1.2.2 Secondary Storage

• What is the purpose of secondary storage in a computer?

  To permanently save files when the computer is switched off
• Why is primary storage (RAM) considered volatile?

  Because it is deleted when the computer is switched off
• What type of storage is secondary storage classified as?

  Long term non-volatile storage of data/files
• What are the three main common types of secondary storage?

  • Optical (e.g., CDs, DVDs)
  • Magnetic (e.g., Mechanical HDD)
  • Solid State (e.g., Flash - SSD, USB Drive)
• What factors should be considered when deciding on a storage solution?

  Capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability, and cost
• What are the characteristics of Optical storage devices?

  • Capacity: 700MB - 50GB (Small)
  • Speed: Slow
  • Portability: Easy to move about
  • Durability: Easily scratched
  • Reliability: Not very reliable, but can be backed up easily
  • Cost: Cheap
• What are the characteristics of Magnetic storage devices?

  • Capacity: Large (1 - 12TB)
  • Speed: Slow-Medium
  • Portability: Can get portable HDD but not as reliable
  • Durability: Moving parts, so less durable
  • Reliability: Reliable in a stationary machine
  • Cost: Cheap
• What are the characteristics of Solid State storage devices?

  • Capacity: Large (250GB - 2TB)
  • Speed: Fast
  • Portability: Very portable, no moving parts
  • Durability: Very durable, no moving parts
  • Reliability: Highly reliable, no moving parts
  • Cost: Expensive
• What is the typical capacity range for Optical storage devices?

  700MB - 50GB
• What is the typical capacity range for Magnetic storage devices?

  1 - 12TB
• What is the typical capacity range for Solid State storage devices?

  250GB - 2TB
• How would you describe the speed of Optical storage devices?

  Slow
• How would you describe the speed of Magnetic storage devices?

  Slow-Medium
• How would you describe the speed of Solid State storage devices?

  Fast
• What is a key durability issue with Optical storage devices?

  They are easily scratched
• What is a key durability issue with Magnetic storage devices?

  They have moving parts, which makes them less durable
• What is a key durability feature of Solid State storage devices?

  They have no moving parts, making them very durable
• How does the reliability of Optical storage devices compare to other types?

  They are not very reliable due to being easily scratched
• How does the reliability of Magnetic storage devices compare to other types?

  They are reliable in a machine that doesn't move
• How does the reliability of Solid State storage devices compare to other types?

  They are highly reliable due to having no moving parts
• Which type of storage is generally the cheapest?

  Optical storage
• Which type of storage is generally the most expensive?

  Solid State storage