Data Storage

Part 1 - The Overview

On every computer there is a collection of files. They include the files that start and run the operating system, the files needed to run applications and programs, and the data files that you create. All of these files have to be saved and stored somewhere, and that somewhere is called data storage. In this section you will learn about the most basic and popular forms of data storage.

Due to the fact that this topic has an unending amount of information that could be included, it will be very short and to the point, containing the absolute basics of Data Storage.

The first step in understanding the basics of data storage is that you must know that you can store data in a wide variety of formats. The format you chose depends on your needs. There are a few things to consider when choosing a type of storage that will be right for you.

When considering a storage type, you should ask yourself four basic questions that will greatly help weed out types that may not be suited for you or your computer.

Should the media be fixed or removable? Fixed media stays with the computer, while removable media can be disconnected and then used with another computer.

How much storage do I need? Are you planning on storing things such as large databases full of information, a few pages of a story, or perhaps your resume.

How common is the type of media that I am considering? If the media is not commonly used, it may be incompatable with your computer. For example, if you recieved a 5 1/4" floppy disk (which are pretty much extinct), whould you be able to retrieve the information stored on it using your computer?

What is the cost of the storage media that I am considering? Cost often is the primary concern when looking to add a storage device.