COMPUTER STUDIES CONTENT

COMPUTER STORAGE

21 MARCH 2024

RWAUYA

STORAGE MEDIA

These are devices used to store data and programs for future use.

Methods of storing data:

Refers to ways files and records are stored on a storage media, that is the arrangement of
data.

These include: -

 Serial Storage: Data is stored as they occur without following any order, as on
magnetic tapes. –
 Sequential Storage: Data is stored using a predefined order, either in ascending or
descending order of a key field, as occurs on magnetic tapes. –
 Direct (Random) Storage: Data is stored in a random way using an index, as on
diskettes, hard disks, CD- ROMs, etc.

Methods of Accessing Data

These are methods used to retrieve data held on storage media. These include:

(1) Serial Access: Data is retrieved in the order it is stored, reading files one after another
from the first until the required data is found in an unsorted list of records. It is very slow and
time wasting in accessing records far away from the first position but is faster to access data
at first position of the disk. It is used in magnetic tapes.

(2) Sequential Access: Data is retrieved in the order stored, from the first until the required
data is found, using a key field in a sorted list of records, as in magnetic tapes.

(3) Direct (Random) Access: Data is retrieved by going directly to the needed file, as applied
in hard disks, diskettes, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Memory Sticks, etc. It is a very fast method
of accessing data.

Storage Capacity Refers to the amount (volume) of data a device can store.

The following storage measurements can be used:

o Bit: The smallest unit of data a computer can store, either a 1 or a 0.

o Nibble: refers to half a byte, that is, a group of 4 bits.
 o Byte: a group of 8 bits representing a character. For example, the letter C is
represented by the byte 01000011.
o Kilobyte (KB): this refers to 1024 bytes.
o Megabyte (MB): 1 MB is equivalent to 1 048 576 bytes.
o Gigabytes (GB): 1024 megabytes (approximately 1 billion bytes)
o Terabytes (TB): refers to 1 099 511 627 776 bytes (approximately 1 024 GB)

*NB:-Formatting (initialising) a disk: this is the process of creating new tracks and sectors on
the disk that will be used in storing data. When a disk is formatted, existing tracks and sectors
are destroyed, including the data stored on them, and new ones are created.

After formatting, the disk will be blank. Formatting is done using the FAT or the NTFS file
system.

FAT (or FAT16) stands for File Allocation Table: - It is a file system used by MS-DOS and
Windows operating systems to organise and manage files. It is a data structure that Windows
creates when you format a volume by using FAT or FAT32 file system. Windows will store
information about each file in a FAT so that it can retrieve the file later. FAT uses 16 bit
filing system. FAT32 uses 32 bit values and uses drive space more efficiently and supports
drives of up to 2 TB. Storage media is grouped in primary storage and secondary storage:

1. PRIMARY STORAGE (MAIN MEMORY, MAIN STORE, IMMEDIATE

ACCESS MEMORY, INTERNAL STORAGE)

Refers to a group of chips inside the processing unit where data is held temporarily whilst
processing takes place. Main memory is very fast and reliable to use. Data is instantly
accessed due to its proximity to the processor. Main storage is used for: Storage of
instructions waiting to be obeyed by the computer. Storage of programs currently being run
on the computer. Storage of data currently being processed. Storage of input data before
processing. Storage of output data, waiting to be saved or output to the printer. Acts as a
working area for data currently being processed. Main memory is grouped in to RAM and
ROM.

(a) RAM (Random Access Memory):

A memory chip inside CPU casing used to store data and programs temporarily during
processing. The uses of RAM are: To store programs currently running on the computer.
Storage of data being processed in the computer.Storage of output data.Acts as a working
area for data and programs.

RAM is volatile, which means that it loses its contents when power is switched off. RAM is
in two forms; that is, dynamic and static RAM. Static RAM is a Random Access Memory
chip whose contents do not change as long as there is continuous power supply. Dynamic
RAM is Random Access Memory chip whose contents can be lost even if there is continuous
power supply. Dynamic RAM needs to be refreshed to prevent loss of data. The size of
RAM also affects the speed of operation of a computer and the number of programs that can
be run on it. RAM size can be 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 126 MB, 256 MB, 448 MB, 1 GB,
etc. The bigger the RAM size, the better the efficiency of the computer and the bigger the
number of programs it can run at a given time.

