3.1 Storage Devices and Media

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3.1 Storage devices and media

• Identify storage devices, their associated media and their uses, e.g.
• Magnetic backing storage media: fixed hard disks and drives, portable and
Chapter 3: Storage devices and media
removable hard disks, portable and removable hard drives, magnetic tape drives
and magnetic tapes, memory cards
• Optical backing storage media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): CD ROM/DVD ROM, CD
R/DVD R, CD RW/DVD RW, DVD RAM, Blu-ray discs
• Solid state backing storage: solid state drives, flash drives (pen
drive/memory
stick/USB stick)
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the above devices
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What is Storage
• Secondary Storage devices ensures data is stored permanently so that it can

be used again at a later date.
• Storage medium is the name given to the device that actually holds the data.
• Sometimes the storage medium is fixed i.e.

magnetic coated disks build into hard
drive.
• Sometimes the storage medium is removable

from the device i.e. CD ROM that can be taken
out of the drive.
Think about what we store:

Documents, Images, Video,
Music, Software, Games etc.
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File Sizes
Storage devices or files sizes are measured in:

Kilobytes (KB), Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB) and Terabytes (TB)
1 KB 1000 Bytes
* 1000
1 MB 1000 KB
* 1000
1 GB 1000 MB
* 1000
1 TB 1000 GB
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Data Storage Capacity
Floppy Disk
Data storage devices have very

1.4MB different capacities. Over time the
CD-ROM
capacity has increased which has
700MB
allowed for more data to be stored:
DVD
4.7GB
Blu-Ray
25 GB – 128GB
Increase in Hard Drive

storage capacity 8 TB
Magnetic Tape
Up to 185 TB
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Type of Access
Serial (sequential Access)
• Files are stored one by one in a sequence

• Must search through the files one by one until you get to the one you
want.
• Example: VHS tape, Cassette Tape, Magnetic Tape
Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 End 10
Direct (Random Access)

• Stores files so that they can instantly be accessed
• No need to search through files to get to the one you want
• Example: DVD, CD ROM, Blu-ray, external hard drive, flash drive
Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 End 10
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Main Memory Vs Backing Storage
Main Memory
• Sometimes known as Internal Memory or primary memory.

• Includes RAM and ROM
• Usually used to store data temporarily (in the case of RAM).
• Usually used to store data while it is being processed by the CPU.
• Is volatile – means data will be lost if computer is turned of.
Backing Storage
• Backing storage some known as secondary storage.
• Name for all other storage devices which are part of a computer
like hard drive.
• Usually used to store data over a long time.
• Usually used to store application software, operating system
software, files etc.
• Is Non-volatile - Means data will not be lost of computer is
turned off.
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ICT IGCSE Theory Fixed Internal
3.1 Storage devices and media Hard Drive
Magnetic Storage Devices
Use: Main backing storage device used by all

computers to store:
• Operating Systems & System Files
• Applications
• Files (Documents, Images, videos,
audio etc.)
Access Type: Direct (Random Access) • Magnetic storage media
Advantages: Disadvantages devices store data in the
form of tiny magnetised
• Less likely to break as • More moving parts dots.
fixed. compared to solid state
• High storage capacities drives. • These dots are created,
compared to external • Incorrect shut down read and erased using
drives. procedure could cause magnetic fields created by
• Fast data transfer rate. hard drive to very tiny electromagnets.
malfunction.
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Hard Drive
Use: This device connects to the computer using the

USB Port. External Hard drives are used to
store:
• Personal backup data.
• Transfer files between computers/devices
Access Type: Direct (Random Access) • Magnetic storage media

• Portable – transfer files • More prone to errors dots.
between computers. than fixed hard drive.
• High Storage capacity • Could be damaged if • These dots are created,
compared to optical incorrectly ejected read and erased using
disks. from computer. magnetic fields created by
very tiny electromagnets.
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3.1 Storage devices and media Tapes
Use: • Large organisations make daily backups of

their networks on to Magnetic Tapes
• Long-term archiving of data.
Access Type: Serial • Magnetic storage media

