Week 5

Essay Question
1. i. Discuss why is memory required in a Computer system? ii. What are the
advantages of the SCSI interface over the IDE interface?

1. i. Discuss why is memory required in a Computer system?

Memory is an indispensable component of a computer system, and it plays a critical role in the
overall functionality and performance of the system. Here are several key reasons why memory
is required in a computer system:
Data Storage: Memory provides a space for storing data and information that the computer needs
to access quickly during its operation. Without memory, a computer would be unable to store and
retrieve data efficiently. This includes both program instructions and user-generated data, such as
documents, images, and videos.
Program Execution: When you run software applications or programs on your computer, they are
loaded into memory for execution. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) fetches instructions and
data from memory to perform computations. The presence of memory allows programs to run
smoothly and without significant delays, as data can be quickly accessed and processed.
Multi-Tasking: Modern computer systems often run multiple programs simultaneously. Memory
enables this multitasking capability by providing a workspace for each program to operate
independently. It allows the computer to switch between applications quickly, keeping them in a
suspended state until they are brought back into active use.
Cache: Memory includes various levels of cache, such as L1, L2, and L3 cache in modern CPUs.
These caches store frequently used data and instructions from the main memory, enabling the
CPU to access them much faster than fetching data directly from RAM. This cache hierarchy
significantly improves the speed and efficiency of data access.
Operating System Functionality: The operating system (OS) of a computer, such as Windows,
macOS, or Linux, relies heavily on memory. The OS manages system resources, schedules
processes, and maintains a file system, all of which require memory for temporary data storage
and efficient operation. Memory is also used for buffer storage, facilitating communication
between hardware components.
Virtual Memory: Virtual memory is a technique that uses a combination of physical RAM and
disk storage to provide the illusion of having more memory than is physically available. It allows
larger applications to run on systems with limited physical memory. Without memory, the
concept of virtual memory would not be feasible.
User Experience: Memory significantly impacts the user experience by affecting the speed and
responsiveness of a computer. A system with an adequate amount of memory can handle
demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and software development, without slowdowns
or crashes. In contrast, insufficient memory can lead to sluggish performance and system
instability.
Data Processing and Manipulation: Whether it's performing complex calculations, editing images
or videos, or running simulations, memory is essential for temporarily storing and processing
large sets of data. It provides the workspace needed for these tasks, ensuring efficient data
handling.
In conclusion, memory is a fundamental component of a computer system, enabling it to store
and retrieve data, execute programs, support multitasking, enhance the performance of the CPU
through caching, and provide a seamless user experience. Without memory, a computer would be
limited in its capabilities and unable to perform the wide range of tasks we expect from modern
computing devices.

