Secondary Storage - OCR GCSE (J277 Spec)

Overview

• Secondary storage is non-volatile and used to save data for repeated access.
• It is not embedded on the motherboard; therefore, it is slower to access compared to primary storage.

Storage Characteristics

• Capacity: Maximum data storage.
• Durability: Device longevity and resistance to damage.
• Portability: Ease of carrying the device.
• Access Speed: Speed of data reading/editing.
• Cost: Purchase price.
• Reliability: Consistent performance over time.

Magnetic Storage

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Common in desktops, uses a magnetic field for data operations.
  • Advantages: Large capacity, cheaper per GB.
  • Disadvantages: Slower access speed compared to solid state, but faster than optical.
  • Features: Durable, portable, but risky to move when on.
• Magnetic Tape: High capacity, used for backup with serial access.
• Floppy Disk: Obsolete, replaced by USB sticks.

Optical Storage

• Uses a laser to read data from CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays.
  • Advantages: Portability, cost-effective.
  • Disadvantages: Low capacity, fragile (not durable), slowest access speed.
• Internal and external disc drives available.

Solid State Storage

• No moving parts, includes SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards.
  • Advantages: Fastest access speed, high capacity, very portable, generally durable.
  • Disadvantages: More expensive per GB.
• SSDs replacing HDDs due to speed, quietness, efficiency.

Scenario Analysis

1. Rank storage types:

   • Capacity: Magnetic > Solid State > Optical
   • Durability: Solid State > Magnetic > Optical
   • Portability: Solid State > Optical > Magnetic
   • Speed: Solid State > Magnetic > Optical
   • Cost: Optical < Magnetic < Solid State

2. Storage recommendations:

   • Sending files via post: Use Optical for its portability and low cost.
   • Storing presentation for school: Use USB stick for portability.
   • Group project files: Use cloud-based solutions or USB sticks for easy sharing and collaboration.
   • Backing up old computer: Magnetic tape or large capacity HDD for high volume storage.