Chapter 3

Storage devices and media

Storage
• Primary storage  RAM, ROM
• Secondary storage  All non-volatile devices (HDD, SSD, etc)
• All applications, the operating system, device drivers and general files
(for example, documents, photos and music) are stored in secondary
storage
• There are three different storage media:
1. Magnetic
2. Optical
3. Solid state
Magnetic media and magnetic
storage devices
• Data is stored on the magnetic layer
• Magnetic layer is made up of iron oxide coating
• Layer is magnetised to represent 1 and demagnetised to represent 0
• Because magnetised area is very small, huge amount of data can be
stored
• Magnetic tape drives and hard disk drives (HDD) are the two common
magnetic devices
Magnetic tape drives
• A very thin strip of plastic is coated with magnetic
layer (iron oxide)
• Read/Write head reads or writes data to/from the
magnetic tape device
• The data is stored as a magnetised area (which
represents a 1) or demagnetised area (which
represents a 0)
• Serial access is used to read the data
Serial Access on Magnetic Tape
• Serial access reads the data in the order (e.g. reading starts from
1,2,3,….,100 until it finds the data needed)
• Let’s say if our needed data is allocated at 100, we must wait until the
reading reaches at 100
• For this reason, this type of storage is useless in real-time or online
applications (due to the very slow data access speeds) and is best
suited to offline or batch processing
• However, due to their vast storage capacity, magnetic tapes are still
used on large industrial or university computers
Magnetic Tape
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Batch processing application such Less expensive (per byte) than HDD Very slow data access times (use
as clearing bank cheques, utility serial access, all the previous data
billing (gas, electricity, water), and needs to be read until the required
producing pay slips data is found)

Backup media where vast amount very robust technology (stable, not Data on the tape cannot be edited
of data is stored deteriorate over time) directly so another tape is needed
to update the data

Long-term archiving of data huge data storage capacity affected by magnetic fields; a
(magnetic tapes have huge storage strong magnet (for example, one
capacities and durable thus ideal found in a loudspeaker) can corrupt
for long term storage) data stored on the tape

data transfer rate is actually fast

(although data access rate is slow)
Updating a magnetic tape
Data transfer rate Vs Data access time
• Data transfer rate is the rate at which data can be sent from a storage
device to a computer (or vice versa)
• Data access time is the time it takes to locate specific data stored on
the storage media
 Hard disk drives (HDD)
Disk Platter

• Data is stored in a digital format on the

magnetic surfaces of the hard disks (platters)
• HDD have more than one platter, each platter
have two surfaces Read/Write Head

• Read/write heads can access all of the platter

surfaces in the disk drive
• Heads can move very quickly from the centre
to the edge of the disk (and back again) 50
times a second
• Direct access is used to read data
Direct Access on HDD

• Unlike serial access, data does not have to be read first before the
required data is found
• It goes directly to the location where the data is stored
How HDD works
• Actuators are used to move the read/write heads
• A read/write arm swings the read/write head back and forth across
the platter; the platter is rotating at up to 10 000 rpm (revolutions per
minute)
• Each read/write head contains a tiny magnet which allows the data on
the platter to be read
• Platters are made from glass, ceramic or aluminium which are coated
in iron oxide
• Two read/write heads per platter (one for the top surface and one for
the bottom surface)
How HDD works
• Data is stored in concentric, circular tracks;
each track is broken up into sectors
• A map of the sectors is stored on the HDD
and is known as a file allocation table (FAT);
when the computer wants to store new
data, it looks at the FAT map to find out
which sectors are free and then moves the
read/write heads to the correct location –
this greatly speeds up the writing process.
Latency
• Latency is defined as the time it takes for a specific block of data on a
data track to rotate around to the read/write head
• Although HDD’s data access time is faster than magnetic tape, there
are still small delays (latency)
• Many applications require the read/write heads to constantly seek
the correct blocks of data needing a large number of head
movements
• Users will notice the effect of latency, especially if many applications
are open, when they see messages such as: ‘Please wait’ or, at its
worst, ‘not responding’
Fixed HDD
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
To store the operating system, very fast data transfer rate and fast easily damaged if the correct shut-
systems software, application access times to data down procedure on a computer is
software and working data/files not done, it is possible to sustain a
head crash

Real-time systems - robots, control very large memory capacities. many moving parts which can
of a chemical plant affect their overall reliability (parts
can be damaged over time)

Online systems - booking airline read/write operation can be quite

tickets, automatic stock control noisy when compared to solid-state
(using EPOS) drives

