Lecture on Storage Devices and Media

Categories of Storage

• Optical Storage
• Magnetic Storage
• Solid State Storage

Recap of Storage Types

1. Magnetic Storage

• Hard Disks
  • High capacity.
  • Reasonably fast data access.
  • Portable options exist but can be bulky.
  • Long-lasting and cheap per byte.
  • Susceptible to physical damage.
• Magnetic Tapes
  • High capacity but slow data access.
  • Portable and robust.
  • Cheap solution for high-volume backups.
  • Replaced largely by portable hard disks.

2. Optical Storage

• CD-RRWs, DVDs, Blu-rays
  • Limited storage: CD (640MB), DVD (4.7GB), Blu-ray (25GB).
  • Slow data access but suitable for serial uses (e.g., movies).
  • Portable, lightweight, and durable but prone to scratches.
  • Quick data duplication for distribution.
  • Being replaced by cloud storage.

3. Solid State Storage

• Ideal for embedded systems (tablets, cameras, watches).
• Reasonable capacity, highly durable, with no moving parts.
• Reliable but limited read-write cycles.
• More expensive but price is decreasing.
• Faster than hard disks, suitable for operating system storage.

Storage Scenarios and Recommendations

Scenario 1: Helmet Mounted Camera

• Requirements:
  • High capacity for video footage.
  • Quick and real-time data storage.
  • Portable, durable, and reliable.
• Recommendation: Solid state drive.

Scenario 2: Desktop Computer in an Office

• Requirements:
  • High data capacity for programs and user data.
  • Reasonable data access speed.
  • Reliability and low cost.
• Recommendation: Magnetic media for main hard disk and possibly a solid state drive for OS.

Scenario 3: Backing Up 800GB of Data

• Requirements:
  • Medium to high data storage capacity.
  • Portability for off-site storage.
  • Durability and reliability.
  • Medium cost.
• Recommendation: Magnetic media, possibly tape.

Scenario 4: Transferring Work Between Home and School

• Requirements:
  • Reasonable storage capacity.
  • High portability, durability, and low cost.
• Recommendation: USB memory sticks (solid state) or cloud storage.

Scenario 5: Distributing Video Games for Consoles

• Requirements:
  • Reasonable capacity.
  • Portability and minimal regular use.
  • Low cost.
• Recommendation: Optical media (DVD) or cloud storage.

Scenario 6: Long-Term Storage of Training Videos

• Requirements:
  • Depends on video size and usage.
  • Distribution via optical media or storage via magnetic/solid state depending on size.

Scenario 7: Listening to Music on Portable Music Player

• Requirements:
  • Small sound files.
  • Portability, quick access, durability, and low cost.
• Recommendation: Solid state storage.

Conclusion

• Each storage type has unique advantages and disadvantages.
• Selection depends on specific needs like capacity, portability, cost, and reliability.