Data Storage and Retrieval

Before computers, society had to store and retrieve data for various reasons. The most common method of storing data was paper. People would use sheets of paper to document their lives, business dealings, recipes and other forms of information. Paper is still used but is easily destructed from day to day usage. Paper is also a hindrance on the environment since their origins are from our trees. The military, businesses, libraries and other types of organizations used microforms to story data. What is a microform? A microform is the process of reducing an array of images in size photographically or electronically. The images can then be enlarged via an optical viewer for reading or information reproduction. Microforms are used to store data in a compressed manner. (Britannica, 2007) There are two well know types of microform: microfilm and microfiche.

Microfilm is a spool of monochrome film containing compressed data. The data is retrieved by utilizing an optical machine to enlarge the data. Microfilm was very useful in storing newspapers, documents, book pages and library archives (TASI, 2004)

Microfiche, like microfilm, is a media used for storing data in a compressed manner. The data is retrieved by using a microfiche reader. The reader contains a flat glass holder that is positioned between a light source and an optical lens. The image is enlarged and projected onto a screen for data retrieval. (TASI, 2004)

Audio tapes are magnetic tapes used to record sound with the ability to replay the recorded sound. (Ask.com, 2007) Audio tapes, like microfiche and microfilm, are still used today but at a much lower volume. This form of data storage can be used to record books, journal thoughts, and document various information. The data is often retrieved by simply playing the audio tape. Doctors and lawyers still use audio tapes and they are transcribed by medical or legal transcriber.

The pros and the cons of Microfiche and Microfilm:

Microfilm Pros

• Easy to use

• Easy to store and archive information

• Compact

• Special equipment is needed to retrieve data

• One user at a time.

Microfiche Pros

• Easy to use

• Easy to store and archive information

• Compact

• Special equipment is needed to retrieve data

• One user at a time.

Audio Tapes Pros

• Portable - Accessible

• Easy to use

• Cost effective - Inexpensive to use

• Good for interviews and journal

• Limited to recorded sound

• Transcribing is time consuming and requires another equipment to transcribe the data to (paper, typewriter, etc...)

• Data retrieval can be hard due to sound quality

(NCRTEC, 1999)

Before the introduction of computers, there were many other methods of storing and retrieving data. I have discussed three (3) above that were commonly used and utilized for different reasons. People have carved information on the side of mountains, tombs and various architectural items. We are able to trace history by tracing the markings of our ancestors. Individuals have used paper, audio tapes, and microforms to store and retrieve data. In today's world, computers are the main source of data storage and retrieval. Data storage and retrieval is very important and has evolved over the course of time.

References:

Encyclopedia Britannica Online, (2007) Microform. Retrieved on 12 Oct 2007 from http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052506/microform

NCRTEC, (1999) Learning with Technology, Retrieved on 12 Oct 2007 from http://www.ncrtec.org/pd/lwtres/aadodtt.pdf

Technical Advisory Service for Images, (2004) Digitising Microfiche and Microfilm, Retrieved on 12 Oct 2007 from http://www.tasi.ac.uk/advice/creating/microfiche.html

Ask.com, Dictionary, (2007) Audio Tapes, Retrieved on 12 Oct 2007 from http://www.ask.com/reference/dictionary/ahdict/155671/audiotapes