Digital Storage
Measuring Memory and Storage TermAbbreviationApproximate Memory Size KilobyteKB or K1000 bytes (actual size is 1024 bytes) MegabyteMB1 million bytes GigabyteGB1 billion bytes TerabyteTB1 trillion bytes PetabytePB1 quadrillion bytes
Methods of Storage Magnetic Flash Optical
Magnetic Storage Storage device that codes data as microscopic magnetized needles on the disk's surface The hard disk is the most common magnetic storage device Storage capacity--terabytes
Flash Storage A type of constantly-powered memory that can be erased and reprogrammed in a single action or “flash.” Described as “solid-state” memory because there are no mechanical (moving) parts. Examples: flash drives, camera storage cards Some computers have a solid-state drive instead of the typical magnetic hard drive
Optical Storage Storage device that records data by burning microscopic holes in the surface of the disk with a laser Compact disks Digital video disks
Compact Disk (CD) Standard storage capacity: MB Three types: CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW
Digital Video Disk (DVD) Standard storage capacity--4.7GB; there are formats that will hold at least double that There are three basic types, although others are available: DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW