1.3 - Storage Devices and Access

 There are many types of information access and storage devices.

• Handheld Device: Handheld devices are light, small and portable.
• Examples of Handheld Devices:
• Mini tablets
• Smart phones
• Smart watches
• Advantages of Handheld Devices:
• Handheld devices can be easily transported and do not require constant power
• Disadvantages of Handheld Devices:
• Handheld devices are generally less powerful than larger devices and can sometimes be hard to operate due to their small form factor.
• Portable Devices: Portable devices are more powerful devices that are larger than handheld devices but can be easily packed and transported.
• Examples of Portable Devices:
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Advantages of Portable Devices:
• Portable devices have a higher processing power and a small form factor allowing power intensive work to be done on the go.
• Portable devices are often more expensive than their larger counterparts and need to be charged regularly.
• Fixed Devices: Fixed devices are larger devices that remain in one place where they receive constant power while in use.
• Examples of Fixed Devices:
• Desktop computer
• TV
• Games console
• Advantages of Fixed Devices:
• Fixed devices are the most powerful devices and generally have more storage than portable devices. They are also harder to steal.
• Disadvantages of Fixed Devices:
• Fixed devices are difficult to relocate as they are heavy,  cumbersome and require a constant power source so must be placed near an outlet.
• Shared Devices: Shared Devices allow more than one person to access data stored on it at once.
• Examples of Shared Devices:
• Database servers
• Data centres
• Cloud storage
• Advantages of Shared Devices:
• Shared Devices are very versatile as they can be used by many different people and can be accessed within a large area.
• Disadvantages of Shared Devices:
• Shared Devices are very expensive to buy and operate and require a good internet connection to run smoothly.