ICT in Business

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Learning Objectives
In this chapter you will learn
about:
 Basic Concept of Storage Devices
 Types of Storage Devices
 Difference between RAM & ROM
 Explain How Data is Stored and Organized
in Magnetic Storage Devices
 Different types of Magnetic Storage Devices
 Different types of Optical Storage Devices
 Different types of Solid State Storage
Devices (SSD)
 Storage Devices
 A storage device is hardware that is used for
storing, porting, or extracting data files
 It can be used either internally or externally to a
computer system, server or any comparable
computing device to hold information.
 It can also store information/data both
temporarily and permanently.
 Without a storage device, a computer would not
be able to run or even boot up
 It involves two processes:
 Writing, or recording, the data so it can be found later
for use.
 Reading the stored data, then transferring it into the
computer's memory,
Types of Storage
Devices
PrimaryStorage Devices
Secondary Storage Devices:
Primary Storage Devices
It is also known as internal
memory and main memory.
This is a section of the CPU that
holds program instructions, input
data, and intermediate results.
It is generally smaller in size.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
and ROM (Read Only Memory) are
examples of primary storage.
RAM
 Stands for Random Access Memory.
 RAM is a volatile memory which could
store the data as long as the power is
supplied.
 With the help of RAM, computers can
perform multiple tasks like loading
applications, browsing the web, editing
a spreadsheet, experiencing the newest
game, etc.
 It ranges from 1GB – 32GB/64GB
depending upon the specifications
RAM
The most common types of RAM
are;
 DRAM -Dynamic RAM must be
continuously refreshed, or otherwise, all
contents are lost.
 SRAM – Static RAM is faster, needs less
power but is more expensive. However,
it does need to be refreshed like DRAM.
 Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) –
This type of RAM can run at very high
clock speeds.
ROM
Stands for Read-Only Memory.
ROM is a non-volatile memory
which could retain the data even
when power is turned off.
ROM stores instructions that are
used to start a computer.
ROM chips can only store few
megabytes (MB) of data, which
ranges between 4 and 8 MB per
ROM chip.
ROM
The most common types of ROM are;
 PROM: The full form of PROM is Programmable Read-
Only memory. This type of ROM is written or
programmed using a particular device.
 EPROM: The full form of EPROM is Erasable
Programmable Read-only memory. It stores
instructions, but you can erase only by exposing the
memory to ultraviolet light.
 EEPROM stands for electrically Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory. It stores and
deletes instructions on a special circuit.
 Mask ROM is a full form of MROM is a type of read-
only memory (ROM) whose contents can be
programmed only by an integrated circuit
manufacturer.
 Differences between RAM and
ROM
RAM ROM

RAM is a volatile memory which ROM is a non-volatile memory

could store the data as long as which could retain the data
the power is supplied. even when power is turned off.

Data stored in RAM can be Data stored in ROM can only be

retrieved and altered. read.

It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.

The CPU cannot access the data

The CPU can access the data
stored on it unless the data is
stored on it.
stored in RAM.

The price of ROM is

Secondary Storage
Devices
The primary storage of a computer
has some limitations;
 Limited capacity
 Volatile
Secondary storage is used in a
computer system to overcome the
limitations of primary storage.
It is used to store large volumes of
data on a permanent basis.
It is also known as "auxiliary memory.
Types of Secondary Storage
Devices
Secondary storage devices are
generally separated into three
types:
 Magnetic Storage Devices
 Optical Storage Devices
 Solid State Storage Devices (SSD)
Magnetic Storage Devices
Most common form of storage
Data is stored with using magnetized
medium.
Can be performed read/write activities
very easily.
Have huge capacities for storing data
that it’s more attractive point
These storage devices are not more
costly but their data accessing power
is slow.
Data Storage and Retrieval
in Magnetic Storage
Devices
Media is covered with iron oxide
Read/write head is a magnet
Magnet writes charges on the
media
 Positive charge is a 1
 Negative charge is a 0
Magnet reads charges
Drive converts charges into binary
Storage Capacity
Calculation
Formula;
Storage capacity of a disk= Total
number of surfaces * Number of tracks
per surface * Number of sectors per track
* Number of bytes per sector
 Problem

