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Lecture 07

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Lecture 07

Uploaded by

imdad hussain
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 07

Topics:
● Secondary storage devices: magnetic storage devices (hard disk, floppy disk). Optical storage
devices (CD ROM, CD ROM drive, DVD ROM, CD-R and CD writer, CD-RW and CD-RW
drive).

Secondary Storage Devices

Secondary storage devices store data permanently for retrieval even after a computer is turned off. These
devices supplement the primary memory (RAM) by providing additional capacity for data storage,
making them essential for holding operating systems, programs, and personal files. Unlike primary
storage, secondary devices offer large capacities and are non-volatile. Common types include magnetic
storage devices and optical storage devices.

Magnetic Storage Devices

Hard Disk

A hard disk drive (HDD) is the most common magnetic storage device, consisting of spinning magnetic
disks called platters. Data is read and written using a moving read/write head. HDDs are reliable for
storing large amounts of data, with capacities ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. For
example, modern computers often use HDDs for long-term storage of files, programs, and media. While
affordable, HDDs can be slow compared to newer technologies like SSDs.

Floppy Disk

The floppy disk was an earlier magnetic storage medium, now largely obsolete. It used a flexible
magnetic disk housed in a plastic casing to store small amounts of data, typically 1.44 MB for the 3.5-inch
versions. Floppy disks were once used to transfer files and load software but were limited by their low
capacity and durability.

Optical Storage Devices

CD-ROM

A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) is an optical disc designed for reading data but
cannot be written or erased. It uses laser light to read data stored in its microscopic pits. CD-ROMs were
commonly used for distributing software, music, and videos but have become less popular with the rise of
online streaming.
CD-ROM Drive

A CD-ROM drive is the hardware device that reads data from CD-ROMs. The drive uses a laser beam to
scan the surface of the disc and interpret the digital information. It typically connects to computers
internally or externally via USB.

DVD-ROM

The DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory) is an optical storage medium similar to
CD-ROMs but with significantly higher storage capacity, ranging from 4.7 GB (single-layer) to 8.5 GB
(dual-layer). DVDs are widely used for movies, games, and large software files.

CD-R and CD Writer

A CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) is a write-once optical disc, meaning data can be written to it once
but not erased or modified. A CD writer is the hardware used to write data onto a CD-R using a laser.

CD-RW and CD-RW Drive

A CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) allows data to be written, erased, and re-written multiple times.
It provides flexibility for tasks like backups and temporary file storage. A CD-RW drive is a device that
supports reading, writing, and erasing data on CD-RW discs.

These storage devices have revolutionized how data is preserved and transported, each serving specific
purposes depending on capacity, speed, and usability. While optical devices like CDs and DVDs are
becoming less common with cloud storage's prevalence, they still find use in specific niches like archival
and physical backups.

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