OCR · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: J277 · Version from Sept 2022
Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application
Full specification wording
Secondary storage: Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application
Secondary storage holds data and programs permanently because RAM is volatile.
Checked against the OCR J277 specification on .
- Point 3 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Secondary storage holds data and programs permanently because RAM is volatile. To match a device to an application, first identify the demands of the task, then compare candidate media against capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability and cost. A school network server needs large-capacity, fast, reliable magnetic or solid-state drives that stay in place. A student carrying work between home and school needs a portable, durable USB flash drive. A film editor needs very high capacity and fast transfer, so an external SSD or large HDD suits. A photographer in the field may choose a high-capacity SD card because it is small, robust and needs no power. Justify each choice by linking at least two characteristics to the application, and note any trade-off, such as lower cost against slower speed.
What earns the marks
- Identifies the application's key demands, such as capacity, speed, portability or durability, before selecting a device.
- Selects a named storage device or medium, for example magnetic hard disk drive, solid-state drive, USB flash drive, SD card or optical disc.
- Links the choice to at least two relevant characteristics, explaining why they suit the application.
- Recognises trade-offs, such as a cheaper high-capacity HDD being slower and less durable than an SSD.
- Distinguishes secondary storage from primary memory, noting that secondary storage is non-volatile.
- Uses correct terminology, for example magnetic, optical and solid-state, rather than vague labels such as 'memory stick thing'.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Choosing a device without linking it to the application.
Put it right by naming the application's demands first, then the device.
Confusing RAM with secondary storage.
Put it right by stating that RAM is volatile and secondary storage is non-volatile.
Assuming the largest capacity is always best.
Put it right by weighing capacity against portability, speed and cost for the stated use.
Exam tips
- Read the scenario carefully and underline the words that describe how and where the storage will be used.
- Name the device and give a reason using a characteristic, for example 'USB flash drive because it is portable and durable'.
- If asked to compare, give one advantage and one disadvantage of each option before concluding.
Try the lesson
The start of the Secondary storage: Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which type of secondary storage is most suitable for a student carrying a large presentation file between school and home?
Listen
Secondary storage holds data and programs permanently because RAM is volatile. To match a device to an application, first identify the demands of the task, then compare candidate media against capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability and cost. A school network server needs large-capacity, fast, reliable magnetic or solid-state drives that stay in place. A student carrying work between home and school needs a portable, durable USB flash drive. A film editor needs very high capacity and fast transfer, so an external SSD or large HDD suits. A photographer in the field may choose a high-capacity SD card because it is small, robust and needs no power. Justify each choice by linking at least two characteristics to the application, and note any trade-off, such as lower cost against slower speed. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies the application's key demands, such as capacity, speed, portability or durability, before selecting a device. Selects a named storage device or medium, for example magnetic hard disk drive, solid-state drive, USB flash drive, SD card or optical disc. Links the choice to at least two relevant characteristics, explaining why they suit the application. Recognises trade-offs, such as a cheaper high-capacity HDD being slower and less durable than an SSD. A common slip: Choosing a device without linking it to the application. Instead, naming the application's demands first, then the device. Exam tip: Read the scenario carefully and underline the words that describe how and where the storage will be used.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Matching technology to user need
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Secondary storage characteristics
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Non-volatile data storage
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Trade-offs in system design
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Matching technology to user need
- Identifying the demands of the task before selecting a device, then comparing candidate media against capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability and cost.
- Secondary storage characteristics
- The properties compared when choosing media: capacity, speed, portability, durability, reliability and cost.
- Non-volatile data storage
- Storage that holds data and programs permanently, unlike RAM, which is volatile.
- Trade-offs in system design
- Accepting a disadvantage for an advantage, such as lower cost against slower speed.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Secondary storage: Suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge