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)
