Memory
- Where the computer holds all the instructions and data it is busy working on
- Only supplied with power (volatile)
- RAM comes in sticks called DIMMS - Dual incline memory modules
- Electronic therefore fatser
Storage
- Where programmes and data are kept permanantly
- Stored in files organised into folders
- 1TB = 1024GB
- Magnetic therefore slower
Advantages of online storage
- Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection
- Saves space on computer
- Easy to share files with other people
- Data is accessible if your computer is damaged/stolen
Disadvantages of online storage
- Only accessible with an interet connection
- Large files may be unusable over slow connections
- If a company goes bankrupt, you may loose all your data
Cloud computing vs online storage
Online storage: Only stores files online
Cloud computing: Programmes run on a server; you access those programmes though a web browser
Most common wasy to backup media
- flash drives
- portable hard drives
- online backup services
ways in which the Disk Cleanup utility attempts to free up disk space
- Emptying Recycle Bin
- Removing temporary files from Internet
- Removing temporary files created by operating system / Windows
- Uninstalling components of the operating system not needed
- Uninstalling programs you never use
Disk fragmentation
- When different parts of the files can
become scattered across the disk - This can cause the computer to become slower in retrieving the files in order to open or save them
Disk defragmentation
- The ‘scattered’ parts of files on disk are rearranged so that they can be retrieved more quickly.
- The same ‘volume’ of data is still being stored on disk so no new disk space is being made available.
Why are hard drives ideal for backups?
- Easy to plug in to USB port
- Highly portable
- Large capacities
Difference between backing up files and archiving files
Backing up files: making a duplicate copy of the files (on external storage)
Archiving files: removing seldom used files from the computer and writing them to external storage.
Disk scanning
Utility software that checks drive for errors
File explorer, drive, properties, tools tab, error checking
Problems with CD’s and DVD’s
Slower, little storage, prone to damage and scratches, CD ports are rarer today
Managing backups
Specialist backup software to compress the data
Formatting
Preparing a disk to store data
Clears all data on disk