Memory is the electronic holding place for the instructions and data a computer needs to reach
quickly. It's where information is stored for immediate use. Memory is one of the basic functions
of a computer, because without it, a computer would not be able to function properly. Memory is
also used by a computer's operating system, hardware and software.
There are technically two types of computer memory: primary and secondary. The term memory
is used as a synonym for primary memory or as an abbreviation for a specific type of primary
memory called random access memory (RAM). This type of memory is located on microchips
that are physically close to a computer's microprocessor.
If a computer's central processer (CPU) had to only use a secondary storage device, computers
would become much slower. In general, the more memory (primary memory) a computing
device has, the less frequently the computer must access instructions and data from slower
(secondary) forms of storage.
This image shows how primary, secondary and cache memory relate to each other in terms of
size and speed.
Memory vs. storage
The concept of memory and storage can be easily conflated as the same concept; however, there
are some distinct and important differences. Put succinctly, memory is primary memory, while
storage is secondary memory. Memory refers to the location of short-term data, while storage
refers to the location of data stored on a long-term basis.
Memory is most often referred to as the primary storage on a computer, such as RAM. Memory
is also where information is processed. It enables users to access data that is stored for a short
time. The data is only stored for a short time because primary memory is volatile, meaning it isn't
retained when the computer is turned off.
The term storage refers to secondary memory and is where data in a computer is kept. An
example of storage is a hard drive or a hard disk drive (HDD). Storage is nonvolatile, meaning
the information is still there after the computer is turned off and then back on. A running program
may be in a computer's primary memory when in use -- for fast retrieval of information -- but
when that program is closed, it resides in secondary memory or storage.
How much space is available in memory and storage differs as well. In general, a computer will
have more storage space than memory. For example, a laptop may have 8 GB of RAM while
having 250 GB of storage. The difference in space is there because a computer will not need fast
access to all the information stored on it at once, so allocating approximately 8 GB of space to
run programs will suffice.
The terms memory and storage can be confusing because their usage today is not always
consistent. For example, RAM can be referred to as primary storage -- and types of secondary
storage can include flash memory. To avoid confusion, it can be easier to talk about memory in
terms of whether it is volatile or nonvolatile -- and storage in terms of whether it is primary or
secondary.
How does computer memory work?
When a program is open, it is loaded from secondary memory to primary memory. Because there
are different types of memory and storage, an example of this could be a program being moved
from a solid-state drive (SSD) to RAM. Because primary storage is accessed faster, the opened
program will be able to communicate with the computer's processor at quicker speeds. The
primary memory can be accessed immediately from temporary memory slots or other storage
locations.
Memory is volatile, which means that data in memory is stored temporarily. Once a computing
device is turned off, data stored in volatile memory will automatically be deleted. When a file is
saved, it will be sent to secondary memory for storage.
There are multiple types of memory available to a computer. It will operate differently depending
on the type of primary memory used, but in general, semiconductor-based memory is most
associated with memory. Semiconductor memory will be made of integrated circuits with
silicon-based metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors.
Types of computer memory
In general, memory can be divided into primary and secondary memory; moreover, there are
numerous types of memory when discussing just primary memory. Some types of primary
memory include the following
Cache memory. This temporary storage area, known as a cache, is more readily available to the
processor than the computer's main memory source. It is also called CPU memory because it is
typically integrated directly into the CPU chip or placed on a separate chip with a bus
interconnect with the CPU.
RAM. The term is based on the fact that any storage location can be accessed directly by the
processor.
Dynamic RAM. DRAM is a type of semiconductor memory that is typically used by the data or
program code needed by a computer processor to function.
Static RAM. SRAM retains data bits in its memory for as long as power is supplied to it. Unlike
DRAM, which stores bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not have
to be periodically refreshed.
Double Data Rate SDRAM. DDR SRAM is SDRAM that can theoretically improve memory
clock speed to at least 200 MHz
Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous Dynamic RAM. DDR4 RAM is a type of DRAM that has a
high-bandwidth interface and is the successor to its previous DDR2 and DDR3 versions. DDR4
RAM allows for lower voltage requirements and higher module density. It is coupled with higher
data rate transfer speeds and allows for dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS) up to 64 GB.
Rambus Dynamic RAM. DRDRAM is a memory subsystem that promised to transfer up to 1.6
billion bytes per second. The subsystem consists of RAM, the RAM controller, the bus that
connects RAM to the microprocessor and devices in the computer that use it.
Read-only memory. ROM is a type of computer storage containing nonvolatile, permanent data
that, normally, can only be read and not written to. ROM contains the programming that enables
a computer to start up or regenerate each time it is turned on.
Programmable ROM. PROM is ROM that can be modified once by a user. It enables a user to
tailor a microcode program using a special machine called a PROM programmer.
Erasable PROM. EPROM is programmable read-only memory PROM that can be erased and re-
used. Erasure is caused by shining an intense ultraviolet light through a window designed into
the memory chip.
Electrically erasable PROM. EEPROM is a user-modifiable ROM that can be erased and
reprogrammed repeatedly through the application of higher than normal electrical voltage.
Unlike EPROM chips, EEPROMs do not need to be removed from the computer to be modified.
However, an EEPROM chip must be erased and reprogrammed in its entirety, not selectively.
Virtual memory. A memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it
were a part of the main memory. Virtual memory uses hardware and software to enable a
computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from
RAM to disk storage.
ii. What are the advantages of the SCSI interface over the IDE interface?

The Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) and Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), also
known as Parallel ATA (PATA), are two different types of interfaces used to connect storage
devices like hard drives and CD/DVD drives to a computer. SCSI and IDE have been widely
used in the past, but SCSI has several advantages over IDE, especially in enterprise and
professional environments. Here are some of the advantages of the SCSI interface over IDE:
Performance: SCSI generally offers better performance compared to IDE. SCSI devices can
transfer data at faster rates, making them suitable for high-demand applications where speed is
critical, such as servers, workstations, and data centers. SCSI can support multiple devices on the
same bus without significant performance degradation.
Multiple Devices: SCSI supports the daisy-chaining of multiple devices on a single bus. This
means you can connect several SCSI devices (hard drives, scanners, printers, etc.) in a chain,
making it easier to manage multiple peripherals without needing additional interfaces or
controllers. In contrast, IDE typically supports only two devices per channel.
Hot-Swapping: SCSI devices are often hot-swappable, meaning you can add or remove them
from the SCSI chain without shutting down the computer. This feature is particularly valuable in
enterprise environments where system uptime is critical. IDE devices typically require the
system to be powered down for device changes.
Scalability: SCSI provides more scalability options. It supports a wide range of devices,
including hard drives, CD/DVD drives, scanners, printers, and even tape drives, making it
versatile for various professional and industrial applications. IDE is primarily used for
connecting hard drives and CD/DVD drives.
Data Integrity: SCSI is known for its robust error-checking and error-correction capabilities. It
offers better data integrity and reliability, which is crucial for mission-critical applications where
data loss or corruption is unacceptable.
Advanced Features: SCSI offers advanced features like command queuing, which allows
multiple commands to be issued and reordered for optimal performance. It also supports tagged
command queuing, which is essential for managing multiple I/O requests efficiently. IDE lacks
these features.
Operating System Support: SCSI is well-supported by various operating systems, including
Windows, macOS, and various Unix/Linux distributions. It has historically been the preferred
choice for servers and high-performance computing environments. IDE has become less
common in professional and enterprise settings.
 Longer Cable Lengths: SCSI cables can be longer than IDE cables, which can be advantageous
when connecting devices that are not in close physical proximity to the computer. This flexibility
in cable length can be beneficial in certain environments.
It's important to note that while SCSI offers several advantages, it is typically more expensive
and complex to set up than IDE. IDE, with its simplified cabling and lower cost, has been more
common in consumer-level desktop computers. However, in professional and enterprise settings
where performance, reliability, and flexibility are paramount, SCSI has historically been the
preferred choice. In modern computing, SCSI has largely been replaced by Serial Attached SCSI
(SAS) and Serial ATA (SATA) interfaces, which offer their own advantages and are more
commonly used today.

IDE vs. SCSI

Today, most computers users are switching from IDE (integrated development environment) and
SCSI (small computer system interface) to SATA (Serial AT Attachment) disk drives. However,
for users trying to decide between IDE/ATA and SCSI review the below chart for pros and cons
on each.

Topic ATA/IDE SCSI

Cost Overall, IDE is a much cheaper solution. Compared with IDE, SCSI is often more expensive
support.

Expansion IDE/EIDE allows 2 two devices per channel. Most computers have 2 SCSI can support up to 7 or 15 devices.
channels.

Ease IDE is commonly an easier product to set up than SCSI. Configuring SCSI can be more difficult for most us
IDE.

Faster Today, the latest IDE and SCSI drives running at the All the fastest drives are often available for SCSI fi
same RPM (revolutions per minute) are close. However, 10,000+ cases 10,000+ RPM hard drives are only available
RPM drives are often only available for SCSI.

Resources All motherboards today have an ATA/IDE interface and unless Unlike IDE, SCSI requires an interface expansion c
additional drives are needed no additional resources need to be (unless the motherboard already has it). Adding a
taken. means more system resources are going to be req

What is a small computer system interface (SCSI)?

SCSI is a set of standards that define how computers and peripheral devices communicate and
transfer data.
What are the advantages of using SCSI?
SCSI offers several advantages. It provides faster data transfer rates compared to other interfaces
like integrated development environment (IDE) or serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA). SCSI also supports the connection of multiple devices on a single bus, allowing for
efficient utilization of resources. Additionally, SCSI supports a wide range of device types,
including hard drives, tape drives, scanners, and printers.
What is the use of SCSI on my personal computer?
You can use SCSI on a personal computer. However, it's important to note that SCSI has mostly
been replaced by advanced interfaces like SATA and universal serial bus (USB) for consumer-
grade devices. SCSI is more commonly used in professional environments where high-
performance and compatibility with legacy devices are essential.
How does SCSI differ from IDE or SATA?
SCSI and IDE/SATA are different in terms of performance, flexibility, and device support. SCSI
offers higher data transfer rates, supports more devices on a single bus, and allows for longer
cable lengths. Integrated drive electronics (IDE) and serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA), on the other hand, are simpler and more affordable interfaces suited for consumer-grade
devices like hard drives and optical drives.

