The Computer's Storage Devices

There is two ways that data is stored on your computer: temporary storage and permanent storage. The hard drive is the most popular storage device. Storage capacities on a hard drive exceed 2 terabytes. The hard drive has the largest storage capacity of any storage device. The hard drives access time is faster that that of other permanent storage devices. An external storage device is a popular option as well.

One of the devices that uses a USB connection is the external hard drive. An external drive can be used as a main storage device. The advantage here is that the user is able to just unplug the drive from the computer, put in a pocket or briefcase, and take it home or an a long-distance business trip. External drives have a similar capacity as internal hard drives. Another form of storage is a flash drive which is connected to a computer through a USB port. Flash drives have the distinct advantage of having no moving parts, are completely portable, and as of 2011, can store as much as 128 gigabytes of data. Another advantage of the flash drive is that it is more often than not a plug-and-play device, meaning that it does not have to be installed using special software. One of the up and coming storage options is Cloud Storage. Cloud storage is a model of networked online storage data is stored in virtual pools of storage which are generally hosted by third parties. Hosting companies operate large data centers, and people who require their data to be hosted buy or lease storage capacity from them. The data center operators, in the background, visualize the resources according to the requirements of the customer and expose them as storage pools, which the customers can themselves use to store files or data objects. Physically, the resource may span across multiple servers. Cloud storage services may be accessed through a web service application programming interface, a cloud storage gateway or through a web based user interface. One of the options for using the Cloud service ZipCloud. ZipCloud decided to offer unlimited cloud storage at only $4.95 a month which is quite an incentive for new users. It also offers file visioning, 24/t tech support, multiple Sync capabilities, automated backup service, and heavy encryption software. ZipCloud is a feature rich service that includes multiple device synchronization, access from mobile phones and the ability to quickly share folders and files with friends and family. They offer unlimited cloud storage and for a very reasonable price. It is not just unlimited storage they also do not limit the amount of files or size of files that you want to store. This is one of the few cloud sites that truly are unlimited. Large files are not going to be a problem when using ZipCloud. The initial backup make take some time but future backups should be much quicker. The Cloud is becoming a much easier and more popular form of storage.

Windows Then and Now

I watched the video posted from Miss. Malsberger showing the advancements of windows over the years. I was very suprised to see how many versions on XP that were launched from year to year. The advancements over the years from even just the look of the pop ups and options differ greatly. I was empressed that windows vista has so many different options for what languages it is offered in as well as how many programs it is compatable with. I enjoyed seeing the screen shots from the older verisons to the more recent to be able to vusally see it broken down helps you to see how far windows has truly come. Windows seven was stated that it sold seven copies a second, I would of never imagined that! I have never had the please of using windows touch, but it looks like it is a great program as well. Windows will continue to lead the way and I look forward to seeing future advancements and to see microsoft continue to lead the way.