The present invention relates generally to the storage and/or retrieval of information on magnetic storage media by using one or more novel approaches alone or in combination. These novel approaches are capable of using at least one code which may comprise more than two values (i.e., more than a "0" and a "1"). A series of approaches applies generally to existing electric and/or magnetic storage/retrieval systems (e.g., magnetic, magneto-optic, etc.) as well as other novel electrical/magnetic systems. Each series of approaches is capable of storing information in one or more codes, wherein such approaches permit, if desired, the use of at least one higher order code which is different from the traditional binary code of "0's" and "1's" currently utilized for the storage of digital information. Said at least one higher order code may comprise three or more optical and/or magnetic values or bits that are used to represent, for example, ASCII or Unicode characters that are currently represented predominately by the traditional binary code. This higher order code may also be an analog or analog-like code.