File Storage and Retrieval

Information stored in a mass storage system is conceptually grouped into large units called files. A typical file may consist of a complete text document, a photograph, a program, a music recording, or a collection of data about employees in a company. We have seen that mass storage devices dictate that these files be [...]

Flash Drives

A common property of mass storage systems based on magnetic or optic technology is that physical motion, such as spinning disks, moving read/write heads, and aiming laser beams, is required to store and retrieve data. This means that data storage and retrieval is slow compared to the speed of electronic circuitry. Flash Memory technology [...]

Optical Systems

Another class of mass storage systems applies optical technology. An example is the compact disk (CD). These disks are 12 centimeters in diameter and consists of reflective material covered with a clear protective coating. Information is recorded on them by creating variations in their reflective surfaces. This information can then be retrieved by means [...]