STORAGE
DEVICES AND
MEDIA
MADE BY – AGNEY MARUTI DHANAPUNE GRADE – 8TH A
Roll No – 03
IN THIS TOPIC YOU WILL
LEARN ABOUT
Storage devices :
Magnetic (hard disk drive(HDD) and magnetic tape drive )
Optical(CD,DVD and Blu ray read/write devices)
Solid state(SSD,pen drive and flash drive)
Storage media :
Magnetic media (magnetic disks and magnetic tape)
Optical(CD,DVD and Blu ray discs)
Solid state including SD,XD and Cfast).
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY
STORAGE DEVICES AND
STORAGE MEDIA ?
A storage device is a hardware device that is used to store, retrieve, and
Ans -
manage digital information or data. It is a crucial component of computers and
electronic systems, allowing users to save and access their files, programs, and
other types of data. Examples of storage devices – HDD,SDD,USB Flash drive
and external hard drive.
Storage media refers to physical devices or materials used to store, retain, and
retrieve digital data or information.This media can be internal or external to the
computer to store and access data.Examples of storage media – optical disk and
magnetic tape.
MAGNETIC TAPE DRIVES
Magnetic tape drives are a type of data storage technology that uses magnetic tape as the
storage medium. The tape is coated with a magnetic material that can hold digital information
in the form of magnetic patterns.
Uses - Used as a backup media where vast amounts of data need to be stored.
Use in applications where batch processing is used.
Advantages - They are generally less expensive (per byte) than the equivalent hard disk drive.
They have a huge data storage capacity.
Disadvantages - They are affected by magnetic fields.
Very slow data access times.
HARD DISK DRIVE (HDD)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional magnetic storage device that uses spinning disks to
store data. Found in many desktop and laptop computers.And it stores data in digital format
where magnetic surfaces are available.
Uses - Used in file servers for computer networks.
To store the operating system, systems software and working data/files.
Advantages - Cost-Effective: HDDs are cost-effective when considering the amount of
storage space they offer. They have a very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.
Disadvantages - Bulkier and Heavier: HDDs are typically larger and heavier than equivalent-
capacity SSDs. This factor can be important in situations where space and weight are critical
considerations.And This type of drive is too noisy which makes audible noise.
OPTICAL MEDIA AND
OPTICAL STORAGE DEVICES
CD CD – R And DVD - R
Uses of CD/DVD R - Home recordings of
A CD, or Compact Disc, is an optical music (CD-R) and films (DVD-R). store
storage medium that uses lasers to read data to be kept for later use or to be
and write digital data. transferred to another computer.
Data is stored in pits and lands. Advantages - Cheaper medium than RW
CD or DVD are of 3 types – CD And
disks. Once burned (and finalised) they
behave like a ROM.
DVD R And CD and DVD RW. CD/DVD
ROM. Disadvantages - Can only be recorded
CD R means the data can be written once.
once; if an error occurs then the disk has
to be thrown away. Not all CD/DVD
players can read CD-R/DVD-R.
ANOTHER TYPE OF CD/DVD IS
CD AND DVD RW
CD/DVD RW means that the data can be read or written many times.
Uses - Used in CCTV systems. Can be used as a backup device for files and data.
Advantages - Can use different file formats each time it is used.
Can be written over many times.
Disadvantages - Possible to accidentally overwrite data.
Can be relatively expensive media.
CD/DVD ROM
A CD/DVD-ROM, or Compact Disc/Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory, is a type of
optical disc drive that can only read data from CDs or DVDs.
Uses - CD-ROM is used to store music files and to store software, computer games and
reference software (such as an encyclopaedia). CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs are used in
applications where there is a real need to prevent the deletion or overwriting of important data.
Advantages - They are less expensive than hard disk drive systems.
Disadvantages - The data transfer rate/data access time is slower than for hard disks.
BLU RAY DISCS
A Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed for high-definition video and data
storage. It offers greater storage capacity than DVDs and is commonly used for distributing high-
quality movies and storing large data files.
A blue laser, rather than a red laser, is used to carry out Blu-ray read and write operations; Using
blue laser light means that the pits and lands can be much smaller; A single-layer Blu-ray disc
has a storage capacity of 27 GB.
