AQA Computer Science :: Cheat Sheet
Topic 23 :: Secondary Storage
Define: Secondary Storage
“A primary storage device contains data that we need from day to
day, like our applications. A secondary storage device contains data that
we may not need day to day. They are often used for backing up files.
Examples of a secondary storage device could be; external hard drives,
floppy disk, CD RW, tape drive or a memory stick.”
There are three main types of secondary storage device:
Optical
Uses lasers to read and write data to and from the disk. Microscopic
lines and dots are “burnt” onto the disk, representing binary digits.
Magnetic
Magnetic dots that represent binary digits are placed on a magnetised
material inside the drive.
Solid State
Solid state is a type of drive that has no moving parts. This makes them
more robust.
If you have a spare moment, why
don’t you compare these three types
of secondary device on the Internet?
Look for things like Capacity, Speed,
Portability, Durability and Reliability.
Computer Science - Kingswinford – @skyrocket_2005 – rfranksblog.wordpress.com