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Storage devices
- HDDs are traditional magnetic storage devices with rotating disks (platters) that store data. An actuator arm reads and writes data using magnetic heads.
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Characteristics:
- Capacity: HDDs offer high storage capacities at a relatively lower cost per gigabyte.
- Speed: Slower access times compared to SSDs.
2. Solid State Drive (SSD):
- Description: SSDs use non-volatile flash memory to store data. They have no moving parts, resulting in faster read and write speeds.
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Characteristics:
- Speed: SSDs offer significantly faster access times and data transfer rates compared to HDDs.
- Durability: Being solid-state, they are more resistant to physical shock.
3. Hybrid Drives (SSHD):
- Description: SSHDs combine elements of both HDDs and SSDs. They have a traditional HDD with a small integrated SSD cache for faster access to frequently used data.
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Characteristics:
- Balanced Performance: Offers a compromise between the high capacity of HDDs and the faster performance of SSDs.
4. External Hard Drive:
- Description: An external hard drive is a portable storage device that connects to a computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces.
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Use Cases:
- Backup: External drives are commonly used for backup purposes.
- Additional Storage: Provide extra storage capacity for files, photos, and videos.
5. USB Flash Drive:
- Description: Also known as thumb drives or pen drives, USB flash drives are small, portable devices that use flash memory for data storage.
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Characteristics:
- Portability: Compact and easy to carry.
- Plug-and-Play: No external power source required; plugs into USB ports.
6. Memory Cards:
- Description: Memory cards are small, removable storage devices commonly used in cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices.
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Types:
- SD Cards: Commonly used in cameras and portable electronics.
- MicroSD Cards: Smaller version used in smartphones and certain devices.
7. Network Attached Storage (NAS):
- Description: NAS is a storage device connected to a network, providing shared storage accessible by multiple devices.
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Use Cases:
- File Sharing: Allows multiple users to access and share files.
- Backup: Can be used for centralized backup solutions.
8. Cloud Storage:
- Description: Cloud storage involves storing data on remote servers accessed over the internet. Users can access their files from various devices.
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Characteristics:
- Accessibility: Data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Scalability: Users can often increase storage capacity as needed.
9. Optical Disc Drives:
- Description: Optical disc drives use laser technology to read and write data on optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
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Use Cases:
- Media Playback: Used for playing CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray movies.
- Data Backup: Can be used for archiving and backup.
10. RAID Arrays:
- Description: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) arrays involve combining multiple storage drives to improve performance, reliability, or a combination of both.
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RAID Levels:
- RAID 0: Striped array for increased performance.
- RAID 1: Mirrored array for data redundancy.
- RAID 5: Striped with parity for a balance of performance and redundancy.
11. M.2 and PCIe SSDs:
- Description: M.2 and PCIe SSDs are solid-state drives that connect directly to the motherboard using the M.2 or PCIe interface, providing high-speed data transfer.
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Characteristics: