onto a spinning disc
• Why is optical storage considered the slowest type of secondary storage?

  Because it uses a laser and spinning disc to read data
• What are the capacity limits for optical storage types?

  • CD: 700 MB
  • DVD: 4.7 GB
  • Blu-ray: 25 GB
• What is a disadvantage of optical discs regarding durability?

  They are very fragile and can break or scratch easily
• What is a key feature of solid state storage?

  There are no moving parts
• Why are SSDs replacing HDDs in modern computers?

  Because they are quieter, faster, and use less power
• What is a common use for USB flash drives?

  To transport files easily due to their small size
• What is a characteristic of memory cards like SD cards?

  They are examples of solid state storage
• What are the characteristics of solid state storage?

  • More expensive cost per gigabyte than magnetic
  • Usually durable, but cheap USB sticks can break
  • Very portable due to small size
  • High capacity and fastest access speed
• How would you rank magnetic, optical, and solid-state storage in terms of capacity, durability, portability, speed, and cost?

  • Capacity: Magnetic > Solid-state > Optical
  • Durability: Solid-state > Magnetic > Optical
  • Portability: Solid-state > Optical > Magnetic
  • Speed: Solid-state > Magnetic > Optical
  • Cost: Magnetic < Solid-state < Optical
• What secondary storage would be most appropriate for sending videos and pictures through the post?

  Optical storage, such as DVDs, due to its portability and capacity.
• What secondary storage should be used for storing a presentation to take to school?

  USB flash drive, as it is portable and easy to use.
• Which secondary storage is best for storing project files with group members?

  Cloud storage or USB flash drives for easy sharing and collaboration.
• What secondary storage is suitable for backing up an old computer with thousands of files?

  Magnetic tape or external HDD for high capacity and reliability.