Difference Between SCSI and IDE

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) and IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) are two
interface types used to connect storage devices to computers. SCSI is suitable for complicated
installations and server environments due to its high performance. IDE is a simpler interface that
is largely used to connect internal storage devices to desktop computers.
What is SCSI?
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is a series of standards that establish a parallel
interface for connecting various peripheral devices to a computer, notably storage devices. It was
developed in the 1980s and has gone through various versions since then, with SCSI-3 being the
most extensively used.
Key features and components of SCSI include:
Bus Architecture: SCSI uses a shared bus architecture, which allows several devices to be
connected to a single SCSI bus. SCSI IDs ranging from 0 to 7 or 0 to 15, depending on the SCSI
version, are used to identify the devices. Each device on the bus can communicate with the host
computer individually.
Cable Types: SCSI cables are available with Centronics (50-pin) and Micro-D (68-pin)
connections. These cables connect the SCSI controller (host adapter) to the SCSI devices. The
length of the cable varies based on the SCSI version; however, it is usually limited to a few
meters.
Device Support: Hard disc drives, tape drives, CD/DVD drives, scanners, printers, and other
devices are all supported by SCSI. Because of its versatility, SCSI is suitable for use in
professional and enterprise-level contexts where several devices must be connected
Command Set: The SCSI protocol specifies a standardized command set that allows the host
computer to connect with SCSI devices. These instructions are used to read and write data,
control device activities, and get device information. In comparison to other storage interfaces,
the command set is large and provides more complex capabilities
Performance: SCSI is well known for its great performance. SCSI-3 allows higher data transfer
rates than previous interfaces, with speeds ranging from 5 to 320 megabytes per second (MB/s)
or higher. SCSI also offers capabilities such as bus mastery, which allows devices to take control
of the bus and perform direct memory access (DMA) transfers, and command queuing, which
allows for command reordering to improve efficiency in multitasking environments.
Termination: To maintain reliable communication on the bus, SCSI requires good termination.
The process of inserting termination resistors at both ends of the SCSI bus to eliminate signal
reflections is known as termination. Failure to properly end the bus might result in data errors
and communication problems
It's important to note that, as technology has advanced, SCSI has become less common in
consumer-level computers. It's most commonly seen in high-end servers, workstations, and
professional environments where performance, device compatibility, and scalability are
important. SATA (Serial ATA) and its variations have essentially replaced SCSI in consumer
systems due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
What is IDE?
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics), also referred to as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment),
is an interface standard used to connect storage devices to a computer, particularly hard disc
drives (HDDs) and optical drives (CD/DVD drives). IDE was first launched in the 1980s and has
since progressed, with the most recent version known as Ultra ATA or ATA-6.
Key features and components of SCSI include
Cable and Connector: To connect storage devices to the motherboard, IDE uses a flat, ribbon-like
cable known as an IDE cable or ribbon cable. Depending on the IDE version, the cable includes
40 or 80 wires. Each end of the cable has an IDE connector that plugs into the motherboard and
the storage devices
Device Support: IDE is generally used to support hard disc drives and optical drives such as CD
and DVD drives. It allows connecting up to two devices per IDE channel, each with its own
device position: master and slave. The master device is connected to the IDE cable's end
connection, while the slave device is connected to the cable's middle connector.
Data Transfer Modes: PIO (programmed input/output) and DMA (direct memory access) are two
data transport mechanisms supported by IDE. PIO modes include the CPU directly controlling
data transfers, whereas DMA modes allow storage devices to directly access system memory
without the involvement of the CPU.
The most recent IDE versions (Ultra ATA or ATA-6) include DMA modes like Ultra DMA,
which provide higher data transfer rates.
Performance: The performance of IDE is often lower than that of newer interface standards such
as SATA (Serial ATA). For Ultra ATA or ATA-6 drives, the maximum data transfer rate is
typically around 133 megabytes per second (MB/s). However, older IDE versions offer lesser
transfer speeds, such as ATA-2, which supports up to 16.6 MB/s.
Device Configuration: IDE devices, particularly hard disc drives, frequently require jumper
settings to change their device position (master or slave) and other factors. These jumper settings
are physical pins on the drive that must be appropriately tuned to ensure proper device
recognition and operation.
Compatibility: IDE offers high backward compatibility, which means that newer IDE drives can
be connected to older IDE controllers and vice versa. However, compatibility difficulties with
the exact IDE version supported by the motherboard and the drive must be considered.
It's important to note that the terms IDE and ATA are frequently used interchangeably, as ATA is
a broader term that encompasses multiple iterations and enhancements to the IDE standard.
Difference between SCSI and IDE
The following table highlights the major differences between SCSI and IDE:

CharacteristicsSCSI IDE

Performance Higher performance and faster transfer rates Lower performance compared to
SCSI

System Requirements Requires a SCSI controller card. Integrated into the motherboard
Cable and Connector Different cable types (Centronics, Micro-D) IDE ribbon cable with 40 or
80 wires

Data Transfer Modes Supports DMA and PIO modes Supports DMA and PIO modes.

Compatibility Backward compatibility with older devices Backward compatibility with older
devices

Popularity Primarily used in enterprise and high-end systems Commonly used in

consumer-level systems

Cost More expensive compared to IDE. More expensive compared to IDE.

Device Support Wide range of devices (HDDs, tape drives, etc.) Primarily HDDs and
optical drives (CD/DVD)

Bus Architecture Parallel Parallel

Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between SCSI and IDE depends on the system's unique requirements.
SCSI is useful in situations that require high performance, multiple-device connectivity, and
complex features. In contrast, IDE is suitable for simple desktop PCs where cost-effectiveness
and simplicity are objectives.
It's important to note that SCSI and IDE have been mostly replaced by newer interfaces like
SATA and SAS, which provide better performance and capabilities.

Advantages of Small Computer System Interface

Small Computer System Interface aka SCSI is basically a set of parallel interface standard
evolved by American National Standards Institute aka ANSI. So this one is generally used to
attach peripheral devices like disk drives, scanner, printers, etc.;
Advantages of SCSI:
SCSI is a fast bus that can connect multiple devices on to a computer simultaneously. It can
easily connect hard drives, scanners, printer and CD drives. The SCSI standards define optical
and electrical interfaces and commands. The modern SCSI can even perform serial
communication with an improved data rate, better fault association, enhanced cable connections
and longer reach.
The other advantage of SCSI drives over IDE is, it can deactivate the device that is still working.
And this eventually makes the bus available for other peripheral devices. With this advantage,
you can connect around 8 devices on a single SCSI bus concurrently. Here what happens is when
a system is in need of data from the device it sends a disconnection command to the device until
it receives the days. So, when you are dealing with more than one device, which is quite obvious
in a computer system, this advantage ultimately makes SCSI DRIVES a lot more efficient than
the IDE ones.

The other advantage of SCSI drives is it faster than the IDE and ATA technology. In addition to
this, ATA and IDE are very much expensive as compare to the efficiently cheaper SCSI drives.
When you talk about the serial SCSI drives it provides the users with the flexible storage
solutions. It fundamentally serves as the interconnect mechanism for the SATA and SCSI and
thus matching with the low-cost storage requirements. It provides a physical cabling or a
tunnelling mechanism to connect SAS SCSI connection infrastructure with the SATA Frame,
ensuring plug and play between SATA and SAS targets.

The SCSI drives come with a large storage capacity. It also takes care of the bandwidth
requirements with the help of an arrangement that several connections logically together.
So now when you are conscious about these advantages of SCSI Drives, let’s explore where you
can Find Best SCSI Drives for Sale.
There are many companies and e-commerce site selling SCSI Drives calming it to be very much
reasonably priced. However when you need a drive which is perfect for both the quality and
price you can give a try to Solid State Disks Ltd.
Here you get drives of customs capacity and custom sector sizes without making any changes to
the registry and software of the legacy host. The SCSI drives for sale at the solid-state disks are
designed by the experts of data storage emulation.
How to Order: Ordering your SCSI Drive is very much easy, you just have to select your drive
part number from the list or if you don’t find the one simply send a mail to Solid State Disks and
you are done you will get your SCSI Drive.