This assignment consists of 5 componenets:

1. Pick a category of Mass Storage Devices from the list below.

2. Do a bit of research to find out what the features and shortcomings of this type of device are.

3. Do a bit more research to find out what the current state of the art is for this type of device.

4. Prepare a presentation of approximately 10-15 minutes in length.

5. Present your presentation in labs.

In order to ensure that all categories are covered in each lab at least once, there will be a sign-up sheet for each lab outside MS 220 (Becker's office).

1. Secondary (Mass) Storage Devices:

1. Hard Drives (magnetic) [eg. high speed, high capacity, RAIDS, etc.]
2. Removable Magnetic Disks [eg. Jaz, Zip, etc.]
3. Removable Optical Disks [eg. CD, DVD, MO, PD, ...]
4. Tape Drives [eg. reel-to-reel, QIC, DAT, DLT,...]
5. Mass Storage Devices for Hand-Held & Wireless Technology [eg. for Palm Pilots, cameras, cell-phones, etc. This category MAY include memory devices but must also include other devices that relate to hend-held & wireless technology]
6. Memory Devices [eg. memory cards, OTP, flash, etc.]
7. New Technology [eg. holographic memory, ORAM, etc.]

Note: There is likely to be some overlap between some of the categories.

2. Do a bit of research to find out what the features and shortcomings of this type of device are.

1. What distinguishes this category from the others?
2. What distinguishes the different kinds of devices within this category from each other?
3. What is the purpose/use for the category and for each kind (i.e. what are they good at)?

3. Do a bit more research to find out what the current state of the art is for this type of device.

1. What kinds (not brands) of devices are currently available in this catgory ?
2. What are the typical functional specs for each kind (price (or price range; include drives and disks, etc.), capcity, speed, any other appropriate specs (such as rotation rate for disks)

4. Prepare a presentation of approximately 10-15 minutes in length.

Submissions may include tables, pictures, etc.

Your results need not be in essay form - actually, point form is probably best for this.

Your presentation must include some 'visual aids' (printed slides, on-line 'power-point', web-pages, show-and-tell).

The goal is to tell your classmates what you have learned about this type of device.

5. Present your findings in labs. (fancy dress not required)

Be sure to site ALL sources (websites, books, people, ads, etc.). If you use a picture or ad from somewhere (like off the net) state exactly where it came from and whether or not you are using it with permission. Un-credited material is technically indistinguishable from stolen material and will be treated as such.

Copyright © 2002 Katrin Becker 1998-2002 Last Modified May 20, 2003 09:44 PM