Virtual Storage
What is virtual storage?
- In A Level Computer Science, virtual storage, also known as cloud storage, refers to a model of data storage where digital data is stored across multiple servers and locations, typically hosted by third parties e.g. Microsoft, Google, Apple
- While the storage may appear to be local from the user’s perspective, the data is physically located elsewhere, often distributed across a network of servers
Why is there a need for virtual storage?
- In the digital age, the amount of data generated and used by businesses and individuals is growing exponentially
- Storing all this data on local devices can be impractical due to limitations in storage capacity and the risk of data loss
- Virtual storage provides a solution to these challenges by offering scalable, off-site storage with built-in redundancy and backup
How does virtual storage work?
- When you use virtual storage, your data is transmitted over the internet to a data centre
- This data centre uses servers to store your data, which can be accessed and retrieved as needed. These servers are maintained by the cloud storage provider, who ensures that the data is secure, backed up, and available for access
| Benefits of Virtual Storage | Drawbacks of Virtual Storage |
|---|---|
| Scalability: Easy to increase storage capacity as needs grow. | Dependence on Internet Connection: Access to data can be slow or impossible with a poor Internet connection. |
| Accessibility: Data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. | Security Concerns: Storing sensitive data off-site can pose a risk, despite the provider’s security measures. |
| Data Protection: Data redundancy protects against data loss due to hardware failure. | Ongoing Costs: While cost-effective, virtual storage is an ongoing expense and costs can add up over time. |
| Cost-Effective: Pay only for the storage used, often more affordable than maintaining own storage infrastructure. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
- Don’t get mixed up between virtual storage and virtual memory
- Virtual storage is data which is stored virtually (on the cloud)
- Virtual memory is utilising secondary storage as RAM when the computer is maximizing RAM