Data Storage Methods

    AQA
    GCSE

    Data storage methods encompass the technologies used for the non-volatile retention of digital data, distinct from volatile primary memory (RAM). Candidates must distinguish between the three fundamental technologies: magnetic (mechanical platters/tape), optical (lasers reading pits/lands), and solid-state (electronic flash memory). Mastery requires the ability to evaluate these media against specific performance criteria—capacity, speed, cost per gigabyte, portability, durability, and reliability—to justify the most appropriate storage solution for varied user scenarios, from enterprise servers to embedded devices.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for explicitly stating that Solid State Drives (SSD) have no moving parts, making them more durable against physical shock
    • Credit responses that identify Magnetic storage (HDD) as having the lowest cost per gigabyte for high-capacity requirements
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that Optical storage is ideal for software distribution due to low manufacturing cost per unit and portability
    • Candidates must link 'access speed' to the technology type, noting that SSDs offer faster read/write speeds than magnetic or optical media

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for explicitly stating that Solid State Drives (SSD) have no moving parts, making them more durable against physical shock
    • Credit responses that identify Magnetic storage (HDD) as having the lowest cost per gigabyte for high-capacity requirements
    • Award 1 mark for explaining that Optical storage is ideal for software distribution due to low manufacturing cost per unit and portability
    • Candidates must link 'access speed' to the technology type, noting that SSDs offer faster read/write speeds than magnetic or optical media

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Memorize the six assessment criteria: Capacity, Speed, Cost, Portability, Durability, Reliability. Use these as mental headings for any comparison question.
    • 💡In 'Justify' questions, do not just list features; you must explain why that feature is necessary for the specific scenario (e.g., 'The tablet needs an SSD because it is portable and likely to be dropped').
    • 💡When discussing cost, always specify 'cost per gigabyte' rather than just total price, as this demonstrates a deeper understanding of value.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Using vague adjectives like 'cheap', 'fast', or 'big' without comparative context (e.g., 'faster than optical' or 'cheaper per GB than SSD')
    • Confusing 'durability' (resistance to physical damage/drops) with 'reliability' (consistency of performance over time)
    • Conflating 'Memory' (RAM/ROM) with 'Secondary Storage', incorrectly suggesting files are saved permanently in RAM

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Explain
    Compare
    Justify
    Discuss

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