Chapter # 3: Storage Devices and Media

Backing-Up Data

• Backing up refers to copying files or data into a different medium in case of damage or loss of
original copy.

Why do we back up data?

• To safeguard against loss of data.

• To safeguard against damages caused by hackers.

• In case files need to be sent elsewhere, to protect the original format of files.

Magnetic Backing Storage Media

• Holds data magnetically.

• The surface area of the media is magnetised so that it can hold bits of data.

• The device that reads media can also read the bits held on the surface area

Magnetic tape drives Uses:

• used in applications where batch processing is used.

• used as a backup media where vast amounts of data need to be stored.

• used in long-term archiving of data, they have huge data storage capacities and are known to
be very stable.

Advantages:

• They are generally less expensive than hard disk drives.

• It is a very robust technology.

• They have a huge data storage capacity.

• The data transfer rate is fast.

Disadvantages:

• Prolonged data access times (uses serial access).

• When updating, another tape is needed to store the final updated version.

• They are affected by magnetic fields, a strong field can corrupt data stored on the tape.

Fixed Hard Disks/Drives Uses:

To store the OS, systems software and working data/files.

 Storing applications files.

• Used in real-time systems and in online systems.

• Used in file servers for computer networks.

Advantages:

• They have a very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.

• They have a very large memory capacity.

Disadvantages:

• It can be fairly easily damaged.

• They have many moving parts which affect overall reliability.

• Their read/write operation can be quite noisy when compared to solid-state drives. Portable

Hard Disk Drives Uses:

• Can be used as a backup system to prevent data loss.

• It can be used to transfer data/files/software between computers.

Advantages:

• Data access time and data transfer rate are very fast.

• It has a very large memory capacity.

• It can be used as a method of transferring information between computers.

Disadvantages:

• They can be easily damaged if user accidentally drops it or doesn’t correctly shut down the
drive after use.

• The data transfer rate is not as fast as for fixed hard disk drives.

Optical Media and Optical Storage Devices

• Holds data by burning ‘dots’ onto the surface with a high-powered laser.

• The data that reads the media can read the data by shining a lower-powered laser over the
dots.

• CD- 700MB

• DVD- 4.5 GB

• BD- 128 GB

CD-R/DVD-R ~ Write Once Only Uses:

Home recordings of music and (CD-R) and films (DVD-R).

Used to store data to be kept for later use to be transferred to another computer.
Advantages:
• Cheaper medium than RW disks.

• Once burned (and finalised), they behave like a ROM.

Disadvantages:

• It can only be recorded once; if an error occurs, then the disk has to be thrown away.

• Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R/DVD-R. CD-RW/DVD-RW ~ Read and Write Uses:

• Used to record television programs which can be recorded over, time and time again.

• Used in CCTV systems.

• It can be used as a backup device for files and data.

Advantages:

• It can be written over many times.

• You can use different file formats each time it is used.

• It is not as wasteful as the R format because the files/data can be added later.
Disadvantages:

• It can be relatively expensive media.

• Possible to accidentally overwrite data. CD-ROM/DVD-ROM ~ Read Only Uses:

• These are read-only memory (ROM), which means they can’t be written over and can only be
read. Permanent storage method.

• CD-ROM is used to store music files and to store software, computer games and reference
software.

• DVD-ROM has much larger storage and is used to store films.

• Used in applications where there is a real need to prevent deletion or overwriting of important
data.

Advantages:

They are less expensive than hard disk drive systems.

They are very portable as they are small and light.

• Data stored on them is read-only, so it cannot be accidentally overwritten.

Disadvantages:

• Hold far less data than hard disk drives or memory sticks.

• Very slow data transfer rate and data access times, as compared to hard disk drives.
 • You cannot add your files to the disks because they are both read-only.

Blu-Ray Discs

The main differences between DVD and Blu-ray are:

1. Blu-ray uses a blue laser rather than a red laser. (The wavelength of blue light is 405nm,
much smaller than the 650nm red laser) This makes pits and lands much smaller, so they
store five times more data than DVDs.

2. Blu-ray disks automatically come with a secure encryption system, which helps to
prevent piracy and copyright infringement.

3. The data transfer rate for a DVD is 10 Mbps, and for a Blu-ray disc, it is 36 Mbps.

Uses:

• Home video consoles.

