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Theory Ch3 PDF

This document discusses different types of storage devices and media. It describes magnetic storage media like magnetic tapes and hard disk drives which use direct access to read and write data. Optical storage media like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs store data using lasers and can only be read or written to once without rewriting. Solid state drives and flash drives store data electronically and are portable, durable, and have fast access times but higher costs per unit of storage. Each type of storage device has advantages and uses for different data storage purposes.

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73 views9 pages

Theory Ch3 PDF

This document discusses different types of storage devices and media. It describes magnetic storage media like magnetic tapes and hard disk drives which use direct access to read and write data. Optical storage media like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs store data using lasers and can only be read or written to once without rewriting. Solid state drives and flash drives store data electronically and are portable, durable, and have fast access times but higher costs per unit of storage. Each type of storage device has advantages and uses for different data storage purposes.

Uploaded by

iman mohamed
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 3

STORAGE DEVICES AND MEDIA


Storage Devices
Storage devices are essential for the following reasons:
▪ Stores data after computer is switched off as RAM is volatile
▪ Allows data transfer between computers
▪ Some programs are larger than RAM capacity
▪ Acts as a cheap supplement for main memory
Backing storage media and associated
devices
❑Magnetic backing storage media :Magnetic Tapes, Fixed hard disks and drives, portable and removable hard
disks
❑Optical backing storage media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): CD ROM/DVD ROM, CD R/DVD R, CD RW/DVD RW, DVD
RAM, Blu-ray discs
❑Solid state backing storage: solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives (pen drive/memory stick/USB stick)
Magnetic backing storage and media :
stores data in the form of magnetic pattern

❑Magnetic Tape
❑ Uses serial access(to read an item, have to pass through previous items and changes
cannot be recorded in the same medium)
❑ Can store large amounts of data (up to 500GB)
❑ Needs a tape drive which is not available in most computer systems
❑ Can be easily moved away
❑ Cheap per unit of storage
❑ Used for backups of network servers(usually have tape drives)
❑Fixed hard disk drive
❑ Uses direct access(data can be read in any order and changes can be made on
the same medium)
❑ Has large storage capacity (up to Terra bytes)
❑ Has fast access rates
❑ Used to store library of programs and data as well as operating system
❑Removable hard disk drive
❑ The removable version of the hard disk drive
❑ Used to transfer large files between computers
Optical backing storage media
(CD/DVD/Blu-ray):
stores data by burning small pits on the disk surface using a laser
beam
CD ROM/DVD ROM, CD R/DVD R, CD RW/DVD RW, DVD RAM, Blu-ray discs
❑Optical media are the cheapest of all
❑They are portable
❑They need an optical drive which may not be available in some computer systems
❑They can be easily damaged or scratched
Uses of different types of optical
media:
CD and DVD-ROM:
Read only memory, can only be read from
❑ Used by software companies to distribute programs
❑ Used to distribute music and media files
CD and DVD –R:
Recordable, can be recorded once and then read only
❑ Home recording of music files and films
❑ To store data which will not be changed anymore (photos, coursework,..)
❑ To transfer files and software between computers
CD and DVD –R/W:
Rewritable, can be overwritten many times
❑ To record radio and television programs
❑ For backups of data
❑ To transfer files between computers
❑ In CCTV security systems
DVD –RAM:
Random Access Memory, can be written to and read from simultaneously
❑ In recording devices of satellite receivers to allow simultaneous recording and playback
Blu-Ray:
Blue Ray Disk has larger storage capacity
❑ To store high definition movies and games
Solid state backing storage: solid state
drives (SSDs), flash drives (pen
drive/memory stick/USB stick)
❑Stores data electronically
❑Has fast rates of data access
❑Durable
❑Small size, so the most portable
❑Does not need a device to read or write data
❑Has large storage capacity
❑More expensive per unit of storage
Uses
❑SSD replaces HDD in laptops due to their small size, light weight and less consumption of
electricity
❑Flash memory cards are used in smart phones and digital cameras
❑Memory sticks(pen drives) are used to transfer files between computers

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