Storage in computers holds

digital data and is non-volatile,

retaining information even when
the computer is off. The storage
medium is the physical

STORAGE component that holds data (e.g.,

a CD), while the storage device
reads from or writes data to the
medium (e.g., a CD drive). There
are three main types of storage
media: magnetic, optical, and
solid-state, each using different
methods to store data.
Magnetic Storage

• Magnetic storage media hold data in magnetic form

and include devices like hard disk drives and
magnetic tape.
• The media surface is magnetic and stores data as
tiny magnetized regions (dots).

Data Storage Process

• Data is stored as bits (0s and 1s) by altering the
magnetic polarity of each region.
• Magnetic devices read these bits to retrieve data by
detecting the magnetic state of the disk.
 HDD
HDDs are a primary storage device for many computers but are
increasingly replaced by solid-state drives (SSDs).
Data is stored on tracks (concentric circles) divided into sectors.

Files may be stored across different sectors, with the file allocation table
(FAT) tracking each file’s location and sequence.
Advantages

Large storage capacity for vast amounts of data.

Random (direct) access to data using the FAT, allowing retrieval without
sequential searching.
Low cost compared to other storage types.

Disadvantages

Vulnerable to physical damage, which can corrupt data.

Slower read/write speeds than SSDs.

Can be noisy during operation.

Fixed and Portable Harddisk
• Fixed Hard Disk Drives
Permanently installed within desktop and laptop cases.
Connected directly to the computer and not designed for mobility.
• Portable Hard Disk Drives
• Separate from the main computer system and connected via cable (e.g.,
USB).
• Portable and can be moved between computers, making them useful for
data transfer and backups.
Magnetic Tape Drives
• Magnetic tapes store data sequentially in a long line on the tape
rather than randomly across a disk.
• The tape drive moves the tape past the read/write head, which
stays still.
• Types of Storage Access
• Serial Storage: Data is stored one piece after the other; access to
data at the end of the tape requires reading through preceding
data.
• Sequential Storage: Data is organized in an ordered sequence
(e.g., alphabetical), allowing faster access than serial storage but
still slower than direct access on hard disks.
• Applications
• Useful for tasks requiring full data reads, such as payroll
processing and utility billing, where all entries must be
processed sequentially.
• Commonly used for backups and large data storage where
access speed is not critical (e.g., archives, banking, science, and
large tech firms).
• Use laser light to read and write data.
• Types of Optical Media
Optical Storage Media and
• CDs (Compact Disks): Store up to 700MB.
• DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks): Store up to 4.7GB.
Devices
• Blu-ray Disks: Store up to 128GB.
• Optical Disk Types
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Can only be read, not written (e.g.,
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM).
• R (Recordable): Can be written to once, then read-only (e.g., CD-
R, DVD-R).
• RW (Re-Writable): Can be written and erased multiple times
(e.g., CD-RW, DVD-RW).
• Data Storage Process
• Data is stored along a 5 km-long spiral track by etching pits with
a laser.
• Pits and Lands:
• Pits scatter laser light (representing "0").
• Lands reflect light back to a detector (representing "1").
• Laser Precision
• DVD drives use a more precise laser than CD drives, allowing
closer data storage and higher capacity.
 • Solid-state storage uses flash memory, providing
much faster speeds than traditional hard disks.
• Flash memory is non-volatile with floating gate
transistors that retain data even when powered off.
• No moving parts make solid-state storage more
durable and reliable.

SSD • Types of Solid-State Storage Devices

• Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Common in desktops
and laptops, replacing hard disk drives.
• Portable SSDs: Known as pen drives, thumb drives,
or memory sticks.
• Flash Memory Cards: Used in cameras,
smartphones, and other portable devices
Memory Stick and Pen drives
• Pen drives are also called ‘memory sticks’ and ‘flash drives’. They are small pen-
shaped storage devices, with a lot of storage space, which can be plugged into a
USB port. They are ideal for storing data and software that needs to be transported
from one computer to another and can be used for backups of the main files on a
computer system
 • Flash memory cards, including CF cards and SD cards, are portable,
solid-state storage devices.
• Used in digital cameras, mobile phones, and MP3 players for storing
photos, music, contacts, and more.
• Types of SD Cards

Flash
SD cards: 4–32 GB capacity.
Micro SD cards: 4–32 GB capacity.

Memory
SDXC (Extended Capacity): Up to 2 TB.
• Advantages
• Non-volatile memory prevents data loss if power fails.

Cards • Solid-state: No moving parts, reducing risk of mechanical damage.

• Compact and portable; uses minimal power.
• Versatile use across various devices (cameras, computers, phones).
• Disadvantages
• Fragile and can break easily.
• Prone to loss, misplacement, or damage.
Comparison of
different
storage media
and devices
Practical

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