The Application of Storage Devices

Flash drives are commonly used storage devices.

Storage devices include hard drives, flash drives, CD drives, DVD drives and floppy drives. These devices provide you with many benefits, no matter which type you decide to use.

Data Retention

Storage devices keep data on them for future use. This includes the files on your hard drive, Windows itself, music on CDs and movies on DVDs.

File Transfers

Sometimes the simplest way to get a file from one computer to another is to put it on a portable storage device. The most convenient portable storage device for this is the USB flash drive.

More Available Space

One great benefit is additional space for data. If your primary hard drive is full or close to full, you can transfer that data to a storage device and free up space on your primary drive.

Backups

Since data loss is always a possibility, storage devices are convenient for file backups. If your hard drive fails or a virus destroys your data, you can retrieve much or all of it from backups on a storage device.

Multiple Operating Systems

Sometimes users prefer to have several operating systems available on a single computer. One convenient way to set this up is to use a second storage device, typically a hard drive, for the second operating system.

References

• Computer Hope: "Jump drive" definition
• Computer Hope: "Storage device" definition
• APCMag.com: The definitive dual-booting guide: Windows 7, Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step
• Microsoft Windows Vista Help & How-to: Back up and restore: frequently asked questions
• Microsoft Windows 7 Help & How-to: Back up and restore: frequently asked questions