Optical backing storage media such as CDs and DVDs can store large files, with CDs holding files smaller than 1Gb such as music and DVDs holding several Gb such as movies. Both CDs and DVDs are portable and can store computer data. CD-ROMs can store data permanently but cannot delete or edit saved data, while CD-RWs and DVD-RWs allow updating of information by recording over old data. Blu-ray discs have the largest storage capacity of optical media. Solid state storage and memory sticks are more robust forms of removable storage that are smaller and more easily transported than optical discs.

1. Optical backing storage media suchas CDs and DVDs CDs tend to be used for large files (but smaller than 1Gb)which are too big for a floppy disc to hold such as music and general animation. DVDs are used to hold very large files(several Gb) such as movie films. Both CDs and DVDs are portable i.e. they can be transported from one computer to another. Both can be used to store computer data.AdvantagesCan stored large files.

2. Portable.

3. Light, easy to carryDisadvantagesMemory less than 1GB.

4. Most DVD players and drives can't read DVD-RAM discs.

5. Very few players can play in reverse at normal speed. Maprang 10GM

6. Applications which require the prevention of deletion of data, accidental or otherwise. CDs used by software companies for distributing software programs and data; by Music companies for distributing music albums and by book publishers for distributing encyclopedias, reference books etc. DVDs used by film distributors.AdvantagesCan stored data permanently.

7. They are not expensive.

8. A CD-ROM is a storage media that has a better longevity for storing data in a moderately small space, when added to the fact that they can be stacked in a small space the amount of storage per cubic foot goes up. DisadvantagesCan not delete or edit saved data.CD ROM/DVD ROMMaprang 10GM

9. Applications which require a single ‘burning’ of data, e.g. CDs– recording of music downloads from the Internet, recording of music from MP3 format, recording of data for archiving or backup purposes. DVDs – recording of film movies and television programs.AdvantagesLight and thin

10. Not expensive

11. Fast respondingDisadvantagesSingle burning CD R/DVD RMaprang 10GM

12. Applications which require the updating of information and ability to record over old data. Not suitable for music recording but is very useful for keeping generations of files. DVDs have between five and ten times the capacity of CDs.Advantages Less expensive than Blu-ray.

13. It generally holds about 650 mb of data or 74 minutes of audio.DisadvantagesSlower to write (respond)CD RW/DVD RWMaprang 10GM

14. Housed in a cartridge. Used in video recorders, camcorders and computer memory.Advantagessuperior quality of the discs

15. Less problem about formatting and finalising.

16. Long lifeDisadvantagesLess compatibility than DVD-RW and DVD+RW

17. 12x media is not reportedly available in Europe

18. DVD-RAM media have always been more expensive than other types of DVD. DVD RAMMaprang 10GM

19. Used in video recorders and computer memory as well as games consoles – main rival to blu-ray.AdvantagesCheaper price comparing to Blu-ray

20. Fully compatible with all features

21. More user/consumer friendly.DisadvantagesHD DVD holds a maximum of 30 GB of data, while a dual-layer Blu-ray carries 50 GB.

22. Expensive than a normal CD.HD DVDMaprang 10GM

23. Used in video recorders and computer memory as well as games consoles. Largest storage capacity of optical media.AdvantagesLight and thin.

24. Easy to carry.

25. Huge storage capacity.Disadvantages- More expensive than HD DVD Blu-rayMaprang 10GM

26. Smallest form of memory, used as removable storage. More robust than other forms of storage. More expensive than other forms but can be easily written to and updated.AdvantagesThe random access speed for reading is faster because it doesn't need a head to read or write data.

27. Reading performance will be more stable because the data search doesn't depend on where the data is located.DisadvantagesThe writing speed of a Solid State is slower compared to the conventional hard disk.Solid state backing storageMaprang 10GM

28. Can store up to many Gb. Used to transport files and backup data from computer to computer.AdvantagesSize is smaller than DVD or CD.

29. Easy to carry.

30. The design is more fashionable

31. Very easily allows you to transport documents from one computer to another.

32. It holds a lot more data than a floppy disk.

33. Not expensive. Disadvantages- Easily lost because it is small.Memory sticks/Pen drivesMaprang 10GM

34. Used in digital cameras, palmtops, mobile phones, MP3 players.AdvantagesSmall, easy to carry around

35. Easy to transport data from one to another.

36. it holds lots more data than a floppy disk.DisadvantagesMost computer doesn’t have flash card devices to connect them to the computer so, we have to buy one.

37. Easily lost.Flash memory cardsMaprang 10GM