Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
4.2.4: understand how data is stored on physical devices (magnetic, optical, solid state)
4.2.4: understand how data is stored on physical devices (magnetic, optical, solid state)
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Magnetic storage devices can store more bits and bytes than optical or solid state |
| Cost | Removable media for optical storage devices (e.g. CDs, DVDs or Blu-Rays) can be manufactured and distributed much more cheaply than magnetic or solid state storage devices |
| Magnetic | a type of storage device that stores bits (0s and 1s) using the polarity of tiny magnetised sections of a tape or spinning metal disc |
| Optical | a type of storage device that stores bits (0s and 1s) using a light sensor to detect whether or not a laser reflects back off sections of a spinning disc |
| Solid state | a type of storage device that stores bits (0s and 1s) using non volatile flash memory without any moving parts. |
| Speed | Solid state storage devices can access data in less time than magnetic or optical |
