Summary

Computer systems utilise various types of storage to store and retrieve data. The three common types are optical, magnetic, and solid-state storage

Optical Storage: This type uses lasers to read and write data on optical discs, such as CDs and DVDs. It is needed for tasks like distributing software, storing multimedia files, and backing up data. Optical storage offers high capacity but slower access times compared to other types.

Magnetic Storage: Magnetic storage, like hard disk drives (HDDs), uses magnetic patterns to store data on spinning disks. It is essential for long-term data storage, as it provides large storage capacities and faster read/write speeds than optical storage.

Solid-State Storage: Solid-state drives (SSDs) use flash memory to store data. They offer fast access times, making computers boot quickly and applications load faster. SSDs are needed for improving overall system performance and are commonly found in modern laptops and desktops.

Each type of storage serves different purposes, providing a balance of capacity, speed, and reliability to meet the diverse needs of computer users.