tape drive
Sequential storage device
A tape drive is a device that reads and writes data on magnetic tape, once the standard for computer data storage and backup.
Tape drives store data sequentially rather than allowing random access like hard drives, making them slower for retrieval but efficient for archival purposes.
Though largely replaced by other media for everyday use, tape remains common for long-term backup in enterprise settings: The company's disaster recovery plan relied on offsite tape drives.
Large centralized computer system
- reel-to-reelTape threading between spools
- punch cardsPerforated data entry medium
- UNIVACEarly electronic mainframe
- minicomputerMedium-scale computing machine
Vertical rotating hauling device
Processing rate over time
- capacityMaximum amount containable
- transfer rateData movement speed
- access timeDuration to retrieve data
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
compression · encryption · error correction · parity · bitrate · write speed
Return to earlier state
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- failoverAutomatic backup system activation
- redundancyNeedless duplication
replication · snapshot · incremental · differential · rotation · strategy · archive · offsite
Book collection or building
- autoloaderDevice that loads automatically
- roboticsAutomaton design field
- barcodeEncoded product stripes
- slotNarrow slit for insertion
mainframe
Large centralized computer system
- reel-to-reelTape threading between spools
- punch cardsPerforated data entry medium
- UNIVACEarly electronic mainframe
minicomputer · data center · operator · batch processing · COBOL
capstan
Vertical rotating hauling device
throughput
Processing rate over time
- capacityMaximum amount containable
- transfer rateData movement speed
- access timeDuration to retrieve data
streaming · compression · encryption · error correction · parity · bitrate · write speed
restore
Return to earlier state
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- failoverAutomatic backup system activation
redundancy · replication · snapshot · incremental · differential · rotation · strategy · archive · offsite · onsite
library
Book collection or building
- autoloaderDevice that loads automatically
- roboticsAutomaton design field
- barcodeEncoded product stripes
slot · magazine · picker · silo · jukebox · inventory · labeling
DAT
Digital audio cassette
- long-term storagearchive, vault, warehouse, backup, cloud storage
- obsolete techfloppy disk, VHS, dial-up modem, floppy disks, Betamax
- drivesSSD, memory stick, floppy disk, RAID, overdrive
- data storagebackup, gigabyte, megabyte, kilobyte, SSDs
- retro computingApple II, ENIAC, IBM PC, Commodore, Atari
- storage devicesSSD, SD card, floppy disk, memory card, microSD