COMPUTER SCIENCE NOTES

(ICS_PART-I)

COMPUTER
MEMORY
Q2.1 What is computer memory? Explain different units of memory?
Memory: An electronic holding place where data and information are
store either temporary or permanent is called Memory.
Computer memory is divided into the following types:
1. Internal Processor Memory
2. Primary or Main or Internal Memory
3. Secondary or Auxiliary or Backing Storage Memory
Units of Memory: The following are basic memory measurement units.
 Bit
 Nibble
 Byte
 Kilobyte
 Megabyte
 Gigabyte
 Terabyte
 Memory Word
Bit: Bit stands for ‘Binary digit’, the binary digit 0 and 1 is called Bit. It’s
the basic and smallest unit of storage in computer memory. A bit can
hold only one of two values; either 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
Nibble: A group of four (4) bits is called Nibble.
e.g., 0000, 1111, 0011, 1100, 0101 and 1010 etc
Byte: A group of eight (8) bits is called Byte. A byte can store a single
character of data. For example, K, a, 7, @, # etc. Computer storage is
measured in byte multiples.
1 Byte=8 bits
Kilobyte (KB): Kilo means one Thousand (1000 or 103) but in digital
computer as information is stored in binary digits (0, 1) and its units are
power of 2 and the most nearest number near thousand is 2 10 = 1024.
i.e.
1 Kilobyte=210 Bytes =1024 Bytes
1 KB=1024 Bytes

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Megabyte (MB): Mega means one Million (1,000,000 or 10 6) but in
digital computer as information is stored in binary digits (0, 1) and its
units are power of 2 and the most nearest number near million is
220 = 10,48,576.

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1 Megabyte=220 Bytes=10, 48,576 Bytes
1 MB=1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB): Giga means Billion (1,000,000,000 or 10 9) but in digital
computer as information is stored in binary digits (0, 1) and its units are
power of 2 and the most nearest number near billion is
230 = 1,073,741,824.
1 Gigabyte=230 Bytes =1,073,741,824 Bytes
1 GB= 1024 MB
Terabyte (TB): Tera means Trillion (1,000,000,000,000 or 10 12) but in
digital computer as information is stored in binary digits (0, 1) and its
units are power of 2 and the most nearest number near trillion is
240 = 1,099,511,627,776.
1 Terabyte=240 Bytes =1,099,511,627,776 Bytes
1 TB= 1024 GB
Memory Word: A memory word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number
of bits processed as a unit, which varies from computer to computer
but is fixed for each computer. The length of a memory word is called
word- size or word length. It may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long
as 64 bits. A computer stores the information in the form of memory
words. Modern computers usually have a word size of 16, 32 or 64 bits.

Q2.2 Briefly discuss Chip Memory and Magnetic Memory?

Computer memory, as for as its manufacturing is divided into two types:
 Chip Memory
 Magnetic Memory
Chip Memory: Chip or microchip is a small piece of semi-conductor
material (Silicon). A memory chip is an integrated circuit made of
millions of capacitors and transistors that can store data and
information. Memory chips can hold data either temporarily through
random access memory (RAM), or permanently through read only
memory (ROM). Read only memory contains permanently stored data
that a processor can read but cannot modify. Memory chips come in
different sizes and shapes. Some can be connected directly while some
need special drives. The current stage of microchip is known as Very
Large-Scale Integration (VLSI).

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Examples: Main Memory (RAM, ROM, Cache), Flash memory drives,
Memory Cards, registers.
Magnetic Memory: The memory in which writing and reading
process are made by magnetic mechanism is called magnetic memory.
A core is a ring of ferrite material. Magnetic media is coated with a
magnetic layer which is magnetized in clockwise or anticlockwise
directions. When the disk moves, the head interprets the data stored at
a specific location in binary 1s and 0s at reading. The information is
accessed using one or more read/write heads.
Examples: Hard disks, Floppy disks and Magnetic tapes.
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Q2.3 Briefly define Volatile and Non-Volatile Memory?

Volatile Memory: A type of computer memory that requires
continuous power supply (electricity) to maintain its data is called
Volatile Memory. It’s also called Temporary Memory i.e., when the
power supply goes off the stored data will be lost.
Examples: RAM, Registers and Cache Memory
Non-volatile Memory: A type of computer memory that doesn’t
require continuous power supply (electricity) to maintain its data is
called Non-volatile Memory.
It is also called Permanent Memory i.e., when the power supply goes
off the stored data will be maintained (not lost).
Examples: ROM, Hard disk, Magnetic tape, Optical disks etc

Q2.4 What are the fundamental types of Main Memory?

