1. A computer-implemented method for determining whether to perform a computing operation that is optimized for a specific storage-device-technology type, the method comprising: performing at least one proximate read operation, the proximate read operation comprising: accessing a control location on a storage device; accessing a test location on the storage device that is logically proximate to the control location; performing at least one remote read operation, the remote read operation comprising accessing a test location on the storage device that is logically remote from the control location; determining, by comparing a length of time to access the proximate test location with a length of time to access the remote test location, a technology type of the storage device; determining, based on the technology type of the storage device, whether to perform the computing operation.