Computers: The Past, Present, and Future -- Present

Computers: Present: Topics

Storage Media
Here is a chart that compares the descriptions, usage, space, and prices for the different types of media we have discussed.

Media	Description	Use	Space	Price
Hard Disk	The Hard Disk uses no removable media, but are composed of small cylindrical disks.	For storage of all data on a computer on a daily basis.	Anywhere from 1GB to 25+GB	Varies $100 - $1000
CD	Cylindrical disks that seem to have a reflective surface.	To store programs and Audio CDs.	650MB or 74min audio	Depends on program
CDR	Looks like a CD, but usually with a label to write on.	Used for Data storage and Audio CDs.	650MB or 74min audio	~1$
CDRW	Looks like a CDR, but it has the ability to rewrite.	Backup Data	650MB	$25
Floppy 3½"	About 3½" in width/length. With a metal clip on top of disk.	Storage of small programs, documents, and installation files.	1.44-2.88MB	$.50
Floppy 5¼"	5¼" in length and width. Very "floppy".	Obsolete.	180-720KB	--
Zip Disk	Similar to a 3½" disk. A little "fatter".	Transfer and backup data.	100MB	$8
Tape	Looks similar to a normal cassette tape.	Backup data.	Depends 1-25GB	Varies $1-$25
Optical	Looks like zip and floppy disks.	Backup and transfer data.	Depends 230MB – 5.2GB	Varies $6-$90
DVD	Looks like a normal CD	Full length movies and picture collections.	Depends 650MB-5GB	Depends on content

All prices are reflective of the average prices over the years. They are not guaranteed to be representative of the changes in price due to drastic inflation, rebates, "deals", or any other price changing method.
Here are some visual examples:

From left to right: A floppy disk - CDR - CD

Here is an example of (from left to right) a 3½" floppy disk, CDR, and CD.

This is the dissection of a floppy disk. What’s left is the magnetic disk and the outer casing.

All material and images on these pages are copyright Joseph and Ed. This page was developed for the Thinkquest1999 competition.