Storage Devices

A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and
objects. It can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently, and can be internal or external
to a computer, server or any similar computing device.

A storage device may also be known as a storage medium or storage media.

Storage devices are one of the core components of any computing device. They store virtually all the data
and applications on a computer, except hardware firmware. They are available in different form factors
depending on the type of underlying device. For example, a standard computer has multiple storage devices
including RAM, cache, and hard disk, as well as possibly having optical disk drives and externally
connected USB drives.

There are two different types of storage devices:

1. Primary storage devices

Generally smaller in size, these are designed to hold data temporarily and are internal to the computer. They
have the fastest data access speed, and include RAM and cache memory.

2. Secondary storage devices

These usually have large storage capacity, and they store data permanently. They can be either internal or
external to the computer, and they include the hard disk, optical disk drive and USB storage device.

Why is storage needed in a computer?

Without a storage device, a computer cannot save or remember any settings or information and would be
considered a dumb terminal.

Although a computer can run with no storage device, it would only be able to view information unless it was
connected to another computer that had storage capabilities. Even a task such as browsing the Internet
requires information to be stored on your computer.

Why so many different storage devices?

As computers advance, the technologies used to store data do too, right along with higher requirements for
storage space. Because people need more and more space, want it faster, cheaper, and want to take it with
them new technologies have to be invented. When new storage devices are designed, as people upgrade to
those new devices the older devices are no longer needed and stop being used.

For example, when punch cards were first used in early computers, the magnetic media used for floppy disks
was not available. After floppy diskettes had been released, they were replaced by CD-ROM drives, which
were replaced by DVD drives, which have been replaced by flash drives. The first hard disk drive from IBM
cost $50,000, was only 5 MB, big, and cumbersome. Today, we have smartphones that have hundreds of
times the capacity at a much smaller price that we can carry with us in our pocket.

Each advancement of storage devices gives a computer the ability to store more data, as well as save and
access data faster.
What is a storage location?

When saving anything on a computer, it may ask you for a storage location, which is the area where you
would like to save the information. By default, most information is saved to your computer hard drive. If
you want to move the information to another computer, save it to a removable storage device such as a flash
drive.

Which storage devices are used today?

Most of the storage devices mentioned above are no longer used with today’s computers. Most computers
today primarily use an SSD to store information and have the options for USB flash drives and access to
cloud storage. Some desktop computers with disc drives use a disc drive that is capable of reading and
writing CDs and DVDs.

What storage device has the largest capacity?

For most computers, the largest storage device is the hard drive or SSD. However, networked computers
may also have access to larger storage with large tape drives, cloud computing, or NAS devices. Below is a
list of storage devices from the smallest capacity to the largest capacity.

Primary Storage Devices

Primary Storage, also known as main storage or memory, is the main area in a computer in which data is
stored for quick access by the computer’s processor. Information must be transferred to primary storage. On
today’s smaller computers, especially personal computers and workstations, the term random access
memory (RAM) – or just memory – is used instead of primary, main storage, core memory, or immediate
access storage, internal storage, and the hard disk, diskette, CD, and DVD collectively describe secondary
storage or auxiliary storage.

It allows very fast access to data. It is relatively move expensive. A CPU has three element or parts primary
storage, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and control unit. Primary storage is fast and expensive as compared to
secondary storage.

Primary storage device are :-

 RAM (Random Access Memory)

 ROM (Read Only Memory)
 PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
 EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the hardware in a computing device where the operating system (OS),
application programs and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the device’s
processor. RAM is the main memory in a computer, and it is much faster to read from and write to than
other kinds of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD) or optical drive.

Random Access Memory is volatile. That means data is retained in RAM as long as the computer is on, but
it is lost when the computer is turned off. When the computer is rebooted, the OS and other files are
reloaded into RAM, usually from an HDD or SSD.
Function of RAM

Because of its volatility, RAM can’t store permanent data. RAM can be compared to a person’s short-term
memory, and a hard disk drive to a person’s long-term memory. Short-term memory is focused on
immediate work, but it can only keep a limited number of facts in view at any one time. When a person’s
short-term memory fills up, it can be refreshed with facts stored in the brain’s long-term memory.

