Definition

removable media

What is removable media?

Removable media is any type of storage device that can be removed from a computer while the system is running. Removable media makes it easy for a user to move data from one computer to another.

Types of removable media

Examples of removable media include the following:

  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Blu-ray discs
  • USB drives
  • SD cards
  • floppy disks
  • magnetic tape

Advantages and disadvantages of removable media

In a storage context, the main advantage of removable media is that it can deliver the fast data backup and recovery times associated with storage area networks. Removable storage media can also help organizations meet corporate backup and recovery requirements because it is portable.

Portability is also one of the technology's main drawbacks. Ransomware attacks can be transferred from computer to computer by removable media such as a USB drive.

This was last updated in November 2022

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