1. Little work is accurate
Name:
In this unit you will learn about:
The need for secondary storage.
Data capacity and calculation of data capacity requirements.
Common types of storage.
Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application, and the advantages and disadvantages of these, using the characteristics: capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability and cost.
Grade
Target
Depth
Understanding
Comment
7-9
All aspects complete
All work is accurate
5-6
Most aspects complete
Most work is accurate
3-4
Some aspects complete
Some work is accurate
1-2
Little work complete
Little work is accurate
Response:
Unit description and mark scheme.

2. The need for secondary storage
ROM can’t be used to save files because:
RAM can’t be used to save files because:
Therefore secondary storage is needed because:
Types of secondary storage
RAM, ROM, registers and cache are referred to as primary storage. The operating system, programs and data are held in secondary storage when not in use.
The term tertiary storage is used to describe backups and archives of large amounts of data.
1. Complete the boxes to explain the purpose of secondary storage.
Secondary storage can be:
Data is stored using magnetism.
Data is stored using semiconductor chips.
Data can be stored using ‘pits and lands’.

3. Examples of secondary storage
HARD DISK
Image
Type
Magnetic
Uses
Internal storage for PC/laptop.
Holds operating system and program files.
Characteristics
Moving drive head which has to move to each part of a data file. Hard disks perform better if they are defragmented.
Reliability and
Durability 8
Damaged by impacts.
Portability 7
Can be portable, but are larger and heavier.
Capacity 10
Very high: 2-8Tb.
Cost
Cheap.
Data access speed
Fast.
FLASH MEMORY CARD
Image
Type
Uses
Characteristics
Reliability and
Durability
Portability
Capacity
Cost
Data access speed
2. Create a set of “Top Trump” cards for each of the storage devices. An example is shown for a hard disk.
The number values should indicate the relative performance compared to all the other devices.
Research the typical capacity range for the device on the web.
An alternative activity could be to create an illustrated animation, a documentary film or presentation.

4. Examples of secondary storage
CD-R
Image
Type
Uses
Characteristics
Reliability and
Durability
Portability
Capacity
Cost
Data access speed
SOLID STATE DRIVE
Image
Type
Uses
Characteristics
Reliability and
Durability
Portability
Capacity
Cost
Data access speed

5. Examples of secondary storage
Blu-Ray™
Image
Type
Uses
Characteristics
Reliability and
Durability
Portability
Capacity
Cost
Data access speed
DAT TAPE
Image
Type
Uses
Characteristics
Reliability and
Durability
Portability
Capacity
Cost
Data access speed

6. Cloud storage 6. Complete the boxes to explain cloud storage.
Cloud storage means:
The advantages of cloud storage include:
6. Complete the boxes to explain cloud storage.
The disadvantages of cloud storage include:

7. Suitability of devices
Alicia is using a helmet mounted camera to record footage whilst snowboarding. Suggest two reasons why a flash memory card is a good choice for secondary storage in this scenario, and two reasons why a hard disk would be unsuitable.
Gregg is considering whether to download games for his games console from an online store, or whether to purchase the physical disks instead. Give reasons why he may choose one option or another.
3. Complete the boxes.

8. Suitability of devices
Matt wants to keep a backup of his photos, and is considering using DVD-R disks. Give two advantages and two disadvantages of this method.
Sarah is a student who needs access to her school files at home and school. She currently s the documents she is working on home, and keeps a copy of all her school work on the school servers. She then s the files back into school and downloads the attachments to the school server when she is back in school. Suggest better alternatives for Sarah to work with her files, and reasons why she might not choose this option.
4. Complete the boxes.

9. Suitability of devices
Scott is getting a new computer. He has three options for secondary storage. He could choose:
a 6Tb hard disk drive
a 2Tb solid state drive
a hybrid 500Gb solid state with a 4Tb hard disk
For each option give reasons why Scott may choose that option instead of the alternatives.
5. Complete the box.

10. Calculating the data capacity requirements
Typical examples of file sizes:
File type
Approximate size
1 page word processed file with no images
0.1Mb (100Kb)
Postcard sized photograph
6Mb
3 minute MP3 music file
1 minute compressed video file
50Mb
Standard definition feature film
4000Mb (4Gb)
High definition feature film
Mb (8-15Gb)
6. Calculate the storage requirements of the example scenarios.
Typical examples:
A 100 page book with 30 postcard sized photos:
Photo album with 230 postcard sized photos and 40 half minute video clips:
A portable music player capable of holding 3000x3 minute songs and ¼ postcard sized track thumbnail images: