USING AND

CONFIGURING
STORAGE
DEVICES
G ROU P 6
 outline of the lesson

DISK STORAGE
OPTIONS ....................................................... 1
CD-ROM &
DVD ......................................................................... 2
NETWORK
STORAGE .................................................................. 3
REMOVABLE DISKS & MOBILE STORAGE ................................ 4
DRIVES .................................................................................
 DISK STORAGE
OPTIONS
• Most computers come with a single 3.5"floppy drive,
which can be a high-density floppy or a Zip disk drive.
• Computers also typically include one or more internal
fixed hard drives and a CD-ROM or DVD drive.
• Some manufactures now sell computers without
floppy drives, but you can add one for an additional
cost.
• These devices can plug into the same bus interface
card, which includes separate connectors and
controllers that share some common components.
• Hard drive or controller designs can vary, but
compliance with operating system standards ensures
compatibility and functionality.
HARD DRIVE
INTERFACES
• The most popular hard drive interface in Intel PC
architecture is Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE).
• Enhanced IDE(EIDE) supports higher transfer speeds and
is commonly found in modern PCs, often referred to simply
as IDE.
• IDE interfaces are built into the motherboard or present as
an interface card.
• A single IDE interface can support two devices: one master
(main drive) and one slave (secondary storage).
• IDE cables typically have three 40-pin header connectors:
one for the IDE card or motherboard, and two for
connecting IDE devices.
 F i g u r e 6-1 i l lust r a t e s t w o ID E
c a b l e s wi t h m a st e r a nd sla v e
c onne c t i o ns.
• IDE has various subtypes controlling data
transfer speeds, but devices and controllers
can usually determine compatibility
automatically.
• Modern computer systems have primary and
secondary IDE controllers, typically built into the
motherboard, with the primary connecting to the
boot drive.
• SCSI is another drive interface option, faster than
IDE but generally more expensive.
• SCSI supports up to 8 or 16 devices per interface,
depending on the type, and requires termination at
both ends of the cable.
• Advancements in SCSI technology include Ultra
SCSI, wide Ultra SCSI, Ultra2 SCSI, wide Ultra2
SCSI, Ultra3 SCSI, wide Ultra3 SCSIO(Ultra160),
Ultra320 SCSI, and Serial Attached SCSI,
supporting different speeds and numbers of
devices.
 Fig u r e 6 -2 SC SI c on fi g u r at ion
• Each SCSI device must have a unique address,
starting with 0, to avoid conflicts.
• Proper termination of the SCSI cable at both ends
is crucial to prevent communication issues.
• The number of platters, heads, tracks, and
sectors per track varies among hard disks and is
typically stored in non-volatile memory on the
computer.
• EIDE and SCSI allow controllers to communicate
with the disks electronics to retrieve this
information,but this coomunication may not
always work correctly, so its useful to have disk
geometry information on hand.
• Hands on projects 6-4 and 6-11 in Windows XP
can help view hard drive properties and study the
hard drive cofiguration using the Sytem
Informtion utility.
 DY NAMIC DI SK S
BA S IC D IS K • Dynamic disks, introduced in Windows

• A basic disk is a physical hard 2000 and included in Windows XP

Professional and Windows Server 2003,
drive that contains primary allow creating volumes that span
partitions, extended partitions, or multiple disks and support fault-
logical drives known as basic tolerant volumes.
• Volumes on dynamic disks are referred
volume. to as dynamic volumes.
• Basic volumes are only available • Dynamic disks support up to 2000
on basic disks. dynamic volumes on one disk, but
Microsoft recommends 32 or fewer
volumes per disk.
• Dynamic disks can extend volumes
onto additional physical disks.
• You can convert basic disks to dynamic
disks using the Disk Management tool.
RA ID A RRAY S
• RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) uses multiple disks in a
storage array to improve data storage,speed, and reliability.
• RAID serves three main purposes: increased reliability, increased
storage capacity, and increased speed.
• Different RAID levels focus on different piurposes, and there is no
superior RAID level for all situations.
• RAID implementation can be costly, so it is primarily used on network
servers with network operating systems.
• RAID is implemented as a combination of hardware and software, with
hardware RAID involving a specialized controller and software RAID
running on the operating system.
• RAID software provides an interface to the operating system, making
the RAID array appear to the OS as a sinngle drive or multiple drives
with special features.
 C D -ROM A ND
DV D
CD -ROM and DV D are optical storage technologies that
supersede magnet ic storage options. CD -ROM stores
data in a read-onl y format, while DVD, a new er variant,
caters to di gi tal v ideo. Both off er higher capacity and
durability compared to magnetic storage mediums.
COMPACT DISC(CD) TEC HNOLOGY
• CD-ROMs are crucial for software distribution and data
storage in modern computing.
• They employ a spiral track for data storage, read by a
laser pickup.
• The disc surface contains pits that modulate reflected
laser light, encoding data.
• Despite susceptibility to damage, CD-ROMs incorporate
error detection and correction mechanisms.
• They typically store around 650 MB of data per disc.
• Rotational speeds range from 2X to 72X, offering data
transfer rates comparable to some hard disks.
• In practical use, CD-ROM drives may seem slower despite
high transfer rates.
 D I G I TA L V I D E O D I SC ( D V D ) TE C H N O LO GY
• DVDs function similarly to CD-ROMs, utilizing optical drives and a spiral layout of data
blocks read by a laser.
• They offer significantly higher storage capacity and data transfer rates compared to
CD-ROMs, despite sharing the same disc size.
• DVDs can have two sides with up to two layers per side, enabling a total storage
capacity of approximately 17 GB per disc.
• Physical similarities exist between DVD and CD-ROM discs and drives, allowing most
DVD drives to read both formats.
• Each layer of a DVD is read using light at different angles, with the second layer
spiraling from the outside to the inside of the disc.
• The increasing demand for graphics and multimedia in operating systems and
applications contributes to the continued popularity of the DVD format.
R ECO R DA BLE A N D REWRITABLE CD
A N D DV
• Recordable and rewritable CDDand DVD technologies
include CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and
DVD+RW.
• CD-R and DVD-R technologies allow data to be recorded
once and then read multiple times.
• CD-RW and DVD-RW technologies enable writing and
erasing data on the media thousands of times.
• DVD-RAM is another rewritable DVD technology, not
compatible with DVD-RW, but can be read by most
DVD-ROM drives.
• Industry standardization challenges have resulted in
multiple DVD types, with the DVD Forum being the main
group developing standards.
• HD-DVD, developed for HDTV technology, can store up
to 27 GB of data, with some vendors demonstrating 50
GB models.
 CD -ROM AND DV D -
ROM INTE RFA CE S

• C D - R O M an d DVD- R OM d r i v e s are t y p i c al l y c o n n e c t e d t o c o mp u t e r s
u s i n g h ard d i sk in t er f ac e s l i ke E ID E or S C S I.
• Op e r at in g sy st ems oft e n re q u i re sp e c i al d r i v e r s t o re ad f ro m t h e se
d i sc s d u e t o t h eir d i st i n c t o rg an i z at i o n f ro m h ard d i sk s .
• S o me P C s h av e C D- R O M an d DV D - R OM d r i v e r s b u i l t i n t o t h e B IOS ,
e n ab l i n g t h em t o b o o t d i re c t l y f rom t h e se d i s c s w i t h o u t s p e c i al
drivers.
• Op e r at in g sy st ems l i ke Mac O S , Wi n d o w s N T 4. 0/ 2 000 / X P / S e r v e r
20 03, an d v ar iou s U N IX fl av o r s s u p p o r t b o o t i n g d i re c t l y f ro m C D -
R OM o r DVD- R OM for i n i t i al i n s t al l at i o n .
C ON N E C TIN
G DR IV E S
• Drives connect to computers via EIDE or SCSI
interface, USB or FireWire port.
• Specialized drivers are required for these drives.
• Ensure drivers are compatible with the operating
system for optimal functionality.
• No drive can be used with any operating system;
ensure the desired drive is supported by your operating
system.
 2 C AT E G OR I E S OF
CONNE C T ING D E VI C ES

• NETWORK DEVICES
allow devices to connect to a network.

• CABLE CONNECTORS

allow you to physically connect devices to

each other.
N E TWOR K D E V IC E S
Router: Broadcasts the internet connection
wirelessly throughout your home, allowing your
devices to connect to the internet.

Modem: Acts as a translator, converting the

signal from your internet service provider (ISP)
into a format that your devices can understand.

Network Switch: is a device that connects multiple

devices on a network. It acts like a traffic controller,
directing data packets to the specific device they're
addressed to.
This improves network efficiency by reducing
congestion and ensuring that data only travels to the
devices that need it.
NETWORK DEVICES

USB connector: A USB connector is a common type of

connector used to connect devices to computers.

HDMI connector: An HDMI connector is a type of

connector used to connect video and audio devices.
 M a n y o rga niza t io n s t o day are de aling
wit h ma ssiv e a mo unt s of data,
wh e t h e r f ro m e -co mme rce

N ETWO t ra n sa c t io n s, c o rpo rat e dat abase s, o r

o t h e r a pplic a t io n s with lo t s o f dat a,
a nd t h e y ne e d a me t ho d t o manage

RK t his da t a . B a c kups, disaste r re co v e ry ,

a nd a v a ila bilit y o f data are just a fe w
o f t h e re a so ns o rganizatio ns hav e

STORA t urn e d t o st o ra ge are a ne t wo rks

(S ANs) o f ne t wo rk at tache d st o rage
(NAS).
STORAGE AREA NETWORKS TECHNOLOGY

• Connects servers and storage systems directly without

sending data over the corporate network.

• Utilizes a switched, full-duplex Fibre Channel connection.

• All data transfer occurs on the Fibre Channel.

• Fibre Channel ranges from 1 Gbps to 2 Gbps, with 4 Gbps and

10 Gbps in development.
 N E T W O R K ATTAC H E D S T O RAG E S

• Directly attaches storage to a local area network (LAN).

• Compatible with multiple operating systems: UNIX/Linux,
Microsoft Windows, Netware, Mac OS.
• Supports protocols like TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and AppleTalk.
• Distinct from SANs as servers communicate with storage
over LAN, not Fibre Channel connection.
 SAN & NAS ARE LIKE
L I B RA R I E S
• SAN: A dedicated storage room accessible only by
librarians (servers) who can retrieve specific sections of
books (data blocks) for patrons.

• NAS: A bookshelf on the main floor where anyone with a

library card (network access) can browse and access
complete books (files).
• Come in many hapes, sizes, and
formats
• The first type of drives are those
that use flexible magnetic disks,
Removable
such as lomega Zip disks.
• The second group consists of Disk
drives that use hard platters,
much ike a hard disk.
and
• Castlewood's ORB drives are Mobile
examples of these technologies
Storage
• The Zip disk is addressed by the system like a hard
disk, and offers a storage capacity of 100, 25), or
750 MB
• Zip drives are available in both external and internal
varieties with printer port, SCSI, EIDE, or USB
connections R E M OVA B L E
• The disk consists of a cartridge that contains a
magnetic
L A R G E - C A PAC I T Y
• The medium is much like floppy, and the size is F LO P PY D R I V E S
similar to a 3½" floppy.
• If the operating system is not told when a disk is
swapped, the results can be rather disastrous
• It is possible to use Zip drives with many operating
systems without any special drivers, but it is not
recommended, particularly with operating systems
that cache part of the disk
 RE MOVABL E RIGID
CARTRIDGE S

• Disks made of solid material inside the cartridge, similar to

hard disk platters.
• Heads float above the disk surface at a close distance,
reducing mechanical contact and extending lifespan.
• Disadvantage: Difficulty in locating a head close to a
platter in a removable cartridge.
• Castlewood Systems, Inc. produces ORB 2.2 GB and ORB
5.7 GB drives in EIDE, SCSI, USB, and FireWire models.
• Ideal for applications requiring large data storage.
 mini USB Drives
• Plug into a USB port on a computer.
• No additional drivers required.
• Recognized by Plug and Play (PnP)
operating systems.
• Sizes range from 64 MB to 1 GB.
• Transfer speeds 3 to 9 Mbps.
• Manufacturers: Iomega, Lexar,
SanDisk, Sony.
• Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Newer computer cases often have
USB ports for use with other USB
devices.
TABLE 6-2
S TORAG E M EDI A CAPACI T IES
 TA P E DRIV E S
• Recordable and rewritable CD and DVD technologies include
CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW.
• CD-R and DVD-R technologies allow data to be recorded once
and then read multiple times.
• CD-RW and DVD-RW technologies enable writing and erasing
data on the media thousands of times.
• DVD-RAM is another rewritable DVD technology, not
compatible with DVD-RW, but can be read by most DVD-ROM
drives.
• Industry standardization challenges have resulted in multiple
DVD types, with the DVD Forum being the main group
developing standards.
• HD-DVD, developed for HDTV technology, can store up to 27
GB of data, with some vendors demonstrating 50 GB models.
TABL E 6-3
TAP E ME DIA CAPACIT IE S
 dat drives or
digital audio tape
• Use 4-mm tape.
• Common DDS format: DDS-4
(20 GB compressed) or DDS-5
(36 GB compressed).
• DDS format is backward-
compatible, allowing upgrade to
DDS-4 while reading DDS-3
tapes.
 (DLT)
Digital linear tape
• Use half-inch wide magnetic tapes to record data.
• Each tape contains 128 or 208 tracks, with data
recorded on the first track.
• Data is reversed and written from end to
beginning.
• High-speed search capabilities allow file retrieval
in 45 seconds on average 20 GB tape.
• DLT-III tapes have a storage capacity of 10 GB (20
GB compressed), while DLT-IV tapes have a
storage capacity of 40 GB (80 GB compressed).
• Used in many automatic systems.
 (sdlt)
Super digital linear tape
• Utilizes magnetic and optical recording methods.
• Utilizes laser technology for accurate data writing
and allows for greater density of information
• SDLT 320 drive: 160 GB of data (320 GB
compressed).
• Next generation: SDLT 640, 1280, and 2400.
• SDLT 320: 320 GB (640 GB compressed) available in
2004.
• SDLT 1280: 640 GB (1.28 TB compressed) in 2005.
• SDLT 2400: 1.2 TB (2.4 TB compressed) in late
2006/2007.
 AIT (A DVA NCED INTELLIGENT TAPE)
AND
S-AIT ( SUP ER ADVANCED INTELLIGENT
TAPE) DRIVES

• Introduced in 1996, primarily used in midrange

servers.
• Tapes have an erasable memory chip for fast

forwarding and locating information.

• Initially had 35/90 GB capacity.

• Super Advanced Intelligent Tape (S-AIT) has

500 GB/1.3 TB capacity and can last 500,000

hours.
 (LTO) L INEAR TAPE OPEN

• THE LINEAR TAPE OPEN (LTO) DRIVE IS MOST

WIDELY ACCEPTED IN THE HIGH-END SERVER

MARKET.
• The Ultrium format has a 100 GB cartridge with

a 16 Mbps data transfer rate.

• Future plans call for a capacity of 1.6 TB with a

transfer rate of 320 Mbps.

