1. STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF INFORMATION

2. Why Do We File Information must be: Kept Tidy Kept Safe
Stored in an accessible place
Able to be found easily and quickly when needed

3. Information can be stored
In a manual, paper based form (hard copy) Or
In an electronic form (soft copy)

4. Features of a good filing system
Quick and simple to use
Not take up too much space
Able to meet future needs
Located in a convenient place
Documents should be safe and tidy

5. How is information stored electronically
Floppy Discs
Generally available as 3.5” hard cased disc
Storage space 1.4/2 Mb
Disc must be formatted before use
Can be stored in folders like a filing cabinet

6. Hard Disc Storage medium provided with the computer
Storage capacity of hard disc drives is quoted in Gb (Gigabytes)

7. Zip Drive Newer type of storage device – saves 100 Mb or 200 Mb
Can save up to 175 more data than a floppy
Useful for backing up and storing large files – especially internet downloads

8. CD-Rom Stores up to 650 Mb of data
Most programs are now supplied on CD-Rom
Using a CD writer it is possible to store information on CD-Rom

9. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
More computers are now fitted with DVD drives
Stores up to 17 Gb of Data (26 CD’s)
Now possible to make your own DVD’s

10. How can information be stored manually?

11. Vertical Filing Cabinet
Can have 2, 3 or 4 drawers
Most cabinets have a series of pockets suspended on runners at the edge of the drawer

12. Lateral Filing Cabinet
Files can be arranged side-by-side
Files are suspended on horizontal rows
Less space needed than vertical filing cabinets – no drawers

13. Filing Trays Trays can be stacked one on top of the other
Trays can be labelled eg IN, OUT and Pending
Allows papers to be stored neatly during the day

14. Lever Arch Files Useful for storing papers which are referred to often
Can be used with dividers to section off parts of the folder.

15. Personal Organiser/Filofax
Used to store a variety of information – similar to diary
Available in different sizes
Possible to buy skeleton pages

16. How Can Files Be Stored Electronically
Using an Application package
Database
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Desk Top Publishing
Presentation
Scanning in information
Downloading from the Internet

17. What is a Database? A database is an electronic filing system
A file/table holds all the information needed on a particular topic.
A record is a collection of information about one thing eg Employee
A field is a piece of information within a record

18. What can a database do:
It can create the fields to hold the information
You can enter as much information as you need
You can Add, Delete and Alter the field type easily

19. Cont You can search for what you need – can attempt multiple searches
You can sort the information numerically or alphabetically both descending and ascending
You can merge from the database into other documents.

20. What is a Spreadsheet
It is a grid with a series of numbered rows and lettered columns
It allows you to perform calculations
Information can be changed/updated and figures recalculated.

21. Using Scanners Text and Graphics can be scanned
Mail received can be scanned then originals destroyed
Saves space – no need for filing cabinets
Saved as WP documents

22. File Management Use an appropriate file name
Save files in named folders
Label discs clearly and store in lockable boxes
Make regular back-ups

23. Advantages of Electronic Storage
Access information quickly
Edit information easily
If information on a server more than one person can use at a time
Storage space less
Can access information from anywhere.

24. Disadvantages of Electronic Storage
Equipment failure stops access to information
Power failure can cause loss of information
Fire can cause the loss of all data
Human error could overwrite files

25. Cont Viruses could be a big problem
Easy to lose data if staff are not trained properly