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IGCSE-ICT
Unit III

STORAGE DEVICES AND

MEDIA

Name: _________Vy____________________

Score: _______

I Answer the following: (40 pts.++)

1. Explain the difference between serial access and direct access (2)
Serial Access
- sequential access
- Data is accessed by starting at the
beginning and then searched
through, in order/ sequence, until
the required information is found
- Searching from the beginning of the
storage medium => really slow
- Is used on old magnetic tapes (backing
up large amounts of data in
organizations), where it is necessary
to store a lot of data but speed of
access is unimportant
- Used in batch processing system:
payroll
- Works by accessing data at the
beginning and work through it bitby- bit until the end
- Examples: music, video cassettes;
backup tape cartridges

Direct Access
- Random access
- Computer can calculate exactly
where data has been stored on the
storage medium and go straight to
it (instant access) => really fast
- Not start accessing data at the
beginning and work through bit- by- bit
- Much faster
- Used with storage medium: Hard disk
drive, CDs, DVDs, USB memory stick,
flash memory, Blu- ray discs
- Used on most modern storage devices
where speed of access is important
( online booking system, point- of- sale
(POS) terminals in shops)

2. State 3 reasons why we should back up our data. (3)

1) Original data could be accidentally copied over or deleted
2) Data could be lost due to damage to original storage device. For ex: the hard
disk device could stop spinning
3) Hackers could cause corruption or data loss
4) In case files need to be used elsewhere, this protects the originals against
possible corruption or loss
3. Describe how the serial access work. (2)
- Works by accessing data at the beginning and work through it bit- by- bit until the end
4. Define backing up. (2)
- Refers to the copying files/ data to a different medium (disk, tape, flash drive, etc.) in case
of a problem with the main secondary storage device.
5. List the three types of backing storage media. (3)
1) Magnetic media
2) Optical media
3) Solid- state media
6. Compare and Contrast the similarities and differences of fixed hard disk (internal) and
potable hard disk (external). (4)
Similarities:
- Storage medium

Use direct data access

Used to store large files
Fixed hard disk (internal)
- Used on all computers
- Surface is coated with magnetic film
=> store data
- Storage spaces: 250 gigabytes up to 4
terabytes
- used in file- server on computer
networks to store data
- spindles of disks that spin thousands of
times every minute

Portable hard- disk (external)

- Connected to computer externally via
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
- Transportable
- Come with USB cable for attachment to
computers to back up or share files
- Protective casing => avoid physical
damage
- Storage spaces: 250 gigabytes up to 3
terabytes
- Used to transfer data, files and soft
ware
- Stored electronically, using millions of
small gates.

7.
8.
-

What is a floppy disk drive? (1)

is a hardware device that reads data storage information
information is held on a thin plastic disc
How will a magnetic tape works if I am going to update my data? (2)
uses motors to wind the tape from one reel to another, passing tape heads to read, write or erase as it
moves
- using serial access
9. What is an optical storage media? (2)
- Stores data on a disc as a number of data dots that can be read using light (laser beam)
- any storage methods that use a laser to store and retrieve data from optical
media
10.State the differences between CD/DVD ROM - CD/DVD R CD/DVD RW CD/DVD RAM. (8)
CD/DVD ROM
- Data cant be
written over
and can only
be read
- Bought with
pre- load data
(software,
music, movies
& games)
already on
them
- Cant be
removed or
changed
- CD ROMS:
smaller files
(music tracks,
software)
- DVD ROMS:

CD/DVD R
- Recordable
once only
- Once it has
recorded
CD/DVD ROM
(read only)
- Data can be
added but not
erased
- Data is burnt by
the disc burner
- Used to create
personalized
playlist of
music, store
home
recordings of
video, back up
important data

CD/DVD RW
- Re- writeable =
can be
recorded on
over & over
- Dont become
ROMS
Data burnt by
RW drives
- Phase changing
dye = allows
bumps of data
to be undone
- Data can be
added and
erased
- Create
personalized
playlists of
music and add/

CD/DVD RAM
- Writing and
reading data
can happen at
the same time
- Similar phase
changing
allows the disc
to be recorded
over times
- Rewritten over
times
- Reliably stored
- Used in videos
and data
archiving, DVD
records and
camcorders to
store videos

large storage
capacity
(movies,
modern
games)

and transfer
data

remove songs
Record
televisions
programs over
many times
Make backups
of computer
files

11.What is a Blu-ray disk? (2)

- Work like DVD ROMS but uses blue laser instead of red to read data
- Capable of reading data dots positioned together on the disc surface
- Can be rewritten over times
- Store high definition videos, home video consoles and back up hard disk drives in PC
12.Explain solid state technology? (2)
Electronic devices with a physical architecture made of solid and non-moving elements
and components. The compounds in a solid state device are engineered in such a way that
they can switch and amplify the electric current.
13.What is the difference between Memory sticks/Flash Memory Cards? (4)
Memory sticks
- Small, portable external storage device
- Easily transfer data between computers
- Use solid state technology and
connected to computer via USB port
- Data access and transfer are fast
- Cheap
- Capacity: 512GB
- Used for transporting files & data
- Backing up data quickly and easily

Flash
-

Memory Cards
Secure digital cards
Small & rectangular
Use form of Electronically erasable read
only memory
Use solid state technology
Transfer data from a card to a desktop
PC
Capacity: 256GB
Store photos on digital cameras
Store files and data in hand held
devices
Store photos and music in mobile
phones
Store music in MP# players

14.What type of storage device is good for movies? (1)

- DVD RAM
15.What type of storage device is good for encyclopedias/dictionaries/music? (1)
- CD & DVD ROM
16.Give examples when you can use magnetic tapes. (1)
- Speed is not important
- Large amount of data needs to be packed up
17.List some ways to learn the ICT tasks.
- Memorize
- Researches
- Practice
- Learn with teachers and friends