 LE T'S RE C ALL

RECAP 1 RECAP 2 RECAP 3

Presentations are Presentations are Presentations are
communication tools that communication tools that communication tools that
can be used as can be used as can be used as
demonstrations. demonstrations. demonstrations.
WINDOWS RE MOVABLE STORAGE
OPT IONS
• MIC RO S O FT IN T RO DU C ED REMOVA BLE
STO RA G E S YS TEM IN W IN DO W S 2000

• TRA C K S REMOVA BLE ST O RA GE MEDIA :

TA P ES , C D - RO MS , DV D - RO MS , OP TICA L
DIS K S , H IG H - C A PA C ITY DIS K DRIV ES

• A P P LIC ATIO N S LIK E BA C KU P SOFTWA RE

MA N A G E DATA O N REMOVA BLE MEDIA
• EN A BLES M U LTIP LE A P P LIC ATION S TO
S H A RE TH E SA ME MEDIA

• A LL A P P LICAT IO N S U S IN G T H E SYSTEM
MU S T RU N O N TH E SA ME C O MP UTER
 STORAGE MA NA GEMENT
TOOLS
• OPERATI NG SYSTEM TOOLS AND
COMMA NDS FOR MA NA G I NG
STORA G E DEV I CES COV ERED
• INCLUDES STEP-BY-STEP
I NSTRUCTI ONS FOR USI NG THESE
TOOLS I N END -OF-CHA P TER HANDS-
ON PROJ ECTS
 WINDOWS 2000/ XP / SERVER
2003
• WINDOWS DISK MANAGEMENT SNAP-
IN: VIEWS AND MANAGES COMP UTER'S
HARD DISK S
• CAPABILITIES: CREATE PARTITIONS,
FORMAT WITH FAT, FAT32, OR NTFS

• CHAP TER 3 INTRODUCED COMMANDS:

FDISK, CHK DSK, FORMAT, AND FILE
SYSTEM OP TIONS: FAT16, FAT32 , NTFS
• DISK DEFRAGMENTER (HANDS- ON
P ROJECT 6- 2 DEMONSTRATES
DEFRAGMENTING IN WINDOWS SERVER
2 003)
• DEVICE MANAGER IN SYSTEM AP P LET
OF CONTROL PANEL (HANDS-ON
P ROJECT 6- 9) SHOWS INSTALLED
DEVICES AND CONFIGURATIONS IN
WINDOWS XP /SERVER 2003
 UNIX/ LINUX
Common command-line utilities for disk
management in UNIX/Linux:
• fdisk: for partitioning disks
• format: for formatting disks (not available in
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0)
• sfdisk: verifies partitions, lists partition
information, repartitions disks
• disk: assists in disk management tasks

• disk: assists in disk management tasks

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 offers fdisk and

sfdisk
• UNIX/Linux systems use the mount command-
line utility to mount file systems for disk
partitions, CD-ROM drives, or floppy drives
• Main file systems are typically mounted during
boot process, but manual mounting may be
necessary at times
GUI tools in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0
GNOME and Bluecurve desktop for disk
management:
• Main Menu > System Tools > Disk
Management
• User Mount Tool provides options to mount,
unmount, or format disks with graphical
interface
GNOME-based Hardware Browser:
• View current disk partition information
• Access: Main Menu > System Tools > Hardware
Browser
• Click "Hard Drives" in the left pane
Information displayed:
• Device name
• Start and end points
• Partition size
• Type of partition, including file system
 NETWARE 6.X
Novell Storage Services (NSS):

• Storage management system

• Configures, mounts, and maintains volumes
• Facilitates network growth
• Default storage and file system for NetWare
 MAC OS X
Mac OS X Disk Utility:

• Available for partitioning, formatting, and managing various

storage media
• Access: Go menu > Utilities > Disk Utility
• Displays appropriate tabs based on selected storage medium

• Example actions for a hard disk:

- Repair the disk using First Aid option
- Erase the contents
- Partition and format the disk
- Set up RAID on the disk
- Restore a disk image or volume using another disk as the
TH AN K YOU!