← VCE Cyber Security

Data storage systems

The hardware and software an organisation uses to hold its data for ongoing access.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O2 - Cyber Security — Module 7, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data and Programming Techniques — Module 11, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Complex Digital Data Exchange Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 110

Understanding Data storage systems in VCE Cyber Security

What it does: This describes storage provided directly by a server. This is the core definition of a data storage system. Storage systems combine hardware and software to hold data. Servers commonly provide dedicated data storage for organisations. Storage can span servers, NAS devices, or remote cloud systems. NAS stands for network attached storage.

Common mistakes: Storage systems do hold data - this line is incorrect. Storage systems do allow access - saying they never do is wrong.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning
Duo
Does a data storage system include both hardware and software?
YesNo
Matches
A storage system only holds data for a few seconds
↓
Wrong - storage systems hold data for ongoing access
Applying
Meanings
Term
Data storage system
Meaning
The hardware and software an organisation uses to hold its data for ongoing access.
Practice
A data storage system holds data.
Testing
Gaps
A data system stores files
Check Answer
Spots
1Storage never holds data
2Servers can store data

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Quick Questions

1. Does a data storage system include both hardware and software?
A. No
B. Yes ✓
Storage systems combine hardware and software to hold data.
2. Is cloud storage a type of data storage system?
A. Yes ✓
B. No
Cloud storage is one example of a data storage system.
3. Do data storage systems hold data only briefly?
A. Yes
B. No ✓
Storage systems hold data for ongoing access, not just briefly.
4. Is NAS an example of a data storage system?
A. Yes ✓
B. No
NAS is network attached storage - a type of data storage system.
5. Can a server act as part of a data storage system?
A. Yes ✓
B. No
Servers commonly provide dedicated data storage for organisations.

Match the Pairs

NAS → Storage attached directly to a network
Cloud storage → Storage hosted remotely and accessed via the internet
Storage dedicated to a single server → Server-based storage
Hardware and software combined to hold data for ongoing access → Data storage system
A storage system only holds data for a few seconds → Wrong - storage systems hold data for ongoing access
Data storage systems use no hardware at all → Wrong - storage systems combine hardware and software

Key Term

Data storage system
The hardware and software an organisation uses to hold its data for ongoing access.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A data storage system stores files
Hint: Type the word for holding data long-term.
2. Cloud storage stores data remotely
Hint: Type the word meaning far away, not on site.
3. Servers provide dedicated storage
Hint: Type the word meaning set aside for one specific purpose.
4. Network attached storage is called NAS
Hint: Type the short name for network attached storage.
5. Storage holds data for ongoing access
Hint: Type the word meaning continuing or always available.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Storage never holds data
B Servers can store data
C NAS connects to a network
D Cloud storage is remote
Line A — Storage systems do hold data - this line is incorrect.
Question 2
A A storage system holds data
B It never allows access
C Servers can act as storage
D NAS uses network access
Line B — Storage systems do allow access - saying they never do is wrong.
Question 3
A Cloud storage is remote
B NAS is network attached
C Storage never uses software
D Servers hold company data
Line C — Storage systems do use software as well as hardware.
Question 4
A Storage systems use hardware
B It also uses software
C It holds data for access
D It cannot store any files
Line D — Storing files is exactly what a storage system does.
Question 5
A Data storage holds data
B NAS is a storage type
C Cloud storage is one type
D Servers can store data
E Storage systems store nothing
Line E — Storage systems do store data - this line contradicts that.

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