Storage Devices

CHAPTER 3
STORAGE DEVICES
DEFINITION & DESCRIPTION
 A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for

storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. A storage
device is used in the computers to store the data.
 Provides one of the core functions of the modern computer
 PRIMARY STORAGE: is called internal memory or
computer memory that is accessible to the CPU of a computer
without the use of computer’s input or output channel. Stores
data in active use.
 Types of Storage There are four type of storage:
• Primary Storage
• Secondary Storage
• Tertiary Storage
• Off-line Storage
Primary Storage RAM
 Also known as main memory.

 Main memory is directly or indirectly connected to the central processing
unit via a memory bus.
 The CPU continuously reads instructions stored there and executes them
as required.
• Example: – RAM – ROM – Cache
• It is called Random Access Memory because any of the data in RAM can
be accessed just as fast as any of the other data. • There are two types of
RAM:
– DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
– SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
DIFFERENCES
STORAGE DEVICES
 There are two types of primary storage which are RAM and
ROM
 RAM: Random Access Memory which is the data and program
in RAM can be read and written
 ROM: Read-Only Memory which means the data program in
ROM can just be read but cannot be written at all
Function of RAM
 RAM is the main memory in a computer. The data in RAM can

be read (retrieved) or written (stored).
 It stores data and programs that can be accessed directly by the
processor.
 RAM holds temporary instructions and data needed to
complete tasks. This enables the computers CPU to access
instructions and data stored in the memory very quickly.
 RAM stores data during and after processing.
Primary Storage ROM
 This memory is used as the computer begins to boot up.

 Small programs called firmware are often stored in ROM
chips on hardware devices (like a BIOS chip), and they contain
instructions the computer can use in performing some of the
most basic operations required to operate hardware devices.
 ROM memory cannot be easily or quickly overwritten or
modified.
READ ONLY MEMORY
 Function of ROM1) ROM is another type of memory

permanently stored inside the computer. ROM is non-volatile.
 It holds the programs and data when the computer is powered off.
 Programs in ROM have been pre-recorded. It can only be stored
by the manufacturer; once it is done, it cannot be changed.
 Many complex functions, such as start up operating instructions,
translators for high level languages and operating systems are
placed in memory.
 All the contents be in ROM can be accessed and read but cannot
be changed. ROM memory cannot be easily or quickly
overwritten or modified (non-volatile)
ROM PICTURE
The Differences between RAM and ROM RAM
Differences ROM
 RAM stores during and after processing ROM Data and

Program stored by manufacturer
 RAM stores information temporarily
 ROM stores permanently
 RAM is very fast but uses a lot of power compared to ROM
very fast but uses little power.
 RAM Volatile and ROM is non-volatile
TYPES OF ROM
 EPROM: this memory chip which can have its content erased
and it may be reprogrammed.
 PROM: it is possible, for using a special hardware device to
record information that is needed regularly on a chip. It cannot
be altered by programming.
Memory Caching
 A memory cache, sometimes called a cache store or

RAM cache, is a portion of memory made of high-speed
static RAM (SRAM) instead of the slower and cheaper
dynamic RAM (DRAM) used for main memory. Memory
caching is effective because most programs access the same
data or instructions over and over. By keeping as much of this
information as possible in SRAM, the computer avoids
accessing the slower DRAM.
L1 and L2 Caches
 Some memory caches are built into the architecture of

microprocessors. The Intel 80486 microprocessor, for example,
contains an 8K memory cache, and the Pentium has a 16K
cache. Such internal caches are often called
Level 1 (L1) caches. Most modern PCs also come with external
cache memory, called Level 2 (L2) caches. These caches sit
between the CPU and the DRAM. Like L1 caches, L2 caches
are composed of SRAM but they are much larger.
 Cache is a high-speed access area that can be either a reserved
section of main memory or a storage device. • Most computers
today come with L3 cache or L2 cache, while older computers
included only L1 cache.
SECONDARY STORAGE
Hard Disk
The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage
device in a computer.
It can store anywhere from 160 gigabytes to 2 terabytes.
Hard disk speed is the speed at which content can be read and
written on a hard disk. A hard disk unit comes with a set rotation
speed varying from 4500 to 7200 rpm. Disk access time is
measured in milliseconds.
EXAMPLE
I/O devices: Touch screen
 These are devices that can work as both input and output
device .
 These ones work with the menu driven interfaces.
 Found on the smart phones and modern tablet computers.
Advantages
No extra peripherals such as mouse are needed

 Easy to use – no much training needed
 Software can alter the screen while it is being used making it
more flexible compared to keyboard.
 Uses finger gestures to make sophisticated actions such as
zooming and selecting.
 Excellent for selecting and controlling applications that have
been designed with a touch screen in mind.
DISADVANTAGES
 Not suitable for inputting large amounts of data

 Not very accurate
 Tiring to use for long periods
 More expensive than alternatives such as a mouse
 Less useful as a control input to a standard computer that
makes use of the mouse or keyboard combination eg laptop
Secondary Storage Devices
 It is storage that's separate from the computer itself, where

software and data can be stored on a permanent basis.
 Secondary storage is necessary because memory, or primary
storage, loses its data when a computer is turned off whereas
secondary storage does not.
 Therefore, it is commonly known as non-volatile storage.
Types of Secondary Storage
 CD, CD-R, CD-RW

 DVD
 Flash memory
 Floppy disk
 Hard disk
 Magnetic tape
HARD DISK
 These are located in the system box and usually has largest,
data storage device.
 External hard disks are separate from the hard disk and attach
to it through cables.
 These can store data anywhere from 160GB to 2TB.
CD
 Compact disk which is an optical disc that uses a laser to read

the information held on it.
 CD-R is a write once, read many times CD format that allows
one time recording on the disc.
 CD-RW is a cd format that allows repeated recording on disc.
 CD-ROM is a pre-recorded compact disc that cannot be
recorded too.
 CDs can be used to store large files and for programs that mix
text, graphics and audio such as illustrated encyclopedias,
interactive games and computer based training programmes.
DVD
 Digital versatile disc which is a high capacity development of

the CD that can store GBs of information.
 These have many uses it can store an entire feature film with
very high picture quality. DVD-R is a recordable DVD.
MAGNATIC TAPE
 Magnetically coated strip of plastic on which data can be

coded.
 Tapes for computers are similar to tapes used to store music.
 Less expensive than other storage mediums but commonly as
much slower solution that is commonly used for backup.
USB FLASH DRIVE
 Small and portable flash memory card that plugs into a

computer’s USB port and functions as a portable hard drive.
 Come in different sizes 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 5GB, and
16BG
MEMORY CARD
 An electronic flash memory storage disk commonly used in

consumer electronic devices such as digital cameras,
MP3players, mobile phones and other small portable devices.

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CHAPTER 3

 A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for

 Also known as main memory.

 RAM is the main memory in a computer. The data in RAM can

 This memory is used as the computer begins to boot up.

 Function of ROM1) ROM is another type of memory

 RAM stores during and after processing ROM Data and

 A memory cache, sometimes called a cache store or

 Some memory caches are built into the architecture of

No extra peripherals such as mouse are needed

 Not suitable for inputting large amounts of data

 It is storage that's separate from the computer itself, where

 CD, CD-R, CD-RW

 Compact disk which is an optical disc that uses a laser to read

 Digital versatile disc which is a high capacity development of

 Magnetically coated strip of plastic on which data can be

 Small and portable flash memory card that plugs into a

 An electronic flash memory storage disk commonly used in

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