Optical backing storage media suchas CDs and DVDs<br /> CDs tend to be used for large files (but smaller than 1Gb)which are too big for a floppy disc to hold such as music and general animation. DVDs are used to hold very large files(several Gb) such as movie films. Both CDs and DVDs are portable i.e. they can be transported from one computer to another. Both can be used to store computer data.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>Can stored large files.
Light, easy to carry</li></ul>Disadvantages<br /><ul><li>Memory less than 1GB.
Most DVD players and drives can't read DVD-RAM discs.
Very few players can play in reverse at normal speed. </li></ul>Maprang 10GM<br />
Applications which require the prevention of deletion of data, accidental or otherwise. CDs used by software companies for distributing software programs and data; by Music companies for distributing music albums and by book publishers for distributing encyclopedias, reference books etc. DVDs used by film distributors.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>Can stored data permanently.
A CD-ROM is a storage media that has a better longevity for storing data in a moderately small space, when added to the fact that they can be stacked in a small space the amount of storage per cubic foot goes up. </li></ul>Disadvantages<br /><ul><li>Can not delete or edit saved data.</li></ul>CD ROM/DVD ROM<br />Maprang 10GM<br />
Applications which require a single ‘burning’ of data, e.g. CDs– recording of music downloads from the Internet, recording of music from MP3 format, recording of data for archiving or backup purposes. DVDs – recording of film movies and television programs.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>Light and thin
Applications which require the updating of information and ability to record over old data. Not suitable for music recording but is very useful for keeping generations of files. DVDs have between five and ten times the capacity of CDs.<br />Advantages <br /><ul><li>Less expensive than Blu-ray.
It generally holds about 650 mb of data or 74 minutes of audio.</li></ul>Disadvantages<br /><ul><li>Slower to write (respond)</li></ul>CD RW/DVD RW<br />Maprang 10GM<br />
Housed in a cartridge. Used in video recorders, camcorders and computer memory.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>superior quality of the discs
Huge storage capacity.</li></ul>Disadvantages<br />- More expensive than HD DVD <br />Blu-ray<br />Maprang 10GM<br />
Smallest form of memory, used as removable storage. More robust than other forms of storage. More expensive than other forms but can be easily written to and updated.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>The random access speed for reading is faster because it doesn't need a head to read or write data.
Reading performance will be more stable because the data search doesn't depend on where the data is located.</li></ul>Disadvantages<br /><ul><li>The writing speed of a Solid State is slower compared to the conventional hard disk.</li></ul>Solid state backing storage<br />Maprang 10GM<br />
Can store up to many Gb. Used to transport files and backup data from computer to computer.<br />Advantages<br /><ul><li>Size is smaller than DVD or CD.