Consider a disk pack with the following

specifications- 16 surfaces, 128 tracks
per surface, 256 sectors per track and
512 bytes per sector. What is the capacity
of disk pack?
Storage Capacity
Calculation
Solution;
Given,
 Number of surfaces = 16
 Number of tracks per surface = 128
 Number of sectors per track = 256
 Number of bytes per sector = 512 bytes
We Know,
Capacity of disk pack
= Total number of surfaces x Number of tracks per surface
x Number of sectors per track x Number of bytes per sector
= 16 x 128 x 256 x 512 bytes
= 268435456 Bytes
=268435456/ (1024*1024) MB
= 256 MB
Data Organization in
Magnetic Storage Devices
Disks must be formatted before
use
Format draws tracks on the disk
Uses magnet to access data
Tracks is divided into sectors
Data Organization in
Magnetic Storage Devices
Data is organized on the
disk in the form of tracks
and sectors, where tracks
are the circular divisions of
the disk. Tracks are further
divided into sectors that
contain blocks of data. All
read and write operations
on the magnetic disk are
performed on the sectors.
The floating heads require
very precise control to
read/write data due to the
proximity of the tracks.
Types of Magnetic Storage
Devices
There are different types of
magnetic storage device;
Hard Drive
Floppy Disk
Magnetic Tape
Hard Drive
 Hard drive is also known as the “Hard
Disk Drive”
 It is capable to store data more than
200 GB.
 Hard drive contains the stack of disks
which are mounted internally with solid
encasement, and all data is stored on
that disk
 In Hard Drive, all data does not discard
after getting to discontinue power
supply.
Floppy Disk
 Floppy disk was
introduced by IBM, in
1969.
 Floppy disk is also
called the “Floppy
Diskette”.
 In the floppy disk, iron
oxide was used to coat
internally for storing
data in magnetic form,
just similar to hard
disk
 But, now floppy disk is
completely obsolete.
Magnetic Tape
 Magnetic Tape was introduced by Fritz Pfleumer
in 1928.
 Primary objective of magnetic tape of using was
recording voice.
 It is traditional technology, but later it was
replaced by CD and DVD.
Advantages of Magnetic
Storage Devices
Low cost per gigabyte - magnetic
tape is the cheapest, but hard
disk is very low as well.
Huge capacity, offers up to
several terabytes per device.
Magnetic tape can hold its data
for up to thirty years in the
correct environment.
Disadvantages of
Magnetic Storage
Devices
 Slow read /write compared to new SSD drives.
 Need a special piece of equipment to record
and read the data on the tape
 Easily broken if dropped
 The data may be corrupted if the tape is placed
near a strong magnetic field e.g. a large
speaker or magnet
 High energy uses as it uses moving parts
(lower battery life on laptops)
 Not as portable as other technologies. But
external hard disks are commonly available,
but they need to be treated carefully
Optical Storage Devices
 Optical storage is also known as “Optical
Media” or “Optical Memory” or “Optical
Medium.
 It allows all read and write activities which
are performed by laser beam.
 Following are some optical storage
devices:
 CD-ROM
 DVD-ROM
 Blu-Ray
 Recordable Optical Devices (CD-R, CD-RW,
DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM)
CD-ROM
CD-ROM stands for “Compact
Disc Read Only Memory”.
These types of disc can capable
to store almost 650/700 MB of
digital data.
These data can’t discard by
mistaken.
DVD-ROM
DVD-ROM stands for “Digital
Versatile Disc – Read Only
Memory”.
DVD-ROM discs can store data up
to 4.7 GB.
Are used to store ultra-quality
video.
Blu-Ray
 It is just like CD and DVD
but the storage capacity of
Blu-ray is up to 25GB.
 To run a Blu-ray disc, need
a separate Blu-ray reader.
 It is designed to supersede
the DVD format, and
capable of storing several
hours of high-definition
video (HDTV 720p and
1080p).
 The main application of
Blu-ray is as a medium for
video material such
as feature films and for the
physical distribution of
video games.
Recordable Optical Devices
 CD-R: It stands for Compact Disc read-only. In
this type of CD, once the data is written cannot
be erased. It is read-only.
 CD-RW: It stands for Compact Disc read Write. In
this type of CD, you can easily write or erase
data multiple times.
 DVD-R: It stands for Digital Versatile Disc read-
only. In this type of DVD, once the data is written
cannot be erased. It is read-only. It is generally
used to write movies, etc.
 DVD-RW: It stands for Digital Versatile Disc read
Write. In this type of DVD, you can easily write or
erase data multiple times.
 DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM stands for “DVD-Random