File servers for computer networks

Portable hard disk drives
• Unlike fixed HDD which exists inside computer, portable HDD can
connect outside of the computer using USB cable
• They exist externally to the computer hence called as external HDD
• Can be used as a backup device or another way of transferring files
between computers
Portable HDD
Uses Advantages Disadvantages

backup systems to prevent loss of data access time and data transfer easily damaged if the user
data rate are very fast accidentally drops it or does not
correctly shut down the drive after
use

transfer data/files/software a large memory capacity Data transfer rate is not as fast as
between computers for fixed hard drives

a method of transferring
information between computers
Optical media and optical storage devices
CD/DVD optical disks
• CDs and DVDS are optical media and read from or written to by
optical storage devices such as CD players
• Optical storage devices can be built in to a computer or connected
externally via a USB cable
• Optical properties of laser light is used to read/write data on the
surface of the disk
• CDs and DVDs can be designated as: ‘R’ (write once only), ‘RW’ (can
be written to or read from many times) or ‘ROM’ (read-only)
How CD/DVD works
• Both CDs and DVDs use a thin layer of metal alloy or a light-sensitive
organic dye coating to store the data
• Both use a single, spiral track, which runs from the centre of the disk to
the edge
• When the disk spins, an optical head in the drive unit moves to the start
of the track
• The laser beam then follows the spiral track from the centre outwards
• The read/write head does not actually touch the CD or DVD surface
• As with an HDD, a CD/DVD is divided into sectors, allowing direct access
of data.
How CD/DVD works
• The data is stored in pits and lands on the spiral track (lands are the
gaps between pits)
• A red laser is used to read and write the data
• Laser light is reflected when it arrives at pits and lands
• When the light hit on lands, it is reflected and defined as 1
• When the light hit on pits, it is not reflected and defined as 0
DVD
• Dual-layered DVD (two recording layer) can store more data
• Two layers are joined together with a transparent (polycarbonate)
spacer
• A very thin reflector is also sandwiched between the two layers
• Reading and writing of the second layer is done by a red laser focusing
at a fraction of a millimetre difference compared to the first layer
DVD Vs CD
• Standard, single-layer DVDs still have a larger storage capacity than
CDs because the ‘pit’ size and track width are both smaller
• DVDs use lasers with a wavelength of 650 nanometres; CDs use lasers
with a wavelength of 780 nanometres
• The shorter the wavelength of the laser light, the greater the storage
capacity of the medium
CD-R and DVD-R
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Home recordings of music (CD-R) Cheaper medium than RW disks Can only be recorded once; if an
and films (DVD-R) error occurs then the disk has to be
thrown away
Only possible to do a write
operation at the time and you
cannot come back a few days later
to add more files

store data to be kept for later use Once burned (and finalised) they Not all CD/DVD players can read
or to be transferred to another behave like a ROM CD-R/DVD-R
computer
CD-RW/DVD-RW
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Record television programmes Can be written over many time relatively expensive media
which can be recorded over, time
and time again

Used in CCTV systems Can use different file formats each Possible to accidentally overwrite
time it is used data

backup device for files and data Not as wasteful as R format

because the files/data can be
added at a later stage
 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Read-only memory (ROM) which cannot be Less expensive than hard disk The data transfer rate/data
written over and can only be read drive systems access time is slower than for
hard disks

Permanent method of data storage

Store music files and to store software,

computer games and reference software
(such as an encyclopaedia)
DVD-ROM has much larger storage and is
used to store films, computer data and the
sophisticated games
CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs are used in
applications where there is a real need to
prevent the deletion or overwriting of
important data
Blu-ray discs
• Blu-ray discs are read from or written to using a Blu-ray optical
storage device
• Blu-ray disks automatically come with a secure encryption system
which helps to prevent piracy and copyright infringement
• Blu-ray disks automatically come with a secure encryption system
which helps to prevent piracy and copyright infringement
 Differences between DVD and Blu-ray
Blu-ray DVD
A blue laser to read/write A red laser to read/write
Wavelength of blue light - 405 nanometres Wavelength of red light - 650 nanometres
Pits and lands are smaller since more data are stored Pits and lands (size) are bigger
Can store up to five times more data
Single-layer Blu-ray discs - 1.2 mm thick polycarbonate a sandwich of two 0.6 mm thick disks
disk
Dual-layer Blu-ray - a sandwich of two 0.6 mm thick
disks
Data transfer rate - 36 Mbps (1.5 hours to store 25 GB Data transfer rate - 10 Mbps
of data)
Comparison of the capacity and interactivity
of DVDs and Blu-ray discs
DVD Blu-ray
Single-layer - 4.7 GB Single-layer - 27 GB
Can store a two-hour standard definition movie Can store a two-hour high definition movie
or 13 hours of standard definition movies
Dual-layer - 50 GB
Can store 4.5 hours of high definition movies
or 20 hours of standard definition movies
record high definition television programmes
skip quickly to any part of the disc
create playlists of recorded movies and television programmes
edit or re-order programmes recorded on the disc
automatically search for empty space on the disc to avoid over-
recording
access websites and download subtitles and other interesting
features
Comparison of CD, DVD and Blu-ray
Blu-ray
Uses Advantages Disadvantages