A computer also works this way. If RAM fills up, the computer’s processor must repeatedly go to the hard
disk to overlay the old data in RAM with new data. This process slows the computer’s operation.

Types of RAM

RAM comes in two primary forms:

(i) Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) makes up the typical computing device’s RAM and, as was
previously noted, it needs that power to be on to retain stored data.

Each DRAM cell has a charge or lack of charge held in an electrical capacitor. This data must be constantly
refreshed with an electronic charge every few milliseconds to compensate for leaks from the capacitator. A
transistor serves as a gate, determining whether a capacitor’s value can be read or written.

(ii) Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) also needs constant power to hold on to data, but it doesn’t need to
be continually refreshed the way DRAM does.

In SRAM, instead of a capacitor holding the charge, the transistor acts as a switch, with one position serving
as 1 and the other position as 0. Static RAM requires several transistors to retain one bit of data compared to
dynamic RAM which needs only one transistor per bit. As a result, SRAM chips are much larger and more
expensive than an equivalent amount of DRAM.

However, SRAM is significantly faster and uses less power than DRAM. The price and speed differences
mean static RAM is mainly used in small amounts as cache memory inside a computer’s processor.

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot write on it. This
type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such memories during
manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a computer. This operation is referred
to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the computer but also in other electronic items like washing
machine and microwave oven.

Advantages of ROM

The advantages of ROM are as follows

 Non-volatile in nature
  Cannot be accidentally changed
 Cheaper than RAMs
 Easy to test
 More reliable than RAMs
 Static and do not require refreshing
 Contents are always known and can be verified

3. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)

PROM or programmable ROM (programmable read-only memory) is a computer memory chip that can be
programmed once after it is created. Once the PROM is programmed, the information written is permanent
and cannot be erased or deleted. PROM was first developed by Wen Tsing Chow in 1956. An example of a
PROM is a computer BIOS in early computers. Today, PROM in computers has been replaced by
EEPROM.

When the PROM is created, all bits read as “1” and during the programming, any bit needing to be changed
to a “0” is etched or burned into the chip using a gang programmer. Below is an example of a gang
programmer from Advin that programs multiple ROM chips at one time.

If a PROM has been programmed and has an error or needs to be updated, the chip is discarded and a new
PROM is created, replacing the old chip. A variation of the PROM is an EPROM, which is a PROM that can
be erased and reprogrammed without being replaced.

4. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, EPROM is a non-volatile memory chip that was invented by
Dov Frohman in 1971 while at Intel that can only be read. If exposed to ultraviolet light, an EPROM can be
reprogrammed if needed, but otherwise does not accept or save any new data. Hardware manufactures use
EPROM when it may be needed that the data contained on the EPROM needs to be changed. An EPROM
chip is distinguishable by a small quartz crystal (not glass) circle window that exposes the chip so that can
be reprogrammed.

EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) is programmable read-only memory (programmable

ROM) that can be erased and re-used. Erasure is caused by shining an intense ultraviolet light through a
window that is designed into the memory chip. (Although ordinary room lighting does not contain enough
ultraviolet light to cause erasure, bright sunlight can cause erasure. For this reason, the window is usually
covered with a label when not installed in the computer.)

Secondary Storage Devices

A secondary storage device refers to any non-volatile storage device that is internal or external to the
computer. It can be any storage device beyond the primary storage that enables permanent data storage.

A secondary storage device is also known as an auxiliary storage device or external storage.

Secondary storage devices are primarily referred to a storage devices that serve as an addition to the
computer’s primary storage, RAM and cache memory. Typically, secondary storage allows for the storage
of data ranging from a few megabytes to petabytes. These devices store virtually all programs and
applications stored on a computer, including the operating system, device drivers, applications and general
user data. Most of the secondary storage devices are internal to the computer such as the hard disk drive, the
tape disk drive and even the compact disk drive and floppy disk drive.
Types of Secondary storage Devices in Computers are:

1. Read-only memory (ROM)

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers
(PCs) and other electronic devices. It contains the programming needed to start a PC, which is essential for
boot-up; it performs major input/output tasks and holds programs or software instructions.