(b) ROM (Read Only Memory):

ROM is a semi-conductor circuit (chip) whose contents can only be read from and cannot be
erased or modified. ROM contents are fixed during manufacturing, that is, they are hard –
wired. These contents can only be read from and cannot be modified. The uses of ROM are:
Stores the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS-refers to software that test hardware at start-up,
starts the operating system and support data transfer between devices.) of the computer.
Stores control programs for the operation of the computer and its peripherals. Stores
translator programs. ROM is grouped into: Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM): This
is a ROM chip whose contents can be changed but only once. It is re-programmable only
once. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM): This is a Read Only Memory
chip whose contents can be erased and modified several times. Electrically Erasable Read
Only Memory (EEPROM): This is a Read Only Memory chip whose contents can be erased
and modified several times using electricity. *NB:- Firmware (microcode):-refers to coded
instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory, for example BIOS.

SECONDARY STORAGE (BACKING STORAGE/AUXILIARY

STORAGE/EXTERNAL STORAGE)

These are devices used to store data and programs for future use outside the computer
systems. It is a supplement to main storage. Backing storage is non-volatile. Backing storage
is grouped into magnetic storage and optical storage.

Magnetic Storage These store data on magnetised field of iron oxide and include magnetic
tapes, zip drives, diskettes, hard drives and flash drives.

(a) Magnetic Tapes:

They are similar to a normal cassette tape in shape. They store data in serial and sequential
order. They are mostly used to backup data. Their storage capacity can be up to 20 GB. Data
is also accessed in serial or sequential order. They can be used as off-line storage media.

Magnetic tape

Magnetic tapes have the following advantages: Data can be arranged in any ordered
sequence. They are re-usable, that is can be overwritten several times. Suitable for high hit
rate processing systems like payroll, billing systems, etc. They last for a very long period of
time, and thus can be used to keep historical records. They are very cheap to buy. They store
very large volumes of data, of up to 20 GB. However, they have the following disadvantages:
It takes too long to find (search for) a needed record in a long list of data records. It is very
difficult to update record held in a magnetic tape. It takes too long to update records, time
wasting. They are prone to humid (moist) conditions.
 (b) Hard Disk (Hard Drive):

These are disks used to store large volumes of data and programs, including operating
systems and are resident in the CPU casing. Data is stored on tracks in a random way and
data retrieval is in a random way. Hard disks can store data of up to 300 GB, but ranges from

Uses of Hard Disk:

Creating backups for data storing, communication and applications software. Storing of the
operating system from which the computer will boot. Transferring large volumes of data from
one computer to another. Hard disks have the following advantages: It is easier to access data
stored on hard disks. They have a long life span, of about 5 years or more. Provides direct
access to data. It is easier and faster to update data on hard disks. They are more robust. Have
large storage capacity, about 300 GB or more. Disadvantages of Hard Disks: Are fixed inside
the CPU casing and therefore cannot be repaired once damaged. Not suitable for processing
of files with a high hit rate (they are low processing disks). Can easily crush if computer is
not switched off properly. They are expensive to buy.

(c) Diskette (Floppy Disk):

A 3.5 inch and plastic magnetic disk enclosed in a stiff envelope with a radial slit; used to
store data or programs. They have a storage capacity of 1.44 MB. They are used as backing
storage for small volumes of data. Data is stored on tracks in a random way. Direct access to
data is provided. Its features are shown below: Diagram of a Diskette: Notes on Diagram
Rigid plastic case: - protects the disk inside from damage. Write protect Window: When it is
open, data cannot be written on disk, unless it is closed. It is a method of preventing data on
disk from being modified. Disk Label: this is where the user writes some information, for
example his/her name, disk contents, etc. High Density Window: - indicates that a disk can
store data on two sides, thus allowing more data to be stored on them. 1.44 MB disks are
double density disks.

Uses of diskettes are: Creating backups for small amounts of data. Transferring small
amounts of data from one computer to another.Booting up the computer in case of system
failure, for system recovery.Storage of small programs and data. Advantages of Diskettes:
They are portable (easy to carry around as they can fit in a shirt pocket.). Conceals less
electricity. Most are high Double Density Diskettes. Disadvantages of Diskettes: have very
short life span (not durable). Can be affected by humid conditions.Can easily be affected by
dusty conditions.Can easily be damaged if placed close to the screen for a long time.Takes
long to read data into memory than from a hard disk. Hold very small amount of data, 1.44
MB. Caring for diskettes: Do not place them near magnetised field or near the computer
screen. Keep them free from dust. Keep of dry place. Do not expose them to direct sunlight.

(d) Zip Drives: Similar to diskettes in shape but does not flop. Data is stored in a random
way. Data is accessed in a random way. Storage capacity is 100 MB.
Zip drive

Advantages of Zip Drives: They are portable (easy to carry around as they can fit in a shirt
pocket.). Conceals less electricity. Most are high Double Density drives. More durable than
diskettes Disadvantages of Zip Drives: Hold small amount of data of about 100 MB. Can be
affected by humid conditions.Can easily be affected by dusty conditions.Can easily be
damaged if placed close to the screen for a long time.

(e) Memory Sticks / Flash Drive: These are small drives that can be plugged on the Universal
Serial Bus (USB) of the CPU. Provide direct storage and access to data.

Memory stick

Storage capacity ranges from 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 32 GB. Advantages of Memory
Sticks: have a long life span about 3 yrs. Have large storage capacity about 8 GB or more.
Provide direct access to data. Very cheap to buy. Portable since they can fit in a pocket.
Disadvantages of Flash Drives: Older machines have no sockets to plug in memory sticks.
They need software/drivers installed for them to work. They can get lost easily. Virus spread
quickly through them.

1. Bus: A communication line used for data transfer among the components of a computer
system 2. USB: - An external bus that supports Plug and Play installation of devices. Using
USB, you can connect and disconnect devices without shutting down or restarting your
computer. You can use a single USB port to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, including
speakers, telephones, CD-ROM drives, joysticks, tape drives, keyboards, scanners, and
cameras. A USB port is usually located on the back of your computer near the serial port or
parallel port. 3. USB port: An interface on the computer that enables you to connect a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) device. USB is an external bus standard that enables data transfer
rates of 12 Mbps (12 million bits per second).

(f) Memory Cards: memory card is like a portable hard disk that fits into personal computer
card slot.

Memory cards

They offer direct access to data, are portable, can fit even on tablet computers like cell
phones, have large storage capacity of up to 8 GB. They can get lost easily. Virus spread
quickly through them.

OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA:

Refers to devices that use light to store data on them and these include Compact Disks,
Digital Versatile Disks, Video Compact Disks, etc 1. CD (Compact Disk): It is spherical disc
that uses laser beam technology to read and write data. It stores data on tracks in a random
way. Data retrieval is in random order. Storage capacity is 750 MB. Writing of data on CD is
done by a device called CD writer/burner.

Compact disc
Uses of compact disks: Transferring data from one computer to another. Creating backup
storage for programs and data. Booting the computer when loading the operating system or
restoring damaged system files (system repair). Advantages of CDs: Provide fast and direct
access to data. Has large storage capacity of about 750 MB. Produces high quality sound and
pictures. It is a multi-media device. Disadvantages of CDs: Can be affected by direct
sunlight. Less durable. They can easily get scratched.

Types of CDs 1. CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) a common form of optical
Disks on which data, once it has been recorded, cannot be modified. 2. CD-W (CD-
Writeable) an optical disk that can be written upon, but only once. 3. CD-RW (CD-
Rewriteable) on optical disk that allows personal computer users to replace their diskettes
with high-capacity CDs that can be written upon and edited over.

Advantages to schools of storing learning materials on a CD-ROM other than using the
Internet

1. No danger of accessing doubtful websites.

2. Does not take as long to find required information.
3. Do not have to have a modem.
4. Do not need for a telephone line.
5. Once CD ROM is bought there is no additional expenditure.
6. Do not have to remember user id/password.
7. Usually quicker to load material.
8. Information on CD is more reliable

Disadvantages to schools of storing learning materials on a CD-ROM other than using

the Internet

1. CD ROM can be lost easily.

2. CD ROM can be damaged easily.
3. Internet is up to date while CD ROM is soon out of date.
4. CD ROMs are expensive to replace and to update.
5. Less information can be stored on the CD-ROM as compared to the internet.

2. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc):

Are spherical in shape that can store data on 2 sides.Stores data on tracks in a random way.
Data retrieval is in random order. Storage capacity is about 4 GB. Writing of data on DVD is
done by a device called DVD writer/burner. Uses of DVDs: Transferring larges volumes of
data from one computer to another. Creating backup storage for programs and data. Booting
the computer when loading the operating system or restoring damaged system files (system
repair) Advantages of DVDs: Provide fast and direct access to data. Has large storage
capacity of about 4 GB. Produces high quality sound and pictures. It is a multi-media device.
Disadvantages of DVDs: Can be affected by direct sunlight. Less durable. They can easily get
scratched. Caring for DVDs, VCDs and CDs: Do not expose them to direct sunlight. Do not
touch the recording surface. Use soft marker for labelling and not ball point. Keep the free
form dust conditions.

*NB: - Virtual Memory – Refers to temporary storage (on hard disk) used by the computer to
run programs that need more memory (RAM) than the computer has. For example, programs
could have access to 4 gigabytes of virtual memory on a computer's hard drive, even if the
computer has only 32 megabytes of RAM.