Backup Devices for SSC CGL Tier 2, Types, Features & Advantages

Backup devices are an important topic for SSC CGL Tier 2 Computer Awareness. They are essential for storing data safely and preventing data loss due to hardware failure, viruses, or accidental deletion. In this guide, we explain types of backup devices, their features, advantages, and uses in simple language.

What are Backup Devices?

Backup devices are hardware or storage systems used to store copies of important data. These devices ensure that if the original data is lost, a backup can restore it quickly. The key purposes of backup devices:

• Protect data from accidental loss or damage.
• Enable data recovery in case of hardware or software failure.
• Help in long-term data storage.

Types of Backup Devices

Backup devices are mainly divided into Magnetic, Optical, and Flash-based devices.

1. Magnetic Backup Devices

Magnetic devices store data using magnetic fields. They are widely used for large data storage. Magnetic backup devices are cost-effective for storing large volumes of data. SSC CGL Tier 2 questions may ask about capacity, cost, and types of magnetic storage.

Device	Storage Medium	Capacity	Advantages	Example Use
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)	Magnetic disk	500 GB – 20 TB	Fast access, reusable	System backup, media storage
Magnetic Tape	Tape reel	Up to several TB	Very cheap, long-term storage	Large-scale archival, server backup

2. Optical Backup Devices

Optical devices store data using laser technology on discs like CDs or DVDs. They are durable and portable, suitable for medium-sized backups.

Device	Storage Medium	Capacity	Advantages	Example Use
CD	Optical disc	700 MB	Portable, easy to read	Small backups, software storage
DVD	Optical disc	4.7 GB – 8.5 GB	Higher capacity than CD	Media storage, documents
Blu-ray Disc	Optical disc	25 – 100 GB	Very high storage	High-definition video backup

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3. Flash-Based Backup Devices

Flash devices use solid-state memory, making them fast and portable. They are are widely used for quick backups and portability.

Device	Storage Medium	Capacity	Advantages	Example Use
USB Flash Drive	Flash memory	4 GB – 2 TB	Portable, fast	Personal file backup
Memory Card	Flash memory	2 GB – 1 TB	Small, portable	Cameras, smartphones
External SSD	Flash memory	250 GB – 8 TB	Very fast, durable	System backup, large files

Volatile vs Non-Volatile Backup Devices

Although backup devices store data permanently, volatile and non-volatile memory concepts are relevant when discussing internal vs external backups.

Feature	Volatile Memory	Non-Volatile Backup Device
Data Retention	Lost when power is off	Retained without power
Examples	RAM, Cache	HDD, SSD, Tape, CD/DVD
Use	Temporary storage during operations	Permanent backup and archival

Key Takeaways:

Below are the key takeaways:

• Backup devices prevent data loss and ensure recovery.
• Magnetic devices are cheap and store large data; tapes are ideal for long-term storage.
• Optical devices like CD/DVD are portable but have limited capacity.
• Flash-based devices like USB and SSD are fast, portable, and reliable.
• SSC CGL Tier 2 questions may ask about device types, storage capacity, advantages, and examples.

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