Q1. Comparison of Data Storage Mechanisms: Magnetic (Hard Disk) vs. Optical Disk (CD)
- Storage Type:
- Magnetic disks (hard disks) use magnetic fields to store data on rotating platters coated with magnetic material.
- Optical disks (CDs) use laser technology to read and write data encoded in pits and lands on a reflective surface.
- Capacity:
- Hard disks typically offer higher storage capacities, ranging from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes.
- CDs have limited capacity, usually up to 700 MB for standard CDs.
- Speed:
- Hard disks provide faster data access and write speeds due to mechanical components and higher data transfer rates.
- CDs have slower access times and data transfer rates since they rely on optical reading mechanisms.
- Durability:
- Hard disks are more susceptible to physical shocks and magnetic fields, which may lead to data loss.
- CDs are less prone to magnetic interference but can be damaged by scratches and environmental factors.
Q2. Short Note on Floppy Disk and Hard Disk
- Floppy Disk:
- Introduced in the late 1960s, floppy disks were a popular portable storage medium, typically 3.5 inches in size.
- They stored data magnetically and had a capacity ranging from 360 KB to 2.88 MB.
- Floppy disks are now obsolete, replaced by USB drives and cloud storage.
- Hard Disk:
- Hard disks, developed in the 1950s, use magnetic storage on spinning platters and can store large amounts of data.
- Modern hard disks range from hundreds of GB to several TB, making them suitable for desktops and servers.
- They offer fast data access times and are essential for operating systems, applications, and large data files.
Q3. Types of System Software
- Operating Systems:
- The core software that manages hardware and software resources, providing a user interface and facilitating user interaction (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Device Drivers:
- Programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices, translating OS commands into device-specific actions (e.g., printer drivers, graphics card drivers).
- Utility Software:
- Tools that perform maintenance tasks for the computer, including file management, disk management, antivirus programs, and backup solutions.
- Firmware:
- Specialized software embedded in hardware devices, providing low-level control for the device's specific functions (e.g., BIOS in computers).
- System Management Software:
- Used for monitoring, controlling, and managing computer resources, often in enterprise environments (e.g., virtualization software, network management tools).