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J277 1.2.2 Secondary storage technologies

Part 3 of 6 · J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage

The three secondary storage technologies named in OCR J277, kept at the level of detail the specification asks for.

Students will:

  • explain why secondary storage is needed
  • identify magnetic, optical and solid-state storage
  • distinguish a storage type from a device or medium
  • recognise examples of each technology
  • compare their broad characteristics

Inside: 3 text sections, 3 multiple-choice activities, 2 completion activities, 4 written answers. 16 marks. Suggested teaching time: 35–55 minutes. 1 diagram.

Includes a teacher guide with suggested sections, timings and common misconceptions.

Series: J277 1.2.1-1.2.3 · Memory and storage, part 3 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 12 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026
  • Updated 27 Oct 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Secondary storage technologies

Secondary storage keeps files, applications and the operating system for long-term use. It is non-volatile, retaining contents without power. It is needed in ordinary use, not only when RAM is full.

Multiple choice1 mark

Why does a computer need secondary storage?

  • AOnly to use when RAM is full
  • BTo perform arithmetic
  • CTo retain data and programs without power
  • DTo replace all primary storage

1. Technology and device

A technology/type describes how storage is classified. A device or medium is a particular item using it. For example, magnetic is the technology and an HDD is a device.

Storage technologies and example devices Magnetic examples are an HDD and magnetic tape. Optical examples are CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. Solid-state examples are an SSD, USB flash drive and memory card. The symbols identify devices, not internal construction. HDD Magnetic HDD and magnetic tape Optical CD, DVD and Blu-ray Solid state SSD, USB flash drive and memory card
Fill in the blanks3 marks
An HDD uses Answer 1 storage. A DVD uses Answer 2 storage. An SSD uses Answer 3 storage.
  • magnetic
  • optical
  • solid state
  • primary
Multiple choice1 mark

A question asks for a secondary storage device. Which answer is a device?

  • AMagnetic
  • BOptical
  • CSolid state
  • DHard disk drive

2. Broad characteristics

TechnologyCommon strengthsImportant limits
MagneticHDD: high capacity, low cost per GB. Tape: large backups.Moving HDD parts can be damaged by knocks; tape access is sequential.
Solid stateFast access, no moving parts, compact and low power.Usually higher cost per GB than magnetic; devices can still fail.
OpticalDiscs can be inexpensive and easy to distribute.Need a compatible drive; lower capacity than many HDDs/SSDs; scratches can damage them.

These are broad comparisons. An actual device's capacity, price and suitability still need checking.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
Name the technology, not a different device. (a) Magnetic tape: Answer 1. (b) Blu-ray disc: Answer 2. (c) Memory card: Answer 3.
Written answer1 mark

State why saved work needs secondary storage rather than only RAM.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Give two differences between a magnetic HDD and an SSD.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

A photographer carries a drive between locations. Explain one reason why an SSD is suitable.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer2 marks

Name one secondary-storage technology and one device or medium that uses it.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement is accurate?

  • AAn SSD can never fail
  • BAn HDD is best for every task
  • CAn optical disc cannot be scratched
  • DEvery storage device can fail or be damaged