Because ROM is read-only, it cannot be changed; it is permanent and non-volatile, meaning it also holds its
memory even when power is removed. By contrast, random access memory (RAM) is volatile; it is lost
when power is removed.

There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard and a few on expansion boards. The chips are
essential for the basic input/output system (BIOS), boot up, reading and writing to peripheral devices, basic
data management and the software for basic processes for certain utilities.

2. Hard disk drive (HDD)

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile computer storage device containing magnetic disks or platters
rotating at high speeds. It is a secondary storage device used to store data permanently, random access
memory (RAM) being the primary memory device. Non-volatile means data is retained when the computer
is turned off.

A hard disk drive is also known as a hard drive.

A hard drive fits inside a computer case and is firmly attached with the use of braces and screws to prevent it
from being jarred as it spins. Typically it spins at 5,400 to 15,000 RPM. The disk moves at an accelerated
rate, allowing data to be accessed immediately. Most hard drives operate on high speed interfaces using
serial ATA (SATA) or serial attached technology. When the platters rotate, an arm with a read/write head
extends across the platters. The arm writes new data to the platters and reads new data from them. Most hard
drives use enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) including cables and connectors to the motherboard.
All data is stored magnetically, allowing information to be saved when power is shut off.

Hard drives need a read only memory (ROM) controller board to instruct the read/write heads how, when
and where to move across the platters. Hard drives have disks stacked together and spin in unison. The
read/write heads are controlled by an actuator, which magnetically reads from and writes to the platters. The
read/write heads float on a film of air above the platters. Both sides of the platters are used to store data.
Each side or surface of one disk is called a head, with each one divided into sectors and tracks. All tracks are
the same distance from the center of the disk. Collectively they comprise one cylinder. Data is written to a
disk starting at the furthest track. The read/write heads move inward to the next cylinder once the first
cylinder is filled.

3. Floppy Disk

A floppy disk drive (FDD), or floppy drive, is a hardware device that reads data storage information. It was
invented in 1967 by a team at IBM and was one of the first types of hardware storage that could read/write a
portable device. FDDs are used for reading and writing on removable floppy discs. Floppy disks are now
outdated, and have been replaced by other storage devices such as USB and network file transfer.

A floppy disk commonly came in three sizes, 8 inches, 5.5 inches and 3.5 inches, becoming smaller as the
technology advanced. The newer, 3.5-inch version used more cutting-edge technology and held more data
than previous models, while the original 8-inch floppy drive was developed to load hardware-level
instructions and/or data structures called microcode into the IBM System/370 mainframe. The 8-inch
flexible diskette was read-only, held 80 kilobytes of memory and was referred to as a memory disk. Eight-
inch floppy drives did not connect to the motherboard, but rotated on a turntable that was run by an idler
wheel.

As the floppy disk advanced to a smaller 5.5- and 3.5-inch designs, the FDD changed as well. To
accommodate a smaller floppy disk, an FDD had to make aggressive changes by matching the size of the
floppy disk drive opening to the size of the floppy disk for compatibility. For many years, the majority of
PCs and notebooks had a floppy drive. Using a floppy disk to exchange data between PCs was a standard
method for many computer technicians. The floppy disk was one of the most common ways to store
adequate amounts of data outside of a computer’s hard drive for personal use because they were inexpensive
and easy to carry.

4. CD-ROM

Stands for “Compact Disc Read-Only Memory.” A CD-ROM is a CD that can be read by a computer with
an optical drive. The “ROM” part of the term means the data on the disc is “read-only,” or cannot be altered
or erased. Because of this feature and their large capacity, CD-ROMs are a great media format for retail
software. The first CD-ROMs could hold about 600 MB of data, but now they can hold up to 700 MB. CD-
ROMs share the same technology as audio CDs, but they are formatted differently, allowing them to store
many types of data.

