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Storage Devices and Media-notes

This document discusses storage devices and media, emphasizing the importance of data backup, types of access methods, and various storage media types. It outlines the reasons for backing up data, including protection against device failure and security from hacking, and details different storage media such as magnetic, optical, and solid-state. The document also explains access methods (serial and direct) and provides insights into specific storage devices like hard disks, tapes, and CDs/DVDs.

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levi makokha
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22 views

Storage Devices and Media-notes

This document discusses storage devices and media, emphasizing the importance of data backup, types of access methods, and various storage media types. It outlines the reasons for backing up data, including protection against device failure and security from hacking, and details different storage media such as magnetic, optical, and solid-state. The document also explains access methods (serial and direct) and provides insights into specific storage devices like hard disks, tapes, and CDs/DVDs.

Uploaded by

levi makokha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Storage Devices and Media

Overview
This chapter explores various aspects of storage devices and media.
It focuses on:
• The importance of backing up data.
• The reasons and methods for creating backups.
• Different types of access methods (serial and direct access).
• Types of storage devices: magnetic, optical, and solid-state.

Backing Up Data

What is Backing Up of Data?


• Backing up refers to copying files and data to a different
storage medium (e.g disk, tape, flash drive) to protect against
potential data loss or corruption.
• Backups are often stored in a location different from the main
storage to safeguard against disasters like fire, theft, or
hardware failure.
Why Back Up Data?
The key reasons include:
1. Protection Against Device Failure
• Storage devices can fail due to hardware issues, such as hard
drive crashes or power surges, leading to accidental data
corruption or overwriting.
2. Security from Hacking and Corruption
• Hackers might damage files intentionally or accidentally
during attempts to access sensitive data.
• Backups ensure that original files are safeguarded against
unauthorized access or damage.
3. Data Portability
• Backups are necessary when files are required elsewhere or
need to be transferred. This ensures protection during transit.

Note,
• Backups don’t always protect against viruses. A virus might
attach itself to backed-up files and reinfect the system upon
reloading.

Types of Access
Data stored on different devices can be accessed through two
primary methods: Serial Access and Direct Access.
Serial Access
Definition,
• Accessing data involves starting at the beginning of the
storage medium and reading sequentially until the required
data is located.
• Primarily used in magnetic tape systems.

Characteristics
• Slower Access: Because it requires traversing the entire
medium.
Applications:
• Used in systems where order or speed is less critical, such as
utility billing, payroll processing, or clearing bank cheques.
Data Update Process
• Updating requires merging old and new data on a separate
tape to produce an updated version.
Direct Access
Definition,
• Data can be accessed directly using a calculated storage
location, bypassing sequential traversal.
• Used in devices like magnetic disks, CDs, and DVDs.

Characteristics,
• Faster Access: Compared to serial access, as the system can
directly locate the desired data.
Applications,
• Ideal for real-time systems (e.g process control in factories,
online ticket booking, or stock control systems).
Data Update Process:
• When updating data, the system writes new data to the next
available space, automatically determining its position.

Backing Storage Media

Backing Storage Media


• Backing storage is used to store data permanently, ensuring it
is not lost when the computer is powered off.
• All computer systems include backing storage, which can be
internal or external.
• Backing storage is categorized into three types:
i. Magnetic
ii. Optical
iii. Solid-state
Types of Backing Storage Media
Fixed Hard Disk
• Found in all computers and used for main data storage.
• Data is stored magnetically on a disk surface that allows
read/write operations.
• Used to store the operating system (OS), applications and user
data.

Uses:
• Operating systems and application software storage.
• Real-time systems (e.g., process control in factories or online
booking).
• File servers for networks.
Advantages
• High data transfer speed.
• Large storage capacity.
Disadvantages
• Can be easily damaged if not properly handled (e.g., during
improper shutdowns or physical movement).
• Limited portability unless used with external cases.
Portable Hard Disk
• Similar to fixed hard disks but external and connected via a
USB port.
• Can be disconnected and used on different computers.
Uses:
• Backup systems for data loss prevention.
• Transferring files, data, and software between computers.

