PC Data Storage

Bill Gates is often credited with the quote, “640K ought to be enough for anybody.” It was said in reference to computer memory in 1981, clearly illustrating how computer data volume has increased. Bill, in his defense, denies that he ever said it…

This section of the PCTechGuide explains the technology behind computer storagemedia. The detailed explanations of everything from a CD to a USB stick are often accompanied by background insights into how over time the industry has fought – sometimes literally – to cope with the pace of demand.

Blu-ray

Blu-ray is the next generation optical disk technology for the new millennium. Using revolutionary blue-violet laser technology, it provides a medium for high definition video and now 100GB of data storage.

CD-ROM

A leap forward in portable storage when they were introduced, learn how CDs work.

CD-RW

The natural next step for CDs was for them to be writable. With dramatic implications for media applications, a new dimension was added to PCs at home and in industry.

DVD

After a shaky start, DVDs eventually raised the bar with writable, portable disk media.

Hard Disks

The hard disk has to provide reliable storage for huge amounts of data, and provide fast access. Get an insight from early development through solutions like RAID to modern solid state drives.

Portable RAM

Solid state devices provide excellent portable file media, particularly for cameras, phones, and MP3 players. As a ready medium for file transfer between home and office or the classroom, a handy USB stick’s hard to beat.

Removable Storage

It’s a basic problem with computing: moving data from one computer to another. This section covers older technologies such as floppy disk drives, and some newer ideas which perhaps have not gone into full development.

Tape Storage

The venerable stalwart of computer backup, tape storage has a story of development that has had to keep pace with rising demands.

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