Basically, Main memory is divided into three types.
 Internal Processor Memory
 RAM
ROM
Internal Processor Memory: These are directly accessed by the CPU and are
very fast as compare to other computer memories. There are two main types of Internal
Processor Memory.

i. Cache Memory
ii. Registers
Cache Memory: t is the second part of internal memory. Its speed is faster than

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RAM and ROM but slower than Register. Its size is smaller than RAM and Larger
than Register. Cache memory is used to store those parts of program which is
nearly to run. Since the speed of processor is much faster than RAM so RAM cannot
provide the data to processor. For this reason cache memory is built between RAM
and Processor. There are three level of cache memory L1, L2 and L3.
L1 (Levele1) cache: L1 is built into the actual processor. It is high speed memory
which provides data to the processor at the same speed as the processor needed.
Its size is from 8 Kilobytes to 128 Kilobytes.
L2 (level2 cache): L2 pulls information from the RAM, which is than accessed by L1.
Its speed is slow than L1 but faster than RAM and size is from64 KB to 16 MB.
L3 (Level 3) cache: L3 memory works hand-in-hand with L1 and L2 cache to improve
computer performance. The speed of L3 is faster than RAM and size is larger than
L1 and L2. CPU first of all looks for the instruction in L1 than it checks in L2 and L3
respectfully. The main purpose of cache memory is to utilize the processor as much
as possible.

Registers. Register is the small size of memory inside the processor. There are
different types of Register in the processor which perform different types of
operation. On the basis of the function performed by the register, there are two
categories of register these are i) general purpose Register ii) Special purpose
Register. Here we will discuss some important types of register.

 Accumulator Register (AX): It is used for arithmetic (,,,  ) and

logical (, , , ) operations.
 Program Counter (PC): It holds the address of the next instruction
to be fetched and executed. When instruction is fetched, the
value of PC is automatically incremented and it points to the
address of next instruction.
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 Instruction Register (IR): It holds the current instruction that is
being executed.
 Memory Buffer Register (MBR): It holds the contents of memory
location read from or written in the memory.
 Memory Address Register (MAR): It holds the address of the
active memory location. When CPU wants to stores or read data
from memory, CPU stores the required address of memory
location in MAR.
 Status Register (Processor Status Word): It is the hardware
registers that holds information about the status of the Processor.
It is also called Flag Register or Condition Code Register (CCR).
Examples: Zero flag, Carry flag, overflow flag etc.
2. RAM: (Random Access Memory). It is the memory of computer which is
volatile in nature, which means that it lost its data as soon as power is off. User
can read its data as well change/write its data.
3. ROMRead Only Memory): ROM data store permanently and the data of ROM
can be read only and is not possible to change. There are different types of ROM
these are PROM, EPROM, EEPROM.

Q2.5 What is Random Access Memory? Discuss different types DRAM?

a) RAM: (Random Access Memory). It is the volatile memeory of computer, which
means that it lost its data as soon as power is off. User can read its data as
write/change its data.
Types of RAM: There are two main types of RAM these are SRAM and DRAM.
SRAM stands for static RAM. IT is basically fast Cache memory. The stored data
in SRAM doesn’t need refreshing technique. The storing capacity of SRAM is less
than DRAM but speed is fast than DRAM. It also needs low power to operate but
expensive than DRAM.
DRAM (Dynamic RAM):
The DRAM is made of capacitor and store data in the form of charges. Its
capacity of storing data is more than SRAM, but speed and cost is low than
SRAM. In DRAM to retain the data in the capacitor refreshing technique is used.
There are different types of DRAM these are SDRAM and DDRAM.
SDRAM stands for Synchronous DRAM. It is an improved form of DRAM. Its
speed is higher than DRAM. SDRAM operates synchronously, which means that
it operates in sync with the system data bus.
DDR SDRAM (Double Data RATE SDRAM). It is an improved form of SDRAM. It

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reads or writes two consecutive words per clock cycle. There are many types of
DDR SDRAM which are used in computer today. These are DDR1 RAM, DDR2
RAM and DDR3 RAM.

Q2.6 What is ROM? Discuss different types of ROM?