Advantages
• High-speed data transfer.
• Large storage capacity.
• Portable for easy data movement.
Disadvantages
• Susceptible to damage from drops or improper shutdown.
Floppy Disk Drives
• Older storage method consisting of thin disks in protective
plastic cases.
• Read/write head allows data access.
Uses:
• Storing or transferring small files (e.g., documents).
• Used in older computer systems.

Advantages
• Inexpensive and simple technology.
• Low cost.
Disadvantages
• Very low memory capacity.
• Slow data transfer rate compared to modern devices.
• Easily damaged.
Magnetic Tapes
• Plastic strips coated with a magnetic layer used for serial data
storage.
• Data is read/written sequentially, making access slower.
Uses:
• Batch processing (e.g., payroll, utility billing).
• Backup storage for large data sets.
Advantages
• Inexpensive compared to equivalent hard disks.
• Robust and durable.
Disadvantages
• Very slow access time.
• Requires new tapes for updates (merging old and new data).

Optical Storage Media


CD/DVD Disks

• CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) are


optical storage devices, which use laser light to read and write
data.
• Both use a thin layer of metal or light-sensitive organic dye to
store information.
• Data is organized in a single spiral track from the center to the
edge of the disk.
• The information is stored in the form of pits (depressions) and
lands (flat areas) on the spiral track, which are read by a red
laser.

Types of CD/DVD Formats

• R: Write once only.


• ROM: Read-only memory (can only be read, not written to).
• RW: Rewritable (can be written to and read from multiple
times).

DVD Technology:

Dual-Layering

• DVDs often use a technology called dual-layering, allowing


them to store more data.
• Two recording layers are used, separated by a transparent
spacer.
• Layer 1 is read first, and Layer 2 is read after, using a slightly
different laser focus.
Laser Wavelengths

• DVDs use a laser with a 650 nm wavelength.


• CDs use a laser with a 780 nm wavelength.
• A shorter wavelength (like DVDs) allows more data to be
stored due to smaller pit sizes.

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM (Read-Only Memory)

• ROM disks can only be read, not written to or erased.


• Data is stored as pits and lands.
• Pits represent binary 1.
• Lands represent binary 0.
• The laser beam reads this data by reflecting off the surface.
• ROMs are used where data needs to be protected from
deletion or overwriting.

Uses of CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs

• CD-ROMs store:
• Music files
• Software
• Computer games
• Reference software (e.g., encyclopedias)
DVD-ROMs have larger storage and are used for

• Storing films
• Computer data
• High-end computer games
• Applications that require protection of data (e.g., preventing
overwriting)
Advantages of CDs/DVDs

• Can store much more data than floppy disks.


• Less expensive compared to hard disk drive systems.

Disadvantages of CDs/DVDs:

• Slower data transfer rate and access time compared to


hard disks.

CD-RW and DVD-RW

• CD-RW and DVD-RW are types of rewritable media which


means they can be rewritten multiple times.
• Unlike CD-R/DVD-R, they do not become read-only (ROMs).

Technology Used:

• Utilize a special phase-changing metal alloy (often GeSbTe)


which can switch between crystalline and amorphous states
when heated by a laser.
• This change in state alters the disc's reflectivity, which is then
read by a laser.

Uses:

• Recording television programs for repeated viewing.


• Adding more files/data at later stages unless the disc is
finalized.
• Commonly used in CCTV systems.

Advantages

• Multiple rewritability.
• Supports various file formats.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost compared to read-only media.


• Risk of accidentally overwriting data.

DVD-RAM
Technology used:

• Uses concentric tracks instead of a single spiral track, allowing


for simultaneous read and write operations.
• Capable of up to 100,000 rewrites with a lifespan of about 30
years.
• Operates at high temperatures for writing (up to 700°C) and
lower temperatures (around 200°C) to erase.
Uses:

• Often used in satellite receivers for simultaneous recording and


playback.
• Useful in camcorders for storing movies.

Advantages

• Longevity and reliability in data storage.


• In-built verification software ensures data accuracy.
• High capacity (up to 10 GB if double-sided).
Disadvantages

• Compatibility issues with some devices not recognizing the


DVD-RAM format.
• Relatively more expensive than other DVD formats.
• Outdated by newer technologies like solid-state drives.

Blu-ray Discs (Nxt Lesson)

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