Serial and Direct Access

Serial access:
Data is accessed by starting at the beginning and
then searched through, in order, until the required
information is found.
Since this type of access starts from the beginning of
the storage medium, this is a very slow process.
Serial access is used on old magnetic tapes. (large
capacity and speed of access is not necessary)
Serial access is also used in batch processing
systems.

Direct access:
The computer calculates where all of the data on the
storage medium is and so it can access it very
quickly.
This type of access is much faster than serial access
as it does not have to start from the beginning of the
storage medium.
Direct access is used with Hard Disk Drives and CDs
or DVDs.
Direct access is used in modern storage devices
where speed of access is vital.
It is also used in situations where fast access of data
is important like online booking systems or point of
sale terminals in shops.