Read Only Memory (ROM): ROM is “Non-Volatile Memory” that
retains data without the flow of electricity. It is the long-term internal
memory. The contents of ROM are permanent, i.e., new data cannot be
written in ROM. The system manufacture writes the ROM instructions
and data at the time of manufacturing and the data and instructions
cannot be change afterwards. That’s why it’s called Read only memory
because its contents can be read only.
Types of ROM: The ROM is classified into the following types.
 Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
 Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
 Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
PROM: It is a type of ROM in which data can be written only once and
then can never be changed. It is initially blank and then instructions and
data are written with some special devices.
EPROM: It is a type of ROM whose contents can be erased by exposing
it to ultra violet rays for about 20 minutes. When it is exposed to UV
rays then the entire data is erased, i.e., specific data cannot be erased.
EEPROM: It is a special type of ROM that can be erased by exposing it
to electrical charge within few milliseconds. A single byte of a data or
the entire contents of device can be erased and reprogrammed. Flash
Memory is a special type of EEPROM.
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Q2.7 Differentiate between RAM and ROM?
Following are some differences b/w RAM and ROM.
Differences b/w RAM and ROM
Basis for
RAM ROM
Comparison

Definition A type of volatile A type of non-volatile

memory whose contents memory whose contents
can be lost when the cannot lost even the power
power supply goes off. supply goes off.
Nature RAM is volatile in nature. ROM is non-volatile In
nature.
Uses RAM is used in normal ROM is used in startup
operations of computer. process of computer.
Storage It stores data in GBs. It stores data in MBs
Capacity (4-8MB).
Speed Data writing speed is Data writing speed is
faster. slower.
Contents It stores information It stores information
temporarily. permanently.
Types 1. SRAM 1. PROM
2. DRAM 2. EPROM
3. EEPROM

Q2.8 What is Secondary Storage? Discuss various features of

Secondary Storage?
Secondary storage (memory) is used to hold data or information
permanently. It’s also called auxiliary storage, backing storage or
external storage because it lies outside the CPU. It’s larger in size than
main memory. It’s non-volatile because it does not lose the data when
the computer is switched off.

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Features of Secondary Storage: The main features of secondary
storage are;
 It is non-volatile (permanent) in nature.
 It has larger storage capacity.
 It is less expensive than main memory.
 It can be accessed sequentially and randomly (directly).
 They are reusable and can be erased and store data any time the
user requires.
Examples: Magnetic Tapes, Magnetic Disks, Optical Disks, Flash Memory,
Memory Cards etc.
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Q2.9 What is Sequential Access and Direct Access Storage?

Sequential Access Storage: A storage system where the data is
stored and read in a sequence or in a linear order is called Sequential
Access Storage. It’s the simplest access method. All the records are
accessed one by one in a predetermined sequence.
Advantages: The main advantages of sequential access are;
 Low cost
 Simple file design
 The sorting makes it easy to access records.
Disadvantages: The main disadvantages of sequential access are;
 Entire file must be processed even if a single record is to be
searched.
 Overall processing is slow.
Examples: Magnetic Tape
Direct Access Storage: A storage system where the data is stored
and read in any sequence or randomly is called Direct Access Storage. It
is also called Random Access Storage or Relative Access method. In
Direct Access storage, each record has a discrete location and a unique
address. This allows a computer to directly point to that location to get
the record without having to scan a series of records.
Advantages: The main advantage of Direct Access Storage is; that it’s
faster than Sequential Access.

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Disadvantages: The main disadvantage of Direct Access Storage is; that
it’s costly as compared to sequential access storage.
Examples: Magnetic disks (Hard disk, floppy disk), Optical disk (CD, DVD).
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Q2.10 Discuss various types of Secondary storage devices?

Secondary storage devices are classified into the following types.
a. Magnetic Tapes
b. Magnetic Disks
c. Optical Disks
d. Chip Memory
Magnetic Tape: Magnetic tape is a sequential access storage device
used for data collection, backup and archiving (store). It consists of a
thin tape with a coating of a fine magnetic material, used for recording
analogue and digital data. The device which can be used for storing and
retrieving data from the magnetic tape is called tape drive. These
devices are usually used for taking backup of data. It is cheaper but
accessing speed is very slow. The major drawback of tape is its
sequential access. Modern tapes can store data up to 5TB. It is used
with minicomputer and mainframe computers for backup of data.
Advantages: Magnetic Tape has the following advantages;
 Magnetic tape can be recorded over and reused repeatedly.
 Large amounts of information are stored.
 Easy to store and transport media.
 It is usually used for backup of data.
 Magnetic tape is inexpensive.
 Magnetic tape is durable.
Disadvantages: Magnetic Tape has the following disadvantages;
 If the data is stored near a strong magnetic field or a large
speaker, the tape can be damaged.
 Magnetic tape transfers data slower than hard drives.
 It is sequential in nature.

