Today's technology moves so fast that it can be tough to keep all the terminology straight, particularly when it comes to storage options. But don't despair. Here are some definitions for a variety of computer devices and a simple description of how each one works.
If you've ever wondered if you need a Zip drive, or wondered what the difference is between a CD and a DVD, read on for some quick tips and easy explanations.
Cold storage facts
Let's start with some basics. In the PC Memory Basics article, we talked about how content stored in memory disappears when a computer is turned off. In order to save that content, it must be put into a long-term storage area of your computer. However, there are several different ways to store documents. For example, floppy disks (remember those?) are good for text files, compact discs (CDs) are great for multimedia files, and Zip drives work well for photos and artwork archives.
If you want to share a few documents or a multimedia presentation with others, it’s best to store your information on a floppy disk, CD, or even on a DVD if you are going to be utilizing rich media, video, and sound. Use a Zip drive if you have a few hundred megabytes (MB) or more of information you want to move to another computer. And, if you simply want to store documents on your computer, just use your hard drive.
Between a disk and a hard drive
Most computers have one hard drive, usually called Drive C on the DOS or Windows operating systems, which magnetically stores your data on a stack of rotating disks called platters. Your data files (documents, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.) are stored in folders or directories.
The amount of information a hard drive can store is measured in bytes. Today's personal computers hold many gigabytes (GB) of information. Because applications take up a lot of space, not to mention the room required for photo, music, and multimedia files, it’s wise to purchase a hard drive with the largest amount of space you can afford. To learn more about hard drives, be sure to read the PC Memory Basics article.
Get floppy
A floppy drive stores information on floppy disks to create either back-up copies or to transfer to other computers. “Floppies” are 3.5-inch thin, square disks that contain flat, round, plastic, flexible diskettes that magnetically record information. A floppy usually holds 1.44MB of information, which is generally large enough to hold several text files or spreadsheets. Magnets can damage the information on these disks, so be sure to keep them away.
Speedy CD delivery
Round, shiny, useful…CDs are everywhere for a reason. A CD-ROM drive reads information on a compact disc. CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read Only Memory. (Read Only means you can't change the information stored on the disc.) A CD is flat and round, measuring 4.7 inches in diameter, and can hold more than 650MB of data (equal to an encyclopedia set or over 400 floppy disks).
The large amount of storage allows room for multimedia presentations, multiple image files, animation, audio, and video. Speed is important in viewing animation and video on a CD, so buy the drive with the fastest speed that you can afford.
You can also play music CDs on your CD-ROM drive while you work on your computer. To learn how to turn your PC into a desktop CD factory, read Burn Your Own CDs.
For the record
CD-R, which stands for Compact Disc Recordable, allows you to permanently store information on a CD. The large storage space means you can transfer data such as multimedia presentations and software applications to other computers. You can also create audio CDs and play them on a CD-ROM drive or CD player.
CD-RW stands for Compact Disc Rewritable. This is similar to CD-R, but allows you to change data on the CD several times. To see if a CD-RW drive is right for you, check out our CD Writer Buying Guide article.
Is a DVD your cup of tea?
Look out, CDs: DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory) drives can read information stored on a DVD or CD. A DVD looks similar to a CD and can store at least 4.7GB of data, which equals over seven CDs. DVDs can even store a full-length movie with better quality than a VHS tape.
With the proliferation of weighty digital files such as MP3s, digital images, and video clips, your computer can easily get bogged down in media. HP DVD Writers can help store your valuable digital content to allow your computer to breathe easier and run faster. In fact, you can often efficiently and easily back up your system on a single disk.
HP DVD Writers provide everything you need to store valuable data and video on DVD, including a blank DVD+RW and high-speed DVD+R disc. Integrated software makes the transfer process easy. To explore how an HP DVD Writer can help your computer go Hollywood, read our HP DVD Movie Writer.
Add some zip to your PC
A Zip drive is a removable drive that allows you to store approximately 250MB of data on a single disk or cartridge. This device works best if you want to move large files off your computer.
Ace of space
There comes a time when even the largest of drives eventually fills up. It's best to check your drives frequently and avoid filling a drive before you need to save an important file. To see how much space is available on your disk drive, follow these steps.
- Open the My Computer window. This window lists all the disk drives in your computer.
- Right-click on a disk drive. Select a disk drive by clicking it once with the mouse using the right mouse button. A pop-up menu will appear. Make sure the disk is in the drive before continuing.
- Select Properties. The disk's properties dialog box appears that lists, on the General tab, the amount of space used and the amount of space still available on that disk or drive.
With all of these space-saving tips, there’s no telling what’s in store for you and your computer. The sky (and your hard drive) is the limit!
|
Printable version
