3.

7 Data Storage
Data storage is crucial for any computer system. It allows data to be stored temporarily
for processing or permanently for future use. In this module, we’ll explore the main
categories of storage, their characteristics, and how they work.

Introduction to Data Storage

Data storage in computer systems is broadly classified into two categories:

1. Primary Storage – Directly accessed by the CPU, used for temporary or

immediate storage of data during processing.
2. Secondary Storage – Stores data permanently and is accessed when needed by
the CPU.

Primary Storage
Primary storage refers to storage types that the CPU can directly access. These include:

1. Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Volatile storage: Data is lost when the power is turned off.

• Purpose: Stores data and programs that are currently in use.
• Dynamic nature: Contents change frequently as the CPU processes data.
• Upgradability: The capacity of RAM can be increased by adding more RAM
components.

2. Read-Only Memory (ROM)

• Non-volatile storage: Data remains intact even when the power is off.
• Purpose: Stores essential programs like the BIOS and the bootstrap program.
• Fixed content: ROM contents are preprogrammed and rarely changed.
Comparison Table of RAM and ROM

Characteristic
RAM ROM
s
Type Volatile Non-volatile
Stores active programs & Stores boot programs
Usage
data (BIOS)
Upgradability Easy to upgrade Difficult to alter

Key Terms

• Primary Storage: Storage directly accessed by the CPU.

• RAM: Temporary storage for active processes.
• ROM: Permanent storage for startup instructions.

Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is used for long-term storage of data and instructions. Unlike
primary storage, it is not directly accessed by the CPU. Data from secondary storage
must be loaded into primary storage before processing.

Types of Secondary Storage

1. Magnetic Storage
a. Relies on magnetism to store data.
b. Example: Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
c. Structure:
i. Circular plates (platters) with magnetized dots represent binary
data (1s and 0s).
ii. A read/write head moves across the platters to access or modify
data.
d. Activity: Research the history of magnetic storage, including floppy disks
and magnetic tape.
2. Optical Storage
a. Uses lasers to read and write data on circular disks.
b. Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays.
c. Operation:
i. Data is stored as pits and lands on a spiral track.
ii. A laser reads the pattern to interpret the stored binary data.
d. Activity: Draw a diagram of an optical storage system.
 3. Solid-State Storage
a. No moving parts, relies on semiconductor chips.
b. Examples: Solid State Drive (SSD), USB flash drives.
c. Operation:
i. Data is stored in cells formed by transistors arranged in grids.
ii. Types: NAND (series wiring) and NOR (parallel wiring).
d. Activity: Identify other solid-state storage devices besides SSDs and USB
drives.

Key Terms

• Magnetic Storage: Uses magnetism to store data.

• Optical Storage: Uses lasers for data storage and retrieval.
• Solid-State Storage: Uses transistors and chips for data storage.

Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is not a physical storage device but an extension of the RAM created
using the hard drive.

• Purpose: Provides temporary storage when RAM is full.

• Process:
o Data from RAM is divided into units called pages.
o Less critical data is moved to the virtual memory.
o When required, pages are moved back to RAM for processing.

Diagram: Include a visual representation of how virtual memory operates.

Key Terms

• Virtual Memory: Temporary memory extension of the RAM.

• Page: A unit of data transferred to or from virtual memory.

Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is a modern solution for storing data online rather than on physical
devices.

• How it works:
 o Data is stored on remote servers and accessed via the internet.
o Providers: Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, etc.
• Advantages:
o Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
o Scalability for large storage needs.
• Disadvantages:
o Dependency on internet connectivity.
o Privacy and security concerns.

Fun Fact

The term "cloud" comes from the idea of large collections of data resembling clouds of
millions of raindrops.

Future Trends in Data Storage

As data requirements grow, new technologies are being developed:

• Holographic Data Storage:

o Stores data in crystals using laser beams.
o A single grain-sized crystal can store a terabyte of data.
• DNA Data Storage:
o Encodes data into synthetic DNA strands.
o Promises extremely high density and durability.

QCM: Data Storage

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of primary storage?

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

2. Solid State Drive (SSD)
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
4. Optical Disk
Question 2

Which type of memory is non-volatile?

1. RAM
2. ROM
3. Virtual Memory
4. Cache

Question 3

What is the primary function of virtual memory?

1. Store active programs and data.

2. Extend RAM using hard drive space.
3. Permanently store user files.
4. Process BIOS instructions.

Question 4

In optical storage, data is stored as:

1. Magnetic dots.
2. Electrical charges.
3. Pits and lands.
4. Transistor states.

Question 5

What does cloud storage primarily require?

1. A USB connection.
2. Internet access.
3. An SSD device.
4. A local server.
Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of Solid-State Drives (SSD)?

1. Uses moving parts.

2. Slower than HDD.
3. Uses transistors and chips.
4. Stores data using magnetism.

Question 7

The contents of RAM:

1. Are permanent.
2. Are volatile.
3. Cannot be changed.
4. Are stored in the BIOS.

Question 8

Which type of storage is best for long-term, large-volume data storage?

1. ROM
2. HDD
3. RAM
4. Cache

Question 9

What is stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

1. User files.
2. Operating system updates.
3. Startup instructions like BIOS.
4. Temporary files.
Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage?

1. HDD
2. RAM
3. SSD
4. CD/DVD

Question 11

What is the primary disadvantage of cloud storage?

1. Limited capacity.
2. High cost.
3. Dependency on internet access.
4. No scalability.

Question 12

In a hard disk, data is stored on:

1. Pits and lands.

2. Platters.
3. Chips.
4. Grid cells.

Question 13

Which type of storage can be upgraded by adding more components?

1. ROM
2. HDD
3. RAM
4. Optical Disk
Question 14

What does the term non-volatile mean?

1. Data is lost when power is off.

2. Data remains even without power.
3. Data is frequently updated.
4. Data is stored temporarily.

Question 15

Which is a potential future trend in data storage?

1. Magnetic storage.
2. Virtual memory.
3. DNA data storage.
4. ROM advancements.