iCheck Microsoft Office 2003 Introductory

These articles further explore computer safety, ethics, and many other topics covered in the Technology Handbook found in the student edition.

Storage Devices (p. H9)

Introduction Learn about why to use storage devices and what happens when you delete a file.

Directions Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Check your work carefully, and click Check Answers.

Why Should I Store Information?

In the world of computers and technology, the purpose of storage is to provide a place to keep, copy, or back up data, such as files, media, and software. The primary source of storage for most computer systems is the computer’s own hard drive. On most personal computers, this is the C: drive.

Portable storage devices, such as floppy and hard disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs, can be used to store and back up data as well as transfer data from one computer system to another. Additional methods of storing information include network drives and virtual drives located on the Internet, both of which can be used to share information among hundreds or even thousands of users.

Many people who rely on their computers for their livelihood back up files to a safe location on a regular basis. Valuable information can be recovered in the event of a computer crash or virus, and hard drives that are too full can be cleared out for new data.

What Happens When I Delete a File?

When you delete a file from the hard drive, you should receive a message asking you if you want the file to be moved to the recycle bin on your computer. If you answer no, the file stays in its current location. If you answer yes, the file is moved to the recycle bin, where it can be easily recovered. If you delete a file from the recycle bin, then it is permanently lost.

If you delete a file from a portable storage device, such as a floppy disk, the name of the file will no longer appear on the disk’s file directory. The file, however, has not yet been physically deleted from the disk. Rather, the space in which the file was saved is now available for saving new files. Although it is difficult, the file can be recovered with special utility software.

1			What type of storage device is ideal to transfer data from one computer system to another?
2			What is a method of safeguarding data in the event of a virus or computer crash?
3			What is an advantage of storing information on a network drive?
4			What happens when you delete a file from the hard drive?