Hard disks compared to tape drives
The hard disk is indeed a digital storage device, largely used as the primary medium of internal data storage in computers, and as it houses most of the programme files, including the Operating System, it does make the computer work, so to say. But at the end of the day, it is merely a 'space' provided for storage of digital data. External hard disks are also available now, so the hard disk is not exclusively used for internal storage only.
What is a Tape Drive? We would have a less ready answer to this, and many people still think tape really means the analogue devices that were used either to listen to music or play movies, i.e. tape is the magnetic ribbon running inside a music or video cassette. Once again, the description is not incorrect, but it is incomplete and non-standard. Tape can be both magnetic and digital, and in this context, we are talking about tape drives, which is essentially the digital storage device used in computers, and these are actually as widely used as hard drives in industrial contexts.
Similarities Between Hard Disks and Tape Drives
By now, we have noticed there are certain keywords that match in the context of both devices. Based on such common factors, here are a set of similarities between hard disks and tape drives:
? They are both data storage devices. It is possible to store large volumes of digital data in both devices, and that is the primary usage for both. A hard disk or a tape can also be used to 'play back' data, but it must be noted that storage is the use that has stood the test of time and changing market patterns for both devices.
? Both are used largely as internal data storage devices. In the case of tape and hard drive, arrays are possible for larger volume requirements. It means that a number of tapes and disks can be accessed instead of one only. So the internal and external usage pattern is similar to a great extent as well for both of these.
? Both hard disks and tape drives are very popular for industrial storage. This is because till date, they offer the hugest capacity by far among all storage hardware available. They are durable, user-friendly, and have a vast space where one may store loads of data.
? Both have good resale markets and can be both bought and sold in a recycled state.
? Tape and hard drives are cost savers when it comes to large volumes of data, as they offer maximum space at minimum price.
? Both devices are used for data backup purposes as well. In the case of the hard drive, this is true for home users as well. People have actually started buying extra potable hard disks to store data.
Differences Between Hard Disks and Tape Drives
The differences are much more obvious.
? The tape drive is not available in the portable format.
? The tape drive is available in both digital and the older analogue format. There is nothing called a magnetic hard disk. This is because tape is much older as a storage format than hard disk or any other digital format.
? Hard disks are most popular in the domestic user market, while tape drives are entirely used for industrial storage and backup purposes. This means that the markets, marketing policies, manufacturers, strategies and all other factors are completely different for the two.
? A tape drive is not usable to run programmes from. So it can never replace a hard disk inside the machine. It can, therefore, never be a primary storage device for a computer. One cannot load the OS on it and run it from there. This makes sense and is in keeping with its usage pattern, as no domestic user installs tape drives.
What Are They Used for?
As is clear by now, both tape and hard drives are used for data storage, data backup, running programmes, and in the case of tapes, storing magnetic data as well. These are the devices through which analogue ? digital conversion usually happens.
How Data is Saved on Them
In the case of tapes, data is stored in the tape either as digital signals or as a magnetic impulse. For hard drives, the digital information is the only way the data may be saved on it.
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see http://www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk
Article Source: Messaggiamo.Com
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