TOPIC 4 >>> STORAGE DEVICES

FLOPPY DISCS

A floppy disk is a data storage medium that is composed of a disk of thin, flexible floppy)magnetic storagemedium encased in asquareor rectangularplasticshell. Floppy disks are read and written by afloppy disk drive

FIXED HARD DISCS

A hard disk drive is the device used to store large amounts of digital information in computers and related equipment like iPods and games consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Hard disk drives are used to store operating systems, software and working data. 

These are suitable for any application which requires very fast access to data for both reading and writing to. However, Hard disk drives may not be suitable for applications which need portability. 

Almost all computers used a fixed hard disc. Used for on-line and real time processes requiring direct access. Used in file servers for computer networks to store large amount of data.

MEMORY STICK / PEN DRIVES

USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, much smaller than a floppy disk. Storage capacities typically range from 64 MB to 64 GB. USB flash drives offer potential advantages over other portable storage devices, particularly the floppy disk. 

They have a more compact shape, operate faster, hold much more data, have a more durable design, and operate more reliably due to their lack of moving parts. Flash drives are widely used to transport files and backup data from computer to computer.

FLASH MEMORY CARDS

A memory card or flash memory card is a solid-state electronic flash memory data storage device used with digital cameras, handheld and Mobile computers, telephones, music players, video game consoles, and other electronics. 

Nowadays, most new PCs have built-in slots for a variety of memory cards; Memory Stick, CompactFlash, SD, etc. Some digital gadgets support more than one memory card to ensure compatibility.