Topic

Various types of storage devices and their use

Learning objectives

Students will be able to:

• describe the functions of memory in a computer system
• understand the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory
• explain what a storage device is
• describe the features of ROM and RAM
• classify storage devices and their uses
• discriminate between different types of magnetic drives and disks
• give instruction and advice on how to protect data
• explain the technical details of flash memory
• describe flash-based devices
• use technical vocabulary associated with magnetic and optical storage devices and media

Key words

Main memory, backing storage, volatile, non-volatile, RAM, ROM, magnetic disk, floppy disk, hard drive, portable hard drive, read/write head, spin, platter, format, track, sector, directory, partition, back up, access time, data transfer rate, fragmentation, defragmentation, to retrieve information

Optical drive, laser beam, DVD burner, dual/double layer, backward-compatible, Blue-ray disc, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, HD-DVD

Flash memory card, USB flash drive, pen drive, card reader, hybrid hard drive