1.2.2 - Secondary Storage

Why is there a need for secondary storage in a computer?

• To store files for a long period of time, such as the operating system
• To hold cd's and dvd's

Describe an advantage of using magnetic tape

• Magnetic tape can hold its data for up to thirty years in the correct environment.

• Magnetic tape uses serial data access and so is very slow.

Describe a disadvantage of using an internal hard disk as storage.

• Huge capacity, offers up to several terabytes per device.

• Not as portable as other technologies.

Identify an example of optical storage:

• Magnetic tape

• USB memory stick

• Blu-ray disks

• HDD

The disadvantage of this type of storage is that it is easily scratched, leading to the loss of data.

• Magnetic storage

• Optical storage

• Solid state storage

Solid State Drives are silent unlike hard disks.

• True
• False

A single layer DVD should hold approximately:

• About a 135 hours movie
• About 200 MP3 songs
• About 200 MP4 songs
• About a 135 minute movie 

Normally used in digital cameras. ___ can hold thousands of jpg photographs.

• SD memory cards
• USB memory stick
• Magnetic tape
• CD

A typical mp3 encoded music file takes up 4MB. You have a smart phone with 6GB of storage. How many tracks can be stored on the phone?

• 1 million music files
• 1,500 music files
• 100 music files
• 10 thousand music files

Why is durability important when choosing an appropriate storage media?

• Because it is important to take in consideration how resistant the media is to damage.

• Because it is important to consider how cheap the media cost.