Home video consoles Very large storage capacity, Relatively expensive discs
therefore ideal for storing high
definition movies

Storing and playing back movies Very fast data transfer rate Encryption problems (which are
(two-hour HD movie – 25 GB) used to stop piracy) when used to
store video

data storage or back up data Data access speed is also greater Introduction of HD (high definition)
than with other optical media DVD players has reduced the
advantages of using Blu-ray disc
technology

Camcorders can use this media (in Come with a secure encryption
cartridge form) to store movies system to prevent piracy and
copyright infringement
Exercise 3a
• Review all of the uses, advantages and disadvantages of optical media.
Produce a table comparing CD formats, DVD and Blu-ray. Once you have
completed the table, choose which optical media could you use for the
following (include a reason for your choice):
•a Supplying software for use on a computer.
•b Backing up your files at the end of the day.
•c Recording or playing back a high definition movie.
•d Saving data that you do not want to be changed for any reason.
•e Saving word-processing files.
Solid state media and solid-state storage
devices
• Solid-state technology removes latency issue because all the data is
retrieved at the same rate
• Solid state does not rely on magnetic properties and they have no moving
parts
• Stores data by controlling the movement of electrons within NAND chips
• The data is stored as 0s and 1s in millions of tiny transistors within the chip
(one transistor is called floating gate and the other control gate)
• The floating gate transistor has a value of 1 when it is charged and a value
of 0 when it is not
• Devices that use solid-state technology are referred to as flash memories or
flash drives
SS Uses Advantages Disadvantages

D main type of backing storage more reliable (no moving parts to

go wrong)
Longevity issue (do not last very
long)

store files, applications, operating lighter - suitable for laptops SSD endurance - only 20 GB write
system operations per day over a three-
year period
Mainly used in smaller devices such do not have to ‘get up to speed’ Not suitable for data server where a
as laptop, smartphone, tablet before they work properly huge number of write operations
take place every day
lower power consumption However, they are being improved
and commonly used in servers and
cloud storage devices
cooler than HDDs
Thin because of no moving parts
Data access time is only 0.1
milliseconds compared to 10
milliseconds for HDD
Data transfer speed for SSDs is also
much faster than for HDDs
Pen drives

• Pen drives (memory sticks, thumb drive) are

small portable devices that make use of solid-state technology
• very small, lightweight portable devices which make them very suitable
as a method for transferring files between computers
• small backup devices for music or photo files
• Pen drives are examples of USB flash drives which draw their power
from the computer via the USB connection
• Some devices combine the functionality of a portable media player with
USB flash storage; such devices require a battery to play music on the
go
Pen drives
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Transporting files between Very compact and portable media Cannot write protect the data/files
computers or using as a backing by making it ‘read-only’
store

security device to prevent software Very robust Easy to lose (due to the small
piracy (known as a dongle) physical size)

Does not need additional software The user needs to be careful when
to work on most computers removing a memory stick from a
computer – incorrect removal (for
example, while it is still doing a
read/write operation) will corrupt
the data on the memory stick and
make it useless
not affected by magnetic fields
Memory cards
• A memory card makes use of solid-state technology
• There are many available memory card formats, for example:
1. SD cards (secure digital card)
2. XD cards (extreme digital card)
3. CFast card (compactfast card)
• SD card - high-capacity memory card used in portable devices such as
digital video recorders, digital cameras, audio players, smartphones and
tablets
• XD card - removable memory card designed for use in digital cameras
• CFast card - used in a very small portable device, higher-end digital
photo and video cameras. They have no moving mechanical parts and
does not need a battery to retain data
Memory cards
Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Storing photos on digital Very compact – can be easily removed Expensive per gigabyte of memory when
cameras and used in another device or for compared to hard disk drives
transferring photos directly to a
computer or printer

mobile phone memory Durable since no moving parts Have a lower storage capacity than hard
cards disks

In MP3 players to store can hold large amounts of data Have a finite life regarding number of
music files times they can be read from or written to

backing store in hand- compact cameras and smartphones, Memory cards, specifically the micro SD
held computer devices are able to read and write to memory card, are the smallest so more likely to be
cards, allowing the user to transport lost, stolen or damaged
large collections of photographs, songs
or information with them
Not all computers come with memory card
readers built in; users need to purchase a
card reader or USB converter to view the
data on a memory card
The future of storage devices
• Many computers now only come with USB
• CD and DVD are becoming obsolete
• Flash memory become the main method of
transferring files between devices
• Many people now store all their music in the following ways:
 On hard disk drive sound systems
 In MP3 format on computer, smartphone, tablet, music player
 Cloud to store all files to access from anywhere in the world
 Music streaming from the internet
The future of storage devices
• Movie streaming on smart TVs
• No need additional player like DVD or Blu-ray player
• In effect, the television set has become the central computer with a
link to the internet using a wireless connection
Computer Storage Unit