Computer Support Blog

Have you been considering upgrading the storage capacity of your laptop? Are you thinking about data backup? Since different laptops store data in various manners, there are actually quite a few options to consider when upgrading your laptop’s storage capacity.

The oldest type of storage, and the bulkiest, is the traditional hard disk drive. Hard disk drives have been around since the 1950s, though they are drastically smaller now than they were then. Hard disk drives use a rigid spinning disk to store information and they have been growing in storage capacity at a pace that has kept them relevant for the advances in technology.

Many new laptops are using SSD storage now instead of a hard disk drive. SSD (solid-state drive) storage is smaller and more easily fits into thin laptop cases. In light of its relatively small capacity, most notebooks that use SSD combine it with some other form of storage, but netbooks tend to use only the SSD storage.

The main advantage of SSD over hard disk drives is the speed. There are no moving parts in SSD storage, so it can retrieve information much faster than the spinning disk of the hard disk drive.

Flash memory is already widely used in flash drives and other portable storage devices. SSD is actually a type of flash memory, but it is different from the USB flash drives. The USB flash drives are slower and therefore cheaper, where as SSD is a more expensive and higher quality type of flash memory.

The problem with flash memory is that manufacturers have hit a wall with how small the chips can get and how much they can hold. The flash memory starts to degrade after so many times of saving and re-saving onto the chip, and eventually will not work and more. Since the electronics market is all about smaller, faster, higher capacity products, flash memory seems to be running out of space in the electronics market and will soon be replaced.

What will replace it? Companies are working on a few different options.

Hewlett Packard announced in October that they are close to releasing a storage device that uses memristors (memory resistors) to store data. Memristors will be able to hold huge amounts of data and soon, Hewlett Packard hopes, even replace the current RAM technology.

Another technology is the FeRAM or Ferroelectric RAM. Toshiba is working on prototypes and hoping to get this technology into the market as soon as they can. FeRAM will be faster at writing data, use less power, and possibly replace the need for flash memory.

Do you need help determining precisely what is the best option for your storage upgrade? Computer support specialists at RESCUECOM are available 24/7 to help you make the right choice for your laptop.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Filed under: backups, data recovery, david milman, rescuecom, security