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Optical storage Devices:

Optical storage devices store and read data using light, often recording information on what's called an
optical device. these devices uses laser technology to store and read to and from to optical devices.
Types of these devices are:

CD'S

DVD'S

Blu-ray discs

 CD-ROM:

CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read only Memory.CD -ROM is a

type of optical disc. A large amount of data can be stored on a single
disc. Once the data or information is stored the CD-ROM, it becomes
permanent and can't be changed. That data or information then can be
only read. That's why it is called Compact Disc Read Only Memory.

Functions:

Following are some functions of CD-ROM:

 Data reading:
CD-ROM drives can open documents on data CD'S such as music files, pictures, word documents
and other files. However, CD-ROM drives can not write information to a CD because they are
read-only drives; writing information to a CD is done with a CD-R drive.
 Music Payback:
CD'S can be created in two forms, an audio CD and a data CD. Data CD'S can only be opened by
computers and other CD players.
 Software Installation:
CD'S are widely used as installations discs. Whenever there is software included with a product
that you buy in store or just the software itself, it is highly likely that it is stored on a CD. Before
software could be downloaded off the internet , it was exclusively distributed in CD'S and floppy
diskettes.

Uses:
CD-ROM drives are very popular for playing and installing media. CD-ROM drives are classified as
5.25- inch drives because they fit into 5.25 inch drive bays that are used in computer cases. CD-
ROM drives come in many forms for data or information storage in audio or video form.
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 DVD-ROM:
DVD-ROM is actually similar to CD-ROM. It is a high capacity optical disc that users can only
read but not write or erase. Only the manufacturer writers information on DVD-ROM. DVD-
ROMs are usually used to store movies, movies and software etc.

Solid State Storage:

The abbreviation of solid-state drive is SSD. It is a storage device that typically uses flash memory to
store data/ininformation. It contains its own processor to manage its storage. It has faster access time
than traditional hard disk drives. SSD has no moving parts.

SSD can only be in the form of flash memory chip installed directly on a motherboard or an adapter card.
It also may be housed in a separate casing that is connected to the motherboard. External SSDs are also
available.

 USB flash drive:

USB is an abbreviated word for Universal Serial Bus. It is also known as pen
drive or thumb drive. It is a removable and rewritable device.
Physically, they are small, durable and reliable. The larger their storage
device the faster they tend to operate. It can easily be placed in a
pocket or attached to keychain.

Components of USB flash drive:

 Standard USB plug
 USB mass storage controller
 NAND flash memory chip
 Crystal Oscillator

. Uses:

USB flash drives are widely used in PC's and other mobile computers/devices for
transferring data from one computer/device to another. USB flash drives are available in different
shapes, sizes and storage capacities. Storage capacities of USB flash drives can be up to 256 GB or more.

 Flash Memory card:

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It is also known as memory card or storage card. It is a small size removable flash memory
device. Flash memory cards are widely used in digital cameras, mobiles phones, PDA's, video
games, and other portable devices.
 Functions:
A memory card can be inserted into a slot in a compute, mobile devices, or card
reader/writer. Usually, card reader/writer is used to store or read information to and from
the memory cards. A card reader/writer is usually connected to the USB port of the
computer.
Following are the types of flash memory card:
1. Compact flash (CF):
It is used in digital cameras, smartphones PD as, photo printer's, portable media players,
notebook computers, and desktop computers. It includes a built-in controller to read
and write data. It's storage capacity is 512 GB or more.
2. Multimedia Card (MMC):
It is also used in digital cameras and Mp3 players. Initially, it was used in mobile phones
and pagers. It's size is equivalent to postage stamp. I also includes a built-in controller to
read and write data.It's storage is 512 GB or more.
3. Smart media card:
It looks like a floppy disk. It is also called a solid-state floppy disk card (SSFDC). It doesn't
include a built-in controller. Smart media reader is used to read and write data. It's storage
capacity is upto 128 MB or more.
4. xD Picture card:
It is used in digital cameras and photo printers. It's storage capacity is from 256 MB to 2 GB
or more.
5. Memory stick and memory stick micro (M2):
These both types of flash memory cards are used in smart phones. The storage capacity is
upto 32 GB or more.

 Uses:
Memory cars are used in digital cameras, mobile phones, PDS's, video games and other
portable decives. It is used to store the data for read or write purpose.