• Huge storage capacity • Slower Access
dots.
compared to fixed and Tape reader has to start at
portable hard drives. the beginning of the tape and
continue fast forwarding until • These dots are created,
• Stored away in a fire it gets to the piece of data read and erased using
proof safe.
that needed. magnetic fields created by
• Robust – last for
long very tiny electromagnets.
time
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3.1 Storage devices and media CD-ROM
Optical Media
Use: CD-ROM disks are read-only. CD-ROMs are

normally used to store:
• Audio CDs
• Software Applications
• Device Drivers
Access Type: Direct • Optical storage

devices save data as
Advantages: Disadvantages
patterns or dots.
• Hold more data than • Data transfer rate is
floppy disks. slower compared to
• Cheaper than hard other storage medium. • Data is read by
drives and USBs. • Not Robust - easily be bouncing the laser
• Compatible with audio damaged or scratched. beam off the surface
systems.
off the medium.
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Optical Media
Use: DVD-ROMs disks are read-only. DVD-ROMs are

normally used to store:
• DVD Movies
• Software Applications
• Computer Games
Access Type: Direct • Optical storage

Advantages: Disadvantages
patterns or dots.
• Hold more data than CD- • Data transfer rate is
ROMS. slower compared to
• Can store larger other storage medium. • Data is read by
applications. • Have to buy a separate bouncing the laser
• Videos is higher DVD player. beam off the surface
resolutions.
off the medium.
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Optical Media
Use: Blu-Ray disks uses a blue laser instead of red

laser used with CD/DVD ROMs. Blu-Ray disks
are normally used to stored:
• HD Movies
• Large Software/Game Applications
• In camcorders in cartridge form.
• Optical storage
Access Type: Direct
Advantages: Disadvantages patterns or dots.
• Large storage capacity used • More expensive compared
to store HD video content. to other optical media.
• Access Speeds are greater • Separate player required – • Data is read by
than other optical medium. more expensive. bouncing the laser
• Secure Encryption System • Not all movie titles
to minimise chance of available on Blu-Ray. beam off the surface
copyright. off the medium.
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Optical Media
R – Write once only

RW – Can be written to or read many times.

CD-R and DVD-R CD-RW and DVD-RW) DVD RAM
Overview CD-R and DVD-R are only CD-RW and DVD-RW DVD RAMS are used when
recordable once. Once allows for data to be data constantly needs to
the process has been written, erased and be re-written. DVD RAMS
finalised then the disks rewritten many times. can hold up to 10GB of
become Read Only. • Used in CCTV data and commonly used
• Backup of data • Record television in recording equipment.
• Audio CDS programs
Advantages • Cheaper than RW disks. • Can be reused many Long life, large capacity,
times. and can be rewritten
many times.
Disadvantages • Not compatible with all • Can be expensive. Not compatible with all
players. • Data could be playback formats.
• If disk has a burn error it overwritten. Can be expensive.
can not be used again.
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Describe the differences between DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD RAM and

DVD ROM?
Key Words: Read only, Recordable once, Re-writable, Constantly

re-
written, capacity, recording equipment.
Exam Question
DVD-R are only recordable once. Once the process has been finalised then the disks
become Read Only. DVD-RW allows for data to be written, erased and rewritten
many times. DVD-ROM are Read Only and typically contain software, movies and
games. DVD RAMs are used when data constantly needs to be re-written. DVD
RAMS can hold up to 10GB of data (higher capacity) and commonly used in
recording equipment. DVD RAM will typically last longer than the DVD-R, DVD-RW
and the DVD-ROM as it is more durable. However it will be more expensive.
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Compare and contrast the use of optical discs and the use of fixed
magnetic disks to store data.
Exam Question
Optical discs such as CDs DVDs and Blu-ray discs are read from and written to using
a laser beam. Magnetic disks are read from and written to using read/write heads.
Both have direct access however more time would be taken to write to an optical
disc compared to a magnetic disc due to slower access and transfer rates. Optical
discs are more portable and cheaper to buy. However they are more prone to
damage as they can easily be scratched or broken. Magnetic disks however have a
higher capacity to store more information. Optical discs are used to store videos,
music, software in contrasts magnetic disks store installed applications, system and
user files.
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Solid ‘state’
• Solid-state storage devices are based on electronic circuits with no moving parts.
• Solid-state storage devices store data using a special type of memory called flash
memory.
• USB/Memory Cards use Direct Access
Examples USB Memory Stick Memory Card

Uses: Used to transfer files/backup Used to store files on digital cameras,
(work) between computers. mobile phones and mp3 players.
Advantages • Portable & Small • Very small and can be removed

• Robust and placed in other devices.
• large capacities • Robust
• No need for additional
drivers/software
Disadvantages • Easy to loose • Smaller storage capacities.