5. Magnetic Tape

A magnetic tape drive is a storage device that makes use of magnetic tape as a medium for storage.

It uses a long strip of narrow plastic film with tapes of thin magnetizable coating. It is essentially a device
which records or perhaps plays back video and audio using magnetic tape, examples of which are tape
recorders and video tape recorders.

Magnetic tape drives store data on magnetic tape using digital recording.

The tapes are usually stored on cartridges or cassettes, but for drives that are used as data storage tape
backups, the tape is often wound on reels. Magnetic tape is not the most dense data storage medium, but as
of 2010 the record for the largest data capacity in magnetic tape was 29.5GB per square inch and the Linear
Tape-Open (LTO) supported continuous data transfer rates up to 140 MB/s which was comparable to most
hard disks drives.

A tape drive is only able to move tape in a single direction and hence can only provide sequential access
storage, unlike a disk drive which may provide random access as well as sequential access.

The reason magnetic tape drives are still in use today, especially as an offline data backup, is because of
long archival stability and very favorable unit costs.

6. Cartridge Hard Disk

A typical hard disk is built right into your computer or is housed in a box nearby-and you never see the
actual hard disk or take it out of its container. A cartridge hard disk, though, is removable. It works kind of
like a giant floppy disk in that it slips into a slot in a special kind of removable hard drive case (actually, it’s
more like sliding a video tape into a VCR).

A typical cartridge hard disk holds 44 megabytes (there are also 88s).
Comparison of Sequential and Direct- Access
Devices
Difference between Sequential and Random Access Files

When we are talking about sequential or random access to data files we refer to the way data is written or
read from a file on a computer system.

Sequential Access to a data file means that the computer system reads or writes information to the file
sequentially, starting from the beginning of the file and proceeding step by step.

On the other hand, Random Access to a file means that the computer system can read or write information
anywhere in the data file. This type of operation is also called “Direct Access” because the computer system
knows where the data is stored (using Indexing) and hence goes “directly” and reads the data.

Sequential access has advantages when you access information in the same order all the time. Also is faster
than random access.

On the other hand, random access file has the advantage that you can search through it and find the data you
need more easily (using indexing for example). Random Access Memory (RAM) in computers works like
that.

Difference between Sequential and Random Access Drives and Storage

As a quick example, modern computer hard disks are using Random Access whereas Tape Storage devices
(used for offline backups) use Sequential Access.

Data storage proves itself time and time again to be a primary security concern for many businesses. When
investing in quality storage solutions for your company, there are many details to understand about this
complicated facet of information technology. One confusing issue is the difference between sequential and
random access drives.

The easiest way to understand this is that a sequential drive stores files and data in a specific order, whilst a
random access drive puts them all over the place.

The old fashioned tape drive is a sequential drive. Although tape drives are no longer used in modern PCs,
some companies still use them to create durable backup archives.

Meanwhile, a modern disk drive can be programmed to store data either sequentially or through random
access. CDs and DVDs can also use both methods. A music CD, for example, is sequential, but one with a
database on it might use random access in order to fit more data onto the disk.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach. Although tape drives are now inappropriate for
frequent use scenarios due to their slow access speed, they are just as efficient when moving large chunks of
data. It is faster to access a specific file if it is all together, rather than spread out over several sectors of the
disk.
This advantage, however, disappears when the data needs to be accessed in a large number of small pieces.
Large databases are more quickly accessed when structured randomly, as sequential architecture forces the
computer to load the entire database to obtain one record. Also, as random access methods put data
wherever there is space, they work better in situations where data is rapidly modified.

Products like Dell data storage use smart algorithms to decide the most efficient way to store data. For most
modern purposes, this will be random access, although for backup archives that are rarely needed, tape
drives might be optimal. It’s possible to use software to optimize data recall speeds according to which
method is being used and understanding whether your applications are storing their data sequentially or by
random access is useful.