Access Memory”, and it is able to Re-Write data.
Advantages of Optical
Storage Devices
 It is capable to store vast amount of
data.
 Affordable price
 RW optical storage can be Re-used.
 Optical disks offer very high level of
Stability.
 Despite their size, optical disks are still
portable.
 It is not subjected to wear and no power
failures can cause data losses, which
makes it more durable and last for
Disadvantages of Optical
Storage Devices
Some traditional PCs are not able to
read these disks.
It is getting trouble while recycling.
Optical storage are more vulnerable
to loss and theft due to their size.
Optical disks are susceptible to
scratching because they are not
protected by any plastic casings,
which makes the disk unreadable.
Solid-State Storage Devices
(SSD)
Do not use disks or tapes and have no
moving parts.
Solid-state storage is neither magnetic
nor optical. Instead, it relies on
integrated circuits to hold data.
Solid-state storage devices have a big
advantage in terms of speed over
standard storage devices.
Flash memory and Smart Cards are
examples of solid state storage
devices.
Flash Memory
Flash memory is used to store data in pen
drives, SD cards, memory cards, and
multimedia cards.
 Pen Drive: It is also known as a USB
flash drive that includes flash memory
with an integrated USB interface. We can
directly connect these devices to our
computers and laptops and read/write
data into them in a much faster and
efficient way. These devices are very
portable. It ranges from 1GB to 256GB
generally.
Flash Memory
SD Card: It is known as a Secure
Digital Card. It is generally used
with electronic devices like
phones, digital cameras, etc. to
store larger data. It is portable
and the size of the SD card is also
small so that it can easily fit into
electronic devices. It is available
in different sizes like 2GB, 4GB,
8GB, etc.
Flash Memory
 Memory Card: It is generally used in
digital cameras, printers, game consoles,
etc. It is also used to store large amounts
of data and is available in different sizes.
To run a memory card on a computer you
require a separate memory card reader.
 Multimedia Card: It is also known as
MMC. It is an integrated circuit that is
generally used in-car radios, digital
cameras, etc. It is an external device to
store data/information.
Smart Cards
 Smart cards contain a small chip that stores
data
 Some smart cards, called intelligent smart
cards, also contain their own tiny
microprocessors, and they function like a
computer.
 It may be used to store digital cash that can be
used to make purchases in stores or online.
 Smart cards could store a person's entire
medical history, or they could be used as a
source of secure ID.
 Smart cards are finding many purposes---both
current and future.
 For example, large hotels now issue guests a
smart card instead of a key; the card not only
Advantages of Solid-State
Storage Devices (SSD)
 It performs fast operations because there are no
mechanical parts in SSDs.
 Due to no mechanical parts, it has a lower chance of
damage from vibrations, drops, accidents, and other
wear and tear, which makes it more durable.
 HDDs have a size restriction, however SSDs don't.
 When the SSDs are in operation, they produce no
noise at all because there are no metal platters or
read/write arms in them. The noise value of SSDs has
been found to be 0 decibels.
 Their lightweight components make them easier to
carry.
 They don’t require as much power to operate as hard
drives do, which results in a longer battery life.
Disadvantages of Solid-
State Storage Devices
(SSD)
 Consumer-grade SSDs are more expensive
than consumer-grade hard drives.
 Solid state devices are highly expensive
and are sold with a hefty price tag unlike
conventional HDDs.
 The memory chips in an SSD have a
limited number of write cycles, which can
lead to unrecoverable data loss.
 The data recovery process is difficult and
takes so long, sometimes impossible.
Cloud and Virtual Storage
 Nowadays, secondary memory has been
upgraded to virtual or cloud storage devices.
 We can store our files and other stuff in the cloud
and the data is stored for as long as we pay for
the cloud storage.
 There are many companies that provide cloud
services largely Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc.
 Though it is actually being stored in a physical
device located in the data centers of the service
provider, the user doesn’t interact with the
physical device and its maintenance.
 Google Drive, Microsoft One Drive, Mega,
Dropbox, Amazon AWS etc. are the example of
cloud storage.
End of Chapter
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