UNIT 3

Storage devices and media

Magnetic media and

magnetic storage
devices

Aya Elkanzi
Learning From page no 60 to page no 63

objectives

• For each secondary storage

device (magnetic (hard
disk drive (HDD) and
magnetic tape drive), you
will learn about:
• ★ characteristics
• ★ uses
• ★ advantages and
disadvantages.
Secondary Storage

Categories:
Definition: Non-volatile devices that 1.Magnetic Storage: Uses magnetic
store data long-term, unlike primary media (e.g., hard drives).
memory (RAM and ROM). 2.Optical Storage: Uses optical
media (e.g., CDs, DVDs).
Characteristics: 3.Solid State Storage: Uses solid-
•Larger capacity than primary state media (e.g., SSDs, USB flash
memory. drives).
•Slower access time compared to
RAM and ROM.
•Stores all applications, operating
systems, device drivers, and general
files (e.g., documents, photos, music). Key Terms:
•Storage Media: The hardware where
data is stored (e.g., CD, DVD).
•Storage Device: The hardware used
to read/write data to/from the media
(e.g., CD/DVD reader/writer).
Magnetic Media and Magnetic Storage
Devices
Historical Context:
•Origins: Magnetic storage dates back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest
methods for electronic data storage.
Technology:
•Magnetism: Utilizes the property that an iron oxide coating can be magnetized to
represent a binary 1 and demagnetized to represent a binary 0.
•Data Density: Each magnetized area is very small, allowing for a large amount of
data to be stored.
•Permanence: The magnetic state of the iron oxide is permanent unless overwritten,
ensuring data longevity.

Common Devices:
1.Magnetic Tape Drives:
1. Used for data backup and archival storage.
2. Cost-effective for storing large volumes of data.
2.Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):
1. Widely used in computers and servers.
2. Provide large storage capacity at a relatively low cost.
 Magnetic Tape Drives
Technology:
•Structure: A thin strip of plastic coated with a magnetic layer (iron
oxide).
•Operation: Data is written and read by a read/write head.
Magnetized areas represent binary 1s, and demagnetized areas
represent binary 0s.
•Access Method: Uses serial access, meaning data is read in the
order it was written, which results in slow data access times.
Applications:
1.Batch Processing:
1. Examples: Clearing bank cheques, utility billing (gas, electricity,
water), producing pay slips.
2. Reason: Speed of data access is not critical, and there is no need
for specific processing order.
2.Backup Media:
1. Usage: Storing vast amounts of data for backup purposes.
3.Long-term Archiving:
1. Reason: Magnetic tapes have huge storage capacities and are
stable over long periods, making them ideal for archiving.
Magnetic Tape Drives

Advantages: Disadvantages:
•Cost-Effective: Generally less •Slow Data Access Times: Serial access means all
expensive per byte compared to previous data must be read to find the required data.
hard disk drives. •Complex Updates: Requires a master tape and a
•Robustness: Durable and stable transaction tape to produce a new master tape, which is
over time. slow and error-prone.
•High Data Storage Capacity: Can •Susceptibility to Magnetic Fields: Strong magnets
store large amounts of data. can corrupt data stored on the tape.
•Fast Data Transfer Rate: Despite
slow access times, the rate at which
data is transferred is high.
Key Terms:
•Data Transfer Rate: The speed at
which data can be sent from a
storage device to a computer (or
vice versa).
•Data Access Time: The time it
takes to locate specific data stored
on the storage media.
 Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
•Common Usage: HDDs are widely used for data storage in computers.
•Data Storage: Data is stored digitally on magnetic surfaces of disks (platters).

Components and Operation:

•Platters: Made from glass, ceramic, or aluminum coated

with iron oxide. Each HDD typically has multiple platters.
•Read/Write Heads: Each platter has two surfaces, each
with a read/write head. These heads move quickly, up to 50
times per second, from the center to the edge of the disk.
•Actuators: Voice coils (similar to electromagnets in
speakers) move the read/write heads.
•Read/Write Arm: Swings the heads across the rotating
platters (up to 10,000 rpm).
•Data Storage: Data is stored in concentric, circular tracks,
divided into sectors.
•File Allocation Table (FAT): A map of sectors on the HDD,
used to locate free sectors for new data, speeding up the
writing process
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

Challenges:
•Latency: The time it takes for a specific
block of data to rotate to the read/write
head. This can cause delays, especially with
multiple applications open.
•Head Movements: Frequent seeking of
data blocks can lead to noticeable latency,
resulting in messages like “Please wait” or
“Not responding.”

Types:
•Fixed HDDs: Installed inside computers.
•Portable HDDs: External drives that can
be connected to different devices.
 Uses of Fixed Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
applications:
1.Operating System and Software Storage:
1. Stores the operating system, system software, and working data/files.
2. Stores applications software.
2.Real-Time Systems:
1. Used in robots and control systems for chemical plants.
3.Online Systems:
1. Utilized in booking systems (e.g., airline tickets) and automatic stock control
(e.g., EPOS systems).
4.File Servers:
1. Used in file servers for computer networks to manage and store data.

Disadvantages:
Advantages: •Susceptibility to Damage: Can be easily
•Fast Data Transfer Rate: Quick data transfer and damaged if not properly shut down, leading
access times. to potential head crashes.
•Large Memory Capacity: Can store vast amounts •Reliability Issues: Contains many
of data. moving parts, which can affect overall
reliability.
•Noise: Read/write operations can be noisy
compared to solid-state drives (SSDs).
Portable Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
•Definition: External HDDs that connect to a Disadvantages:
computer via USB ports. •Susceptibility to Damage: Can be
•Purpose: Used for backup and transferring files easily damaged if dropped or improperly
between computers. shut down.
•Slower Transfer Rate Compared to
Uses: Fixed HDDs: While fast, the transfer rate
1.Backup Systems: is not as high as that of fixed hard drives.
1. Prevents data loss by storing copies of
important files.
2.Data Transfer:
1. Facilitates the transfer of data, files, and
software between different computers.

Advantages:
•Fast Data Access and Transfer: Quick access
times and high data transfer rates.
•Large Memory Capacity: Can store substantial
amounts of data.
•Portability: Convenient for transferring information
between computers.