Question Type: General Knowledge/Computer Storage

This question tests your understanding of different storage media and their access methods. Storage media can be accessed either sequentially or randomly (direct access).

• Sequential Access: Data is accessed in a linear order. You must read through all the preceding data to reach a specific piece of information. Think of a cassette tape; you must fast-forward or rewind to reach a specific song.
• Random Access: Data can be accessed directly without reading through other data. A hard disk drive is a prime example; the read/write head can move directly to the desired location on the disk.

Let's analyze the options:

• Hard disk: Uses random access. The read/write head can move directly to the desired sector on the disk.
• CD (Compact Disc): Uses random access. The laser can directly read data from any specific location on the disc.
• Magnetic tape: Uses sequential access. The read/write head must move linearly along the tape to access data. This is significantly slower than random access.
• DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Uses random access. Similar to CDs, it allows direct access to specific data locations.

Therefore, the only storage media among the options that supports only sequential access is magnetic tape.

Why other options are incorrect: Hard disks, CDs, and DVDs all allow random access, meaning data can be accessed directly without going through other data sequentially.