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Magnetic Disk: The most common type of secondary storage devices
are magnetic disks. These are made of either flexible plastic material
(Floppy disks) or rigid metal (Hard disks). Magnetic disks are coated
with a magnetic substance. Each surface of the disk is subdivided into
concentric circles, called Tracks. There is at least one read-write head
for each surface. Some common types of magnetic disks are Floppy
disks, Hard disks and Zip disks.
a. Floppy Disks: Floppy disks are old type of magnetic storages. It is
flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material on both sides.
They are packed inside a plastic jacket for protection. Digital
information is stored in the form of small magnetized spots.
Floppy disk drive is used for reading and writing information in
Floppy disks. Maximum storage capacity of floppy disk was 1.44
MB. Now a day’s floppy disk is not used in computer.

b. Zip Disks: It is just like a Floppy disk but only the size and storage
capacity are different. A Zip disk can hold about 100 MB to 250
MB of data.

c. Hard Disks: A Hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile random

access storage device used to store digital data. Hard disk consists
of a spindle that holds flat circular disks called platters, which
store the data. Today’s HDD operate on high-speed serial
interfaces i.e., serial ATA (SATA) or Serial attached SCSI (SAS). An
actuator arm moves the heads across the platters as they revolve,
as a result the head is able to read or write data on platters. Each
surface of the disk is divided into tracks and sectors before storing
data.
Tracks: It is a circular path on the surface of a disk on which
information is magnetically stored and from which stored
information is read.
Sectors: It is a subdivision of a track. It is smallest physical storage
unit on the disk. Each sector stores a fixed amount of data, usually
512 bytes of data.
Advantages: Magnetic disk has the following advantages;
 Due to random access property, Magnetic disk is often used by
multiple users as a shared device.

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 Floppy disk and zip disks are also easily portable from one place to
another.
 Data can be read directly from any part of the hard disk.
 It stores large amount of data, usually in TB.
 Very fast access to data.
Disadvantages: Magnetic disk has the following disadvantages;
 Data can be corrupted by magnetic fields, dust or mechanical
problems.
 Consumes a lot of power.
 Can be broken if dropped.
 Costly than Magnetic tape.
Optical Disks: An optical disk is an electronic storage medium that
uses optical storage techniques and technology to read and write data.
It is a computer storage disk that stores data digitally and uses laser
beams to read and write data.
The following are different types of optical disks.
i. CD (Compact Disk)
ii. DVD (Digital Versatile Disk)
iii. Blue Ray Disk (BD)
i. CD (Compact Disk): A compact disc (CD) is a thin, circular disc of
plastic used for recording, storing and playing back audio, video
and computer data. A CD can store about 700 MB of data. A CD
player/drive is used for reading/recording the data on the CD. It’s
used for storing music, video, data and programs. When the CD
played, it rotates around and a red laser beam is used to read the
data. It supports one of three recording types;
 Read only (CD-ROM; Compact Disk-Read Only Memory)
 Write-once (CD-R; Compact Disk-Recordable)
 Re-recordable (CD-RW; Compact Disk-Re-Writable)
ii. DVD (Digital Versatile Disk): It is an optical disk technology that
can stores 4 to 16 GB of audio, video or other information. DVDs
can be single or double sided. Red laser is used for read/write
operations in DVDs. Its data storage capacity is about ten times
more than a CD. A DVD writer/player is used for
reading/recording the data on the DVD. DVDs are available as;
 Recordable (DVD-R)
 Re-writable (DVD-WR)

