1. MAGNETIC HARD DRIVES2. SOLID STATE DRIVES3. OPTICAL DISKS4. FLASH MEMORY 5. CLOUD STORAGE6. CONNECTIVITY DEVICES

Storage and connectivity devices

Storage DevicesStorage devices are used to store the files of data for a user.1.Magnetic media.

This type of storage includes hard drives and magnetic tapes.

I. A hard dive uses magnetic disks for storing data.II.The disks are circular and spin at high speeds while the

drive heads read and write data.III.This makes the disks susceptible to dirt and damage if

moved suddenly.IV.The disks allow data to be read, written, edited or

deleted.V.Hard drives can store huge amounts of data. This

makes them suitable storage devices for businesses.

Storage Devices

2. Solid State Drives.I. A solid state drive uses flash memory to

store data.II. There are no moving parts in solid state

drives which makes them faster and more reliable than hard drives.

III. They are now often used in portable devices – EPL’s handheld computers.

IV. They can also store huge amounts of data, but not as much as a hard drive.

V. Better to be used in portable, handheld devices than on a business network.

Storage Devices3. Optical disks.

I. Optical disks include storage devices such as DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray disks.

II. These files can be read, edited, written or deleted.

III. DVDs and CDs are mainly used to transfer data between computer devices. They have a limited capacity.

IV. Blu-ray disks are large capacity optical disks , which store much more data then a DVD or CD.

V. Businesses may use these storage devices for backups and archiving data.

Storage Devices4. Flash Memory Devices.

I. Flash memory devices are USB sticks and memory cards.

II. USB memory sticks and SD cards contain flash memory.

III. They are used to store data and to transfer it between computers.

IV. Memory cards tend to be used in cameras and mobile phones.

V. The have a limited storage capacity and tend to be more for an individual use rather than a business use.

Storage Devices5. Cloud Storage

I. Very large data storage capacity available online so that data can be accessed remotely using a web interface.

II. Used to store data that can be shared between staff.

Uses of storage devices

Business use Personal useHard DrivesMagnetic tapesSolid State DrivesCloudReasons

1. Large storage capacity

2. High speed storage3. Shared access for

staff

Flash Memory DevicesDVD/CD/Blu-ray

Reasons1. Limited storage

capacity2. Mainly used to

transfer data between computers.

Storage methods on portable devices

Portable device Storage method

Smartphone Solid state flash memory card

Tablet Solid state drive or sometimes a hard drive

Notebook or laptop Hard drive or sometimes a solid state drive

Advantages and disadvantages of the technician having a smartphone

Uses and advantages of a smartphone:1.Technician can voice call customers to let them know they are on the way.2.Technician can voice call Cable Ties if there is a problem.3.Technician can SMS customers to let them know they are on the way.4.The job schedule can be sent to the smartphone each day.5.When jobs are completed this information can be sent via the phone to Cable Ties.6.The technicians can have their location tracked by GPS7.The technicians can have internet access to Cable Ties website.8.The technicians can use the camera on the phone to collect visual evidence that the job is completed.9.The smartphone can run apps such as QR code scanning

Disadvantages of a smartphone:1.The technician could use the smartphone for their own personal use.2.The smartphone could lose it signal so the technician can’t receive new information about jobs and also cant send data back to Cable Ties.3.If the smartphone loses its signal then the GPS wont be able to track the technicians location.

Connectivity DevicesConnectivity devices are used to connect computer systems together. Some devices are built into computers to connect a computer to a network or to the Internet.While others are used to connect networks together or to the Internet.The following is a list of connectivity devices:

1. Network card (NIC)2. Wireless NIC3. Router4. Switch5. Modem6. Wireless Access Point (WAP)

Connectivity DevicesConnectivity

DevicePurpose Typical business

use

Network card (NIC) Connecting a computer to a network using a cable.

Connecting a desktop PC to a company network using an Ethernet cable.

Wireless NIC Connecting a computer to a network using radio waves.

Connecting a portable computer to a network or the Internet using Wi-Fi.

Router Directs network traffic to the correct computer or device.

These are used to connect different and to the Internet.

Switch Allows many computers to connect to a network.

These are used in large networks to connect large numbers of computers.

Wireless access point (WAP)

Connects devices to a network using Wi-Fi.

A WAP is used for a large number of devices.

Modem Converts analogue signals to and from digital signals

These connect to the Internet by a dial up connection using ordinary telephone lines.

Customised devices Users who are physically impaired can use a variety of devices to make the use of their computer easier.

Device Use

Puff-suck switch

Braille keyboard

Foot mouse

Text to speech software

Speech to text software

Zoom

Remote workingPeople who are working away from their office can gain access to their files and documents over the Internet.They can also send emails and send files to the company network.The company network must check they are authentic users before it allows them to log on. Username and password check.

The company network must have a firewall installed to stop hackers and viruses getting access to the network.