Storage devices
Why do we need storage devices?
➢ Storage devices allow users to store applications, data and files
➢ Storage needs to be larger than internal memory since the user may wish to
store large files (such as music files or videos).
➢ Storage devices can also be removable to allow data, for example, to be
transferred between computers.
➢ Removable devices allow a user to store important data in a different
location in case of data loss.
However, removeable storage has become less important with the advent of technology
such as:
• ‘Data drop’ (which uses Bluetooth) and
• cloud storage.
Memory and storage devices can be split up into two distinct groups:
» Primary memory - is the part of the computer memory which can be accessed
directly from the CPU.
» Primary memory is defined as a volatile storage location as data or information
stored in the devices is lost once the computer device goes off.
Includes:
• RAM
• ROM
• Cache memory
• Buffers
RAM-Random Access Memory
➢ Temporary memory device
➢ Volatile memory
➢ Can be written to and read from
➢ Used to store data, files, programs, part of OS currently in use such as music that
can be heard playing on the phone.
➢ Can be increased in size to improve operational speed of a computer
Types of RAM technology:
» Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
» Static RAM (SRAM).
ROM-Read Only Memory
» They are non-volatile (the contents are not lost after powering off the computer)
» They are permanent memories (the contents cannot be changed or written to
by the user, the computer or any application/program)
» The contents can only be read
» They are often used to store data that the computer needs to access when
powering up for the first time (the basic input/output system (BIOS)); these
are known as the start-up instructions (or bootstrap
CACHE-Stores frequently used data by the CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Secondary/ Back-up storage
Secondary storage devices are used to permanently hold data and instruction.
They are non-volatile devices that allow data to be stored as long as required by the
user.
This type of storage can store more data than primary memory, but data access time
is considerably longer than with RAM or ROM.
Secondary (and off-line) storage is classified into three categories according to
the technology used:
» Magnetic
» Solid state
» Optical.
1. Magnetic storage
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
Are still one of the most common methods used to store data on a computer
2. Solid state
USB Flash Drive.
• They use solid state technology.
• They are connected to a computer using the USB port.
• They are used to transport files between computers.
3. Optical
CD (Compact Disc)
• Red Laser light is used to read and write data onto the disk surface.
• Uses a single spiral track which runs from centre of the disk to the
• edge.
• Uses a single layering to store data.
• It can store up to 700MB of data.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
• They are described as Optical Storage Devices.
• Red Laser light is used to read and write data onto the disk surface.
• Uses a single spiral track which runs from centre of the disk to the
• edge.
• Uses a dual- layering to store data.
• It can store up to 4.7GB of data.
DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc-RAM)
• They are described as Optical Storage Devices.
• Instead of single spiral track, they have concentric tracks.
• Red Laser light is used to read and write data onto the disk surface
• Uses a dual- layering to store data.
• The concentric tracks allow data to be read and written at the same
• time.
• They allow numerous read and write operations.
• They have a great longevity of over 30 years.
• They are ideal for archiving.
Blue Ray
• They are described as Optical Storage Devices.
• A blue laser is used to read and write to the disc.
• They can store up to five times more data than normal DVD.
• Blu- rays disks have an automatic secure encryption system which help
prevent piracy and copyright of data.
• Single layer can store up to 25GB of data.
• Dual layer can store up to 50GB of data.
• Used to store movies and games.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is a method of data storage where data is stored on remote servers.
The physical environment is owned and managed by a hosting company and may
include hundreds of servers in many locations.
Companies such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram etc use Cloud storage technology.
Types of Cloud Storage
1. Public cloud – this is a storage environment where the customer/client stores
data and information where everyone can access without restrictions. Example You-
Tube, TikTok social apps
2. Private cloud – this is storage environment provided by a company to only serve
its clients. Eg iCloud is only limited to iPhone users.
3. 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.
The following are advantages of using cloud storage
➢ customer/client files stored on the cloud can be accessed at any time from any
device anywhere in the world provided internet access is available
➢ there is no need for a customer/client to carry an external storage device with
them, or even use the same computer to store and retrieve information
➢ the cloud provides the user with remote back-up of data.
➢ if a customer/client has a failure of their hard disk or back-up device, cloud
storage will allow recovery of their data
➢ the cloud system offers almost unlimited storage capacity.
Disadvantages
➢ if the customer/client has a slow or unstable internet connection, they would
have problems accessing or downloading their data/files.
➢ costs can be high if large storage capacity is required; it can also be expensive to
pay for high download/upload data transfer limits with the customer/client
internet service provider (ISP)
➢ the potential failure of the cloud storage company is always possible – this poses
a risk of loss of all back-up data
➢Information/data stored on the cloud can be accessed through hacking for less
secure cloud service providers