• Storing and playing back movies.

• Computers can use this technology for data storage or backing hard drives.

• Camcorders can use this media to store movies.

Advantages:

• Very large storage capacity.

• Very fast data transfer rate.

• The data access speed is also greater than with other optical media.

• Blu-ray discs automatically come with a secure encryption system.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively expensive discs.

• Encryption problems when used to store videos.

The introduction of HD (high definition) DVD players has reduced the advantages of using Blu- ray
technology.

Flash Memory cards

Different types of memory cards:

» SD cards (secure digital card)

» XD cards (extreme digital

card) » CFast card (compact,

 fast card). Uses:

• Storing photos on digital cameras.

• Used as mobile phone memory cards.

• Used in MP3 players to store music files.

• Used as a backing store in hand-held computer devices.

Advantages:

• Very compact.

• Because they have no moving parts, they are very durable.

• They can hold large amounts of data.

• Compact cameras and smartphones can read and write memory cards, allowing
users to transport extensive collections of photographs, songs, etc.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive per gigabyte of memory when compared to HDDs.

• Have a lower storage capacity than hard disks.

• Have a finite life regarding the number of times they can be read from or written to.

• Memory cards, specifically the micro SD card, are the smallest sized devices available,
making them more likely to be lost, stolen or damaged. The storage should be sized cause
the amount of storage does not prevent the drive from being stolen

• Users must often purchase a card reader or USB converter to view the data.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is a storage device?

a. A device use for calculating data.
b. A device used to store data permanently.
c. A device used to store data temporarily.
Ans: A device used to store data permanently
2. CD can store up to 4.5 GB data
a. True
b. False
Ans:
3. Large organizations use this type of storage device to back up the data.
a. Magnetic Tape
b. CD
c. DVD
d. Blue Ray
Ans:
4. Which storage media you think does NOT use direct access?
a. Magnetic Tape
b. DVD Disc
c. HDD
Ans: Magnetic Tape
5. what type of storage are Hard Disk Drives?
a. Optical
b. Sequential
c. Magnetic
d. Solid State
Ans:

6. For exploring environment, a school uses portable, battery-operated data loggers to measure
variables such as temperature, light intensity and oxygen levels in water. The data loggers use solid state
storage. Explain why a data logger needs a secondary storage.
A. No need of a secondary storage device.
B. For permanent storage of data when the device is turned off.
C. Because it is large and heavier.
D. It access the data directly.
Ans: B. For permanent storage of data when the device is turned off.

7. Which of the following is an advantage of portable device?

A. They can get damaged easily.
B. It allows for quick archiving of data.
C. They are very expensive.
Ans:

8. Explain serial access to data.

A. Data can be found straight away.
B. It needs to go through the beginning until required data is found.
C. Data cannot be accessed
D. Data can be found by using a laser.
Ans:

9.Which laser is used to write data on DVD?

Green
Blue
Red
Yellow
Ans: Red
10. Which of the following is an example of a backing storage device?
a. Magnetic
b. optic Strage
c.
Which of the following types of storage would access data the fastest.
Magnetic
Solid state (SSD)
Optical
They all take same time.
Ans: SSD
11. Which of the following is the disadvantage of memory card.
a. Less power is required.
b. Can break easily.
c. Available is different sizes.
d. Small and light weight.
Ans:
12. A school student needs a method to back up his schoolwork and transfer documents between school
and home. Which storage device is suitable?
A.USB Solid State
B.Magnetic Tape.
C.Monitor
Ans:
13. Why is solid state more suitable for Data loggers in measuring temperature and all?
a. Portable and light weight
b. Fast Access
c. No moving Parts
d. All of the above
Ans:
14. Optical storage devices use light from laser to read and write data.
a. True
b. False
Ans:

15. Expand DVD?

Ans:

16. Blue Ray Disk Can store _________ GB data

a. 4.5 GB
b. 128 GB
c. 700 GB
Ans:

17. Which storage forms following a sorted Pattern(Alphabetic ) in Magnetic Storage Media
a. Serial Storage
b. Sequential Storage
c. None of these.
Ans:

18. Expand the term FAT

Ans:
19. Optical Storage media is more portable than Magnetic
A. true
B. False
Ans:
20. Solid State drives are usually about 1TB (True/False
Ans: