Advancement in technology has made it possible for data of about one terabyte (1TB) to be stored on a single thumb drive. Some years back, storing data of this size will require at least 5 to 10 computer hard drives. Without the invention of these modern storage devices, storing information for later use will be difficult.
Types of Storage Device
- Primary Storage:
Primary storage is also known as the computer’s main or internal memory. This storage is where the main instructions for the computer operations are stored, and it is accessed directly by the Central Processing Unit. Primary storage devices hold data while a computer is running and power is going into the devices. Once the power stops, the data is removed.
- Secondary Storage: Secondary storage is a type of storage that holds data for the long term. This type of storage is also called external, secondary, or auxiliary memory. Once data has been stored on a secondary storage device, it takes deleting to obliterate it. In the case of power failure, while working on a computer, secondary storage still makes sure to save the job being carried out on it, something a primary storage device can’t do. Secondary memory is where the operating system, hardware drivers, and data created by a computer user are permanently stored and kept. The most common secondary storage examples are hard drives in a computer, USB flash drives, secure digital cards, and solid-state drives.
Storage Media For Backup
In the business world, there is a great need for business owners to store data so that it won’t get lost or fall into the wrong hands. Luckily for them, there are now many storage devices that can do just that.
Most modern businesses now utilize the power of data in their decision-making process. The makers of storage devices understand this. This is why they have made different storage media types suitable for backing up or archiving data.
What Does It Mean To Backup?
Backup is the process of keeping extra copies of one’s important data or files in a safe place to have something to rely on if the original gets lost or destroyed.
When it comes to backing up a file, it is always better to do it on a device separate from where the file is stored or created. This is because damage to that system will defeat a backup’s purpose. There are several devices designed for this purpose.
Some examples of these devices are:
- External Hard Drives (HDD): External Hard Drives are high-speed and reliable. But if it’s being used too often, mechanical stress can make it unsuitable for further use.
- External SSDs: SSDs are more costly than hard drives and do not contain any moving parts. Besides, the storage space available within it is limited to cost. That means the higher the price of an SSD, the higher the amount of space it will contain. SSDs are commonly used in data centers like ServerMania New York Colocation. This is mainly due to their cost-effectiveness and low power consumption.
- USB Flash Devices: USB flash drives are also part of the dependable backup devices. Aside from the fact that they are easily moveable, they are also simple to use.
- Tapes: Tape backup means copying data from a primary storage device to a tape cartridge. This ensures that the data will be recovered if a hard disk crash or failure occurs. Tape backups can be done manually, and they can also be programmed to happen automatically through appropriate software.
- CD and DVDs: Although no longer a popular medium of storage, some people still use CDs and DVDs to store data. This storage device went out of style mainly because writing a CD or DVD is slower and less comfortable than using other media storage. CDs and DVDs have lower capacities compared to flash drives or hard drives.
- Online Storage/Backup Services: Nowadays, many people depend on online backup services to ensure proper backup plans for important files. Online backup services offer plenty of space for clients to back up their entire hard drive. The only precaution one has to take when storing data online is to secure one’s password and username. Once criminally minded people don’t get hold of these or hack the platform from within, there’s no way they can get access to these files; talk less of harming you.
Every organization’s success depends on how they can keep important information, either about their clients or their dealings. If you plan on owning to own the future or you already one, you must ensure to pick a storage medium that fits your business style.