Uses – Home Video Consoles. Camcorders can use this media (in cartridge form) to store
movies.
Advantages - Very fast data transfer rate. Very large storage capacity, therefore ideal for storing
high definition movies.
Disadvantages - Relatively expensive discs. Encryption problems (which are used to stop piracy)
when used to store video.
SOLID STATE TECHNOLOGY
SSDs use NAND-based flash memory to store data. They are faster and more durable than
HDDs because they have no moving parts.
Uses – Used in Gaming Consoles.
Used for operating system installation.
Advantages - they have a lower power consumption.
they are more reliable (no moving parts to go wrong).
Disadvantages - Cost: SSDs are generally more expensive per gigabyte compared to
traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), making them a pricier storage option.
Capacity Cost: High-capacity SSDs can be especially expensive, limiting cost-effective
options for users with extensive storage needs.
PEN DRIVE
A pen drive, also known as a USB flash drive or thumb drive, is a portable data storage device
that uses flash memory and connects to a computer or other electronic devices through a USB
port. It is commonly used for storing, transferring, and transporting digital files due to its
compact size and convenience.
Uses - Transporting files between computers or using as a backing store.
Used as a security device to prevent software piracy (known as a dongle).
Advantages - They are not affected by magnetic fields.
Does not need additional software to work on most computers.
Disadvantages - Cannot write protect the data/files by making it ‘read-only’.
Easy to lose (due to the small physical size).
FLASH DRIVE
A flash drive, also known as a USB flash drive or thumb drive, is a portable storage device
that uses flash memory to store and transfer data. It connects to a computer or other devices
through a USB port and is widely used for its compact size, ease of use, and versatility in
storing digital files.
Uses - Multimedia: Playing music or videos on compatible devices without installation.
Security: Using encrypted flash drives for secure storage of sensitive information.
Advantages - Portability: Compact and lightweight, easy to carry in pockets or on keychains.
Data Storage: Provides a convenient and portable solution for storing digital files.
Disadvantages - Limited Lifespan: Flash memory has a finite number of write cycles, leading
to eventual wear and potential failure. Data Security: Flash drives can be prone to data
security risks if lost or stolen, especially if not encrypted.
MAGNETIC MEDIA
A magnetic disk is a type of storage device that uses magnetized surfaces to store digital data.
It typically consists of one or more spinning disks coated with a magnetic material, and data is
read from or written to the disk using a magnetic head.
Uses - File Sharing: Supporting shared file systems and network-attached storage (NAS) for
collaborative work environments. Data Backup: Storing backup copies of important files and
system data for redundancy and recovery.
Advantages - High Capacity: Offers large storage capacities for data.
Cost-Effective: Generally provides cost-effective storage solutions.
Disadvantages - Heat Generation: Can generate heat during prolonged use.
Slower Speeds: Generally slower read and write speeds compared to SSDs.
MAGNETIC TAPE
In short, a magnetic tape is a data storage medium that uses a long strip of magnetizable
material to record digital information.
Uses - Data Recovery: Retrieval of data in case of system failures or disasters.
Data Backup: Storing backup copies of critical data for redundancy.
Advantages - Data Preservation: Used for preserving historical and critical data in various
industries. Reliability: Proven reliability and stability for data storage over time.
Disadvantages - Data Recovery Challenges: Data recovery from damaged tapes can be
complex and costly. Not Suitable for Small Files: Inefficient for storing and retrieving small
files due to sequential access.
MEMORY CARDS
A memory card is an electronic data storage device used for storing digital information,
typically using flash memory. There are 3 types of memory card formats – SD Card – (Secure
Digital Card) XD Card – (Extreme Digital Card) And Cfast Card – (Compact fast card).
Uses - Storing photos on digital cameras.
Used as mobile phone memory cards.
Advantages - Very compact – can be easily removed and used in another device or for
transferring photos directly to a computer or printer. They can hold large amounts of data.
Disadvantages - Have a finite life regarding number of times they can be read from or written
to. Expensive per gigabyte of memory when compared to hard disk drives.