| Now it is hard to conceive our life without computers. We apply them in business and for amusement. Communication with friends, watching films, listening to music, playing games and numerous other activities are presented by PCs. PCs are strongly associated with computer data. Data are commonly stored on the HD of the computer, but it is highly advised to have a copy of all the essential data on other recording medium. It will guarantee the safety of these data in case of trouble with the HD.
There are several types of data storage media. The most widespread amongst them are magnetic tapes, HD, compact and digital video disks and flash memory disks. All these data storage media have their pluses and minuses. It's up to you to take a decision what information storage medium to select so as to save your back up info.
Magnetic tape used to be the most widespread medium for info storage. It constitutes an access medium, therefore the access time is slower than in case you apply HD. But at the same time continuous reading and writing are usually much faster. With the invention of new information mediums floppy disks have become obsolete, but they are still in use in special situations, as they represent the most reliable data media.
One more type of data storage media is optical disc system, commonly referred to as CDs and DVDs. This system is effective and easy in application. An essential advantage of optical disks is that information can be stored to and read from them practically on any machine with a standard CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
Flash memory disk backup system, including USB, Memory Stick and SmartMedia and others, is the following step of information storage development. These gadgets are portable, easy to apply and able to save a great amount of data. All the contemporary personal computers have an opportunity to restore data from these discs. Their only minus is high cost comparing to magnetic tapes and optical disks. But at the same time flash memory disc backup system is the most convenient and reliable information storage medium. |