The Essential Guide to Computer Data Storage: From Floppy to DVD

Whether you're an IT professional, manager, or a home PC user, you've got more data than ever -- and choosing reliable, cost-effective data storage has never been more important. In this book, one of the world's leading experts in data storage explains all your options, and shows you how to make the most of them. Dr. Andrei Khurshudov introduces the features, advantages, and underlying technologies associated with every current data storage option, including hard drives, DVD, CD, removable media storage systems such as Jaz and Zip, tape backup, and RAID. He presents the pros and cons of every data storage interface, including IDE, SCSI, USB, FireWire, and Fibre Channel. Next, he explains the latest options for companies managing soaring amounts of data, including storage area networks (SAN), network attached storage (NAS), and alternative strategies such as Web-based storage. The book includes expert data storage buying tips, as well as detailed coverage of backup and recovery. For everyone concerned with data storage, from businesses planning for growth and disaster recovery, to individuals who want the best storage "bang for the buck."