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Data Storage
Primary Memory:
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is used by a system when it needs to store and access data
immediately that is actively being used or processed by the user.
Features of RAM
o Volatile/temporary memory (contents lost if RAM is turned off)
o Used to store; data, files
o It can be written to or read from, and the contents of the memory
can be changed
The larger the size of the RAM, the faster the computer will operate
RAM never runs out of memory and continues to run slow
As RAM becomes full, the processor has to access the continually hard
drive to overwrite old data on RAM with new data
RAM is of two types:
DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM)
DRAM SRAM
Consists of a number of transistors Uses flip flops to hold each bit of
and capacitors memory
Need to be constantly refreshed Doesn’t need to be constantly
refreshed
Less expensive to manufacture than Has a faster data access time than
SRAM DRAM
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Has a higher memory capacity than CPU memory cache makes uses of
SRAM SRAM
Main memory is constructed from
DRAM
Consumes less power than SRAM
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Features of ROM
o Non-volatile/permanent memories (contents remain even when
ROM is turned off)
o Used to store start-up instructions (basic input/output systems)
o Data/contents of a ROM chip can only be read and cannot be
changed
RAM ROM
Temporary memory device Permanent memory device
Volatile memory Non Volatile memory
Can be written to and read from Data stored can’t be altered
Used to store data , file , programs Always used to store BIOS and other
,parts of OS currently in use data needed at start up
Secondary Storage:
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
Data is stored in a digital format on the magnetic surface of the disks
(platter)
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A number of read/write heads can access all of the surfaces of the disk
Each platter will have two surfaces which can be used to store the data
Data is stored on the surfaces in sectors and tracks
HDD has very slow data access compared to RAM
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
There are no moving parts, and all data is received at the same time (not
like HDD)
Store data by controlling the movement of electrons within NAND chips,
as 1s and 0s
Non-volatile rewritable memory
Benefits of using SSD rather than HDD:
o More reliable (no moving parts)
o Considerably lighter (suitable for laptops)
o Lower power consumption
o Run much cooler than HDDs
o Very thin
o Data access is faster than HDD
Drawback – questionable longevity (20GB per day)
Off-Line Storage:
CD/DVD Disks
Laser (red) light is used to read and write data on the surface of the
disk.
Use a thin layer of metal alloy to store data.
Both systems use a single spiral track that runs from the centre of the
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disk to the edge
DVD uses Dual-Layering, which increases the storage capacity (two
individual recording layers)
Blu-ray Disks
Uses a blue laser to carry out read-and-write operations
The wavelength of laser light is less than CD and DVD (stores up to five
times more data than DVD)
Automatically come with secure encryption (prevent piracy and
copyright infringement)
Used as backup systems
Solid State Drives
Supports reading/writing data & maintains stored data in a permanent
state even without power
Functions much like a hard drive but different tech
Built with an array of semiconductors that form its memory and
operated using an integrated circuit
Uses
Used to store operating systems and working data
Used for storing application software
Used in file servers for computer networks
Advantages
Faster than hard disks because they do not need to ‘spin up’ the disk
Robust because no mechanical parts
Read performance is fast even when data fragmented
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Less susceptible to data loss
Lighter, quieter and require less power than hard disks
Disadvantages
More expensive than hard disks
Have a smaller capacity than modern hard disks
Lower number of write cycles causing performance to diminish over
time
Blu-Ray Discs
Uses
Blu-ray disks are used in home video consoles
Used for storing and playing back films
PCs can use this technology for data storage or backing up hard drives
Camcorders can use this media to store film footage
Advantage
Very large storage capacity
Data transfer rate is very fast
Data access speed is faster than with other optical media
Disadvantage
Disks are relatively expensive
Blu-ray disks still have encryption problems
Flash Drives/Memory Sticks
Otherwise called pen drive/memory stick/USB stick
Can store several GBs of data and use solid state technology
Connected to a computer through USB port and power to operate drawn
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from host computer
Some expensive software increasingly uses these storage methods as a
form of security
Uses
Used to transport files between computers
Used as a security device – a dongle – to prevent software piracy
Advantages
Very compact and portable media
Very robust
Disadvantages
Not possible to write protect the data and files
Small physical size and are easy to lose.
Lower storage capacity than hard disk
Virtual memory
When RAM runs out of memory, there is a problem with memory
management; thus, the system has a high chance of crashing. This is why
virtual memory comes into the picture.
The virtual memory can be either HDD or SSD (these storages are
discussed below)
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You may be expected to draw a diagram like the above.
The main advantages of virtual memory are
They can be larger than the physical memory provided in the RAM.
Avoids the need to install/upgrade RAM, as it could be expensive
The system wastes no storage on unwanted/unused data.
Cloud Storage:
Cloud storage is a method of data storage where data is stored on
remote servers
The same data is stored on more than one server in case of maintenance
or repair, allowing clients to access data at any time. This is known
as data redundancy.
The following are its types:
o Public cloud – this is a storage environment where the
customer/client and cloud storage provider are different
companies
o Private cloud – this is storage provided by a dedicated
environment behind a company firewall; customer/client and
cloud storage provider are integrated and operate as a single
entity
o Hybrid cloud – this is a combination of the two above
environments; some data resides in the private cloud, and less
sensitive/less commercial data can be accessed from a public
cloud storage provider
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