• USB could be damaged if not • Quite expensive.
ejected correctly.
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Compare and contrast the use of a Fixed Hard drive, portable hard
drive and a USB?
Exam Question
A fixed hard drive is the primary storage device found in a computer system.
Application and system software will be installed on to the fixed hard disk. It is less
prone to damage because it is fixed into the computer whereas the portable hard
drive and the USB drive could be damaged when ejecting. In addition the fixed hard
drive will have a higher capacity compared to the portable and USB storage. Files
can be easily transferred between computers when using a portable hard drive and
a USB drive. However the USB drive will me more portable than the portable hard
drive. Both the portable and the USB drive is use to back up files however the
portable hard drive will be used to typically back up larger files.
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Discuss why you use a USB to backup data compared to optical disks?
Key Words: larger capacity, more portable, more robust, accessibility
to USB ports
Exam Question
A USB drive is more suitable to backup data compared an optical disk because it
tends to have a higher storage capacity. In addition it is much quicker to copy files to
a USB Drive rather than burning files onto an optical disk. Furthermore the USB drive
is more portable and robust. Finally not all computers would have an optical disk
drive however many have accessibility to USB ports.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solid state storage devices?
Key Words: portable, smaller, expensive, robust, capacity, lost, damage
Solid state devices do not having any moving parts and can be referred to as flash
memory. A USB drive or memory cards are examples of solid state storage devices.
They are typically smaller and very portable. They are quite expensive to buy and
can be easily lost or damaged if not correctly ejected from the computer. The
devices are available in different capacity and are more robust compared to optical
disks.
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Backup
Backup means making one or more copies of your data in a different

storage medium.
Why?
• You could delete a file by accident
• Your computer could break down
• Your computer could get infected by a virus which could edit
data
• Your laptop is stolen or becomes damaged.
• Data could be corrupted by hackers.
• Most businesses use computers to store very important data (customer

records, financial information, designs for products, etc.)
• If this data is lost, then this would cause disruption to the business.
Backing-
up business data is essential.
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How are Backups created
Personal Backups:
• Burning files to a CD-R

• Copying files to an external hard-drive
• Copying files to a USB
• Copying the files to another computer on a network
Business Backups:
• Making copies of data very regularly (daily).
• Using large-capacity media such as magnetic tape
• Keeping old copies of backups, just in case.
• Automating the system so that nobody forgets to do
it!
• Keeping backup media off-site (in case of fire or
theft)
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Describe what is meant by backup?

Key Words: File, Copy, Storage medium
Exam Question
Backup means making one or more copies of your data/file in a different storage
medium.
Discuss why you would have to make a backup?

Key Words: File, Delete, Corrupted, edited, stolen, encrypted, breakdown
The reason for making a backup is that you could delete a file by accident. Also the
computer may breakdown which would mean you would loose all of your files. In
addition if your computer is infected by a virus then the data could be edited,
corrupted or encrypted. Furthermore your laptop could also be or stolen
damaged
which would result in losing your original files.
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3.1 Storage Devices and Media

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ICT IGCSE Theory

3.1 Storage devices and media

• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the above devices

• Secondary Storage devices ensures data is stored permanently so that it can

• Sometimes the storage medium is fixed i.e.

• Sometimes the storage medium is removable

Think about what we store:

Storage devices or files sizes are measured in:

ICT IGCSE Diagram not to scale

Data storage devices have very

Increase in Hard Drive

• Files are stored one by one in a sequence

Direct (Random Access)

• Sometimes known as Internal Memory or primary memory.

Use: Main backing storage device used by all

Magnetic Storage Devices

Use: This device connects to the computer using the

Access Type: Direct (Random Access) • Magnetic storage media

Use: • Large organisations make daily backups of

Access Type: Serial • Magnetic storage media

Use: CD-ROM disks are read-only. CD-ROMs are

Access Type: Direct • Optical storage

Use: DVD-ROMs disks are read-only. DVD-ROMs are

Access Type: Direct • Optical storage

Use: Blu-Ray disks uses a blue laser instead of red

R – Write once only

RW – Can be written to or read many times.

Describe the differences between DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD RAM and

Key Words: Read only, Recordable once, Re-writable, Constantly

Examples USB Memory Stick Memory Card

Advantages • Portable & Small • Very small and can be removed

Disadvantages • Easy to loose • Smaller storage capacities.

Backup means making one or more copies of your data in a different

• Most businesses use computers to store very important data (customer

• Burning files to a CD-R

Describe what is meant by backup?

Discuss why you would have to make a backup?

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