What type of removable storage can I use in the labs?
Information Technology is by definition moving information from one place to another, and for whatever reason it is often needed to transfer files from one computer to another. You could use a network if possible, or e-mail it if your file was small enough, but in all other cases you will need a physical removable storage medium - that is something you put the file on and physically take to its destination. Sometimes your files won't have any immediate destination if they are backups.
The simple floppy disk has been the main method of removable storage, but its fatal flaw was and still is its low data capacity: at the best around 2 megabytes could fit on one disk - not good for the ever increasing file sizes demanded by modern programs. Different kinds of media were developed with higher data capacity (Iomega developed many of the leading storage mediums), and new hardware to use them.
Zip: Pioneered by Iomega, this was the first widespread medium, using disks similar to floppies but which could hold 100MB of data. More recently, a 250MB version has been released. The handy disks made it easy to swap files between computers or to backup modest files (like important documents). The Zip drive itself can be bought externally, so if necessary you can take it to the other computer if it does not have its own Zip drive.
CDR: A Compact Disc which can be recorded onto, giving 650MB of space. This could not be re-recorded though. Many CDR drives from different manufacturers are available. Intended for one-time backup or people releasing homemade software.
CDRW: Re-writable version of the above, meaning no replacement media to buy.
DVD: DVD's can be recorded onto, giving several gigabytes of recordable space. Drives are more expensive and less common than CD-RW drives.
Thumb Drives/USB Drives/Flash Drives/Keychain Drives. These drives are tiny drives that connect through a USB port. They're small, relatively inexpensive, and can fit on a keychain or in a pocket. Unfortunately, they also have compatibility issues and can be easily lost, misplaced, or stolen.
Overall, the best all-round storage solution is the CD-RW, with its portability and cost effectiveness. CDRW is most preferable to CDR, and writing DVDs is one of the most expensive mediums around. All of our computers except Macs currently have floppy disks, which hold 1.44 MB, and most have Zip Disks of either 100 MB or 250 MB capacity. Some computers also have CD-RW drives as well. |
What type of removable storage can I use?
Posted - 04/23/2008 : 16:11:32