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iii. BD (Blue-Ray Disk): It is the latest optical disk technology which
can store more data than DVD. It stores 50 GB to 100 GB of data.
The bumps (pits, 0) and lands(1) on the surface of blue-ray that
represent digital information are much smaller and very densely
packed. This increases the storage capacity of blue-ray disk. Blue-
violet laser is used for read/write operations in Blue-ray disks. It’s
more durable than CDs and DVDs. It requires a special blue-ray
drive for reading and writing.
Advantages: Optical disk has the following advantages;
 Very cheap than Magnetic tape and Magnetic disk.
 Large storage capacity is available.
 Can sometimes be re-used.
 High data stability.
 Small and portable.
Disadvantages: Optical disk has the following disadvantages;
 It requires special drives to read/write data.
 Slower to access than hard disk.
 Easy to scratch.
 Easily broken.
Chip Memory: Chip or microchip is a small piece of semi-conductor
material (Silicon). A small circuit called IC (Integrated Circuit) is
embedded on it. A typical chip contains a million of electronics
components (Transistors).Chip memory can be used as primary and
secondary memory. RAM and ROM are used as a primary Chip memory
and Flash memory and Memory cards are used as a secondary chip
memory.
i. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile memory chip that
can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. It is primarily
used in memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital
cameras and solid-state drives for general storage and transfer of
data between computers and other digital devices. Flash memory
is a type of electronically erasable programmable read only
memory (EEPROM), but may also be a standalone memory
storage device such as a USB drive. USB flash drives are also called
Pen drives, Memory sticks, Key chain drives, Key drives and
Memory keys.

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Advantages: Flash memory has the following advantages;
 It is small in size and portable as compare to other storage
devices.
 Extremes in pressure and temperature change would not
normally affect Flash memory.
 It consumes less power than other storage devices.
 It is more durable than CDs and DVDs.
 It is less expensive than hard disk.
 It is faster than hard disk and optical disks.
 It is less prone to damage.
Disadvantages: Flash memory has the following disadvantages;
 It can be easily lost.
 More expensive than CD and DVD.
 It has limited number of write and erase cycles.
 Most flash drives do not have a write-protection mechanism.
ii. Flash Memory Cards: A Flash Memory Card is a small storage
device used to store data such as text, pictures, audio and video.
It is commonly used in many electronic devices such as digital
cameras, mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players etc. They are small,
re-recordable and able to retain data without power.
Advantages: Memory cards have the following advantages;
 Memory cards are much lighter, smaller and compact with large
storage capacity.
 Highly portable and can easily be used with different electronic
devices.
 Memory cards have non-volatile memory.
 It consumes less power.
 Do not produce any noise.
Disadvantages: Memory cards have the following disadvantages;
 Cannot be read by the computer without proper hardware.
 Can get corrupted if not handled carefully.
 They can be lost or misplaced.
 They can break easily.
 Sometimes work slowly.
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Exercise of chapter no 2
Q1 select the best choice for the following MCQs.
i. ___________ memory holds data and programs not currently in use and provides
long-term storage.
a. primary memory b. Secondary memory
c. Main d. Internal
ii.___________ is the smallest amount of memory a computer can hold?
a. Byte b. KB c. Bit D.MB
iii. Which of the following is the fastest memory?
a. RAM b. ROM c. Cache Memory d. PROM

iv. How much is 1 Mega Byte memory equal to?

a. 1024 KB b. 1000 KB c. 1024 K Bits
d. 1024 G Bytes
v. Which material is used to make memory chips?
a. Iron b. Gold c. Silver d. Silicon
vi. Which of the following is volatile memory?
a. RAM b. ROM c. PROM d. EEPROM
vii. Which of the following is called internal processor memory?
a. RAM b.ROM c. Cache d. DRAM
viii. ____________ has the highest storage capacity.
a. DVD b. Blue-ray Disk c. CD d. Zip disk

ix. __________ is a type of optical storage?

a. Hard disk b. Blue-ray Disk c. Floppy disk d. zip disk
X. which of the following is a sequential access storage device?
a. Magnetic disk b. Blue-ray disk c. Magnetic tape d. Zip disk

Q2. Give short answers to the following questions.

i. What is computer memory?
Memory: An electronic holding place where data and information are
store either temporary or permanent is called Memory.
Computer memory is divided into the following types:

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1. Internal Processor Memory
2. Primary or Main or Internal Memory
3. Secondary or Auxiliary or Backing Storage Memory
ii. Define bit, byte and memory word
Bit: Bit stands for ‘Binary digit’, the binary digit 0 and 1 is called Bit. It’s
the basic and smallest unit of storage in computer memory. A bit can
hold only one of two values; either 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON).
Byte: A group of eight (8) bits is called Byte. A byte can store a single
character of data. For example, K, a, 7, @, # etc. Computer storage is
measured in byte multiples. 1 Byte=8 bits
Megabyte (MB): Mega means one Million (1,000,000 or 10 6) but in
digital computer as information is stored in binary digits (0, 1) and its
units are power of 2 and the most nearest number near million is
220 = 10,48,576.
iii. What is the importance of cache memory in a computer?
Cache memory is used to store those parts of program which is nearly to run. The
main purpose of cache memory is to utilize processor speed. Since the speed of
processor is much faster than RAM so RAM cannot provide the data to processor.
For this reason cache memory is built between RAM and Processor. There are
three level of cache memory L1, L2 and L3.
iv. Give some uses of secondary memory

 It is non-volatile (permanent) in nature.

