answersLogoWhite

0

The terms direct access and random access describe the same concept. They mean that an element of data or instructions (such as a byte or word) can be directly stored and retrieved by selecting and using any of the locations on the storage media. They also mean that each storage position (1) has a unique address and (2) can be individually accessed in about the same length of time without having to search through other storage positions. For example, each memory cell on a microelectronic semiconductor RAM chip can be individually sensed or changed in the same length of time. Also, any data record stored on a magnetic or optical disk can be accessed directly in about the same period

Sequential access storage media such as magnetic tape do not have unique storage addresses that can be directly addressed. Instead, data must be stored and retrieved using a sequential or serial process. Data are recorded one after another in a predetermined sequence (e.g., numeric order) on a storage medium. Locating an individual item of data requires searching the recorded data on the tape until the desired item is located.

(Tha answer was got from Managment Information System book, written by James O'brien and George Marakas)

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Which storage media provides sequential access only?

magnetic tape


What storage requires sequential access of data?

magnetic disc


What is most papular sequential access storage device?

magnetic tape


What type of storage requires sequential access to locate data and information?

a tape


Is floppy disk store sequential access files?

False. It is considered as direct access storage devive


Why can a random access storage device access informaion faster than a sequential storage device?

A random access storage device, like a hard drive or SSD, can access information faster because it allows for direct retrieval of data from any location without the need to read through other data sequentially. In contrast, a sequential storage device, such as magnetic tape, requires the system to process data in order, often resulting in delays as it moves to the desired location. This characteristic of random access significantly enhances speed and efficiency when retrieving specific pieces of information.


What is the access method for optical discs?

The access method for optical discs is typically sequential, where data is read or written in a linear fashion from the outer edge of the disc to the center. This is in contrast to random access methods used in storage devices like hard drives, where data can be accessed in any order.


What is a magnetic tape?

A magnetic tape is a secondary storage media used to access data in a sequential way


What is a indexed sequential file?

An indexed sequential file is a type of file organization where data records are stored sequentially in the order of key values. An index is maintained to help locate records quickly. This combination of sequential storage and indexing allows for efficient access to data in both sequential and random access patterns.


What are the advantages of indexed-sequential file organisation?

Indexed-sequential file organization allows for efficient storage and retrieval of records by combining the benefits of sequential access (fast for batch processing) and direct access (quick for individual record retrieval). It provides faster access to records compared to purely sequential files while maintaining sequential organization for improved batch processing performance. The index allows for quick access to specific records without needing to search through the entire file.


Which cache algorithm will optimize a storage arrays Input and Output response time if sequential access is detected?

Read Ahead


Sequential and random access memories?

give the examples of sequential access memory?