4 Storage Devices Free Online FlashCards

How does an HDD store data, and what is one trade-off?

An HDD stores data on rotating magnetic platters read by moving heads. It offers high capacity at relatively low cost but is slower and sensitive to impact.

What is one key strength and one limitation of an SSD?

An SSD stores data in flash memory and has no moving parts. It provides fast access, but flash has finite write endurance managed by the drive’s controller.

How does an optical disc read or write data?

An optical disc uses a laser to read or write data. It is removable and can distribute or archive some media, but it is slower and lower-capacity than most current drives.

Why shouldn’t removable flash storage replace a reliable backup?

A USB flash drive or memory card is portable and convenient for transferring files, but it is easy to lose and should not replace a reliable backup.

What does a drive’s form factor describe?

A form factor describes a drive’s physical size and shape, such as 2.5-inch or M.2.

What does a storage drive’s interface describe?

An interface describes how a drive connects to a computer. Examples include SATA and PCI Express (PCIe).

What is a drive protocol, and which protocols commonly pair with SATA and PCIe?

A protocol describes how the computer sends commands to a drive. SATA SSDs commonly use AHCI, while NVMe is designed for nonvolatile memory and commonly runs over PCIe.

Why does an M.2 drive’s shape alone not prove compatibility?

M.2 describes a form factor, not a guaranteed drive type or speed. An M.2 drive may use SATA or NVMe, so the socket must support its interface.

What connections does an internal 2.5-inch SATA drive need?

An internal 2.5-inch SATA drive needs a SATA data connection to the motherboard and a power connection from the power supply.

What should you verify before installing an M.2 drive?

Before installing an M.2 drive, confirm the socket supports its interface and length. Insert and secure it as instructed; do not force the connector or screw.

What steps make a new, empty data drive usable in Windows?

For a new, empty data drive in Windows, use Disk Management to bring it online if needed, initialize it, create a volume, and format it.

What should you do if a drive with files suddenly appears as uninitialized?

Do not initialize, format, or create a volume on a drive that may contain needed data. These actions can make existing data inaccessible or erase it.