 It has larger storage capacity.
 It is less expensive than main memory.
 It can be accessed sequentially and randomly (directly).
 They are reusable and can be erased and store data any time the
user required.
v. What is the role of rgister in computer?

Register is the small size of memory inside the processor. There are different types
of Register in the processor which perform different types of operation. On the
basis of the function performed by the register, there are two categories of register
these are i) general purpose Register ii) Special purpose Register

Q# vi: Differentiate b/w SRAM and DRAM

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Basis for
SRAM DRAM
Comparison
Definition A type of RAM which does A type of RAM which
not need to be periodically needs to be periodically
refreshed to retain its data is refreshed to retain its data
called SRAM. is called DRAM.

Speed It’s faster. It’s slower

Cost It’s more expensive. It’s less expensive.

Power It uses less power. It uses more power.

Uses It is used as cache memory. It is used as main memory.

Structure Its structure is complex. Its structure is simple.

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Q# viii: (a) Differentiate b/w Chip and Magnetic Memory

Basis for
Chip Memory Magnetic Memory
Comparison

Structure It is made from semi- It is made from magnetic

conducting material. material.

Speed It is faster. It is slower.

Moving No mechanical moving parts Mechanical moving parts

involved. involved.

Storage It stores small amount of It stores large amount of

data. data.

Examples RAM, ROM, Memory cards Hard disks, Magnetic

etc tapes etc

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Q# viii: (b) Differentiate b/w Cache and Registers
S.No Cache Registers
1. Small amount of memory lies in Small memory circuits within
between RAM and CPU (L3) or CPU.
lies within CPU (L1, L2).

2. It stores data up to 8 MB. It stores data up to 32 bits.

3. It stores data and instructions It stores only instructions

requires for processing. required for processing.

4. It stores most frequently used It is used to stores memory

data. address and the result of
arithmetic and logical operations.

5. Types: L1, L2, L3 Cache. Types: General Purpose

Registers, Special Purpose
Registers.

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Q# viii: (e) Differentiate b/w EPROM and EEPROM

Basis for
EPROM EEPROM
Comparison
Basic Ultraviolet Light is EEPROM contents are erased
used to erase the using electric signal.
contents of EPROM.

Erase Time It takes about 20 It takes few milliseconds to

minutes to erase erase entire data from
entire data from EEPROM chip.
EPROM chip.
Power The transistor used in The transistor used in
EPROM consumes 12.5 EEPROM consumes 5 volts.
volt.

Erased and EPROM chip has to be EEPROM chip can be erased

Reprogrammed removed from the and reprogrammed in the
computer circuit to computer circuit to erase and
erase and reprogram reprogram the content of
the computer BIOS. computer BIOS.

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 COMPUTER SCIENCE NOTES
(ICS_PART-I)
Q# viii: (d) Differentiate b/w Magnetic Tape and Magnetic Disk
Basis for
Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk
Comparison
Physical It is a thin and long It consists of several platters
plastic strip coated arranged above each other to
with magnetic form a cylinder; each platter has
material. a read-write head.

Access It has sequential It has direct access.

access.

Speed It is slower because of It is faster because of its direct

its sequential access. access.

Update Once data is fed, it Data can be updated

can't be updated.

Data loss If the tape is damaged, In a case of a head crash, the

the data is lost. data is lost.

Storage Typically stores from From Several hundred GB to

20 GB to 200 GB. Terabytes.

Cost The cost of magnetic The cost of magnetic disk is high.

tape is less.

Backup Magnetic tape is used Magnetic disk is used as a

for backups. secondary storage.

Reliability Reliability of magnetic Reliability of magnetic disk is

tape is less. more.

Portability Magnetic tape is more Magnetic disk is less portable.

portable.

X
AJAB NOOR
Lecturer in Computer Science, GPGC Bannu

*****xxxxx***** _

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