2.5
Internet Hard Drive
Some websites on the web provide free or low-cost storage
for the users. This storage is called internet hard drive. It is also
known as i-drive or online storage.
The most important advantage of internet hard drive is that
it is free or low cost. It also provides the flexibility to access information
from any location via the Internet. However, the access time is greater because
the information has to travel across the Internet. The user also has to be
dependent on the availability and security procedures of the website. Some
important website providing internet hard drives are as follows:
Company Location
Apple http://itools.mac.com
Free drive http://www.freedrive.com
X drive http://www.xdrive.com
2.6 Flash
Memory Storage
Flash memory is a type of nonvolatile memory that can
be erased electronically. It is possible to write new data on it. Flash memory
chips are a type of solid state media. They consist of electronic
components such as integrated circuits. Flash memory storage is more durable
and shock resistant because they contain no moving particle. Different types of
flash memory storage are memory cards, USB flash drives and Express Card
modules.
2.6.1
Solid State Drives
The solid state drives (SSD) are storage device that
typically use flash memory to store data, instructions and information. Solid
state drives are portable and provide fast access to data. They are available
in different sizes such as 1.8 inches and 2.5 inches etc. They are used in all
types of computers such as desktop computers, servers and mobile computers etc.
They use very little power. The storage capacity of SSD is from 16 GB to 256 GB
or more.
2.6.2 USB
Flash Drives
USB flash drive is a flash memory storage device that
is connected to a USB port in computer or mobile device. It is also called thumb
drive, Key drives, or jump drives.
USB drive is very easy to use because it is light in weight
and small in size. It can easily be placed in pocket or attached on keychain.
It can be used to transfer documents, photos, music and videos from one
computer to another. It is available in different shapes, sizes and capacities.
The storage capacity of USB drive is from 512 MB to 100 GB.
A special type of USBV flash drive includes installed
software that is accessed through an interface like Windows. It is called U3
smart drive. Some USB flash drives have fingerprint reader to authenticate
the users.
2.6.3 Express-card Modules
An Express-card module is removable device that fits
in an Express-card slot. It is developed by Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association (PCMCIA). It can be used to add memory, storage,
communication, multimedia and security capabilities to the computers.
Express-card modules are commonly used in notebook computers.
2.6.4
Memory Card
A memory card is a removable flash memory device. It
can be inserted and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device or card
reader. The memory cards are used by mobile users to transfer digital photos,
music or files from one device to another. The common types of memory cards are Compact-flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD) Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC),
microSDHC and memory Stick etc.
1. Compact Flash
(CF)
Compact flash card is about the size of matchbook. It
provides high storage capacities and access speed. It includes a built-in
controller to read and write data. It is very useful for use with digital
cameras that require megabytes of storage for each photo. It comes in various
capabilities of 512 MB and 1 GB etc.
2. Multimedia
Cards (MMC)
It provides solid-state storage in a package about the size of
postage stamp. It was initially used in mobile phones and pages. It is now used
with digital camera and MP3 players. It includes a built-in controller. MMC
readers are electronically simple and very inexpensive.
3. Secure
Digital Card (SD)
Secure digital card is based on Multimedia card technology. It
provides faster data transfer rate. It also includes cryptographic security
protection for copyrighted data and music. It is popular for MP3 storage.
4. Smart Media
Cards
Smart media card was originally called solid state floppy
disk card as it looks like a floppy disk. It does not include a buil-in
controller. It means that Smart Media reader manages read/write process.
It is the least durable media and should be handles with care.
5. Xd-Picture
Card (Xd).
It is a flash memory card that looks like a rectangular piece
of plastic. It slightly larger than a penny with one edge curved. The capacity
of Xd is from 16 MB to an expected 8 GB.
6. Memory Stick
Media
It is an elongated flash memory card about the width of penny
developed by Sony. Memory stick media comes in capacities from 4 MB to 1
GB. Sony also sells a newer flash memory card called Memory stick Duo.
0 comments:
Post a Comment