Discovering Computers

Technology in a World of Computers,

Mobile Devices, and the Internet

Chapter 8
Digital Storage
Storage

A storage medium is the physical material

on which a computer keeps data,
information, programs, and applications

Cloud storage is another storage option, in

which the actual online storage media
used is transparent to the user
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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Storage

• A storage device is the hardware that records

and/or retrieves items to and from storage media

Reading is the process

of transferring items
from a storage medium
into memory

Writing is the process of

transferring items from
memory to a storage
medium
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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Storage

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-1
Storage

• Capacity is the number of bytes a storage medium

can hold

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Table 8-1
Storage

• Items on a storage medium remain intact even

when you turn off a computer or mobile device

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-2
Storage

• Access time measures:

– The amount of time it
takes a storage device to
locate an item on a
storage medium
– The time required to
deliver an item from
memory to the
processor

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-3
Hard Disks

• A hard disk contains one or more inflexible, circular platters

that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and
information

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-4
Hard Disks

• Formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks

and sectors

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Figure 8-6
Hard Disks

• A head crash occurs when a read/write head

touches the surface of a platter
• Always keep a backup of your hard disk

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Figure 8-8
Hard Disks

• Disk cache, sometimes called a buffer, consists of

a memory chip(s) on a hard disk that stores
frequently accessed data, instructions, and
information
• The larger the disk cache, the faster the hard disk

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Hard Disks

• RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a

group of two or more integrated hard disks

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-9
Hard Disks

• An external hard disk is a separate freestanding

storage device that connects with a cable to a USB
port or other port on a computer or mobile device

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-10
Flash Memory Storage

• Flash memory chips are a type of solid state

media and contain no moving parts
• An SSD (solid state drive) has several advantages
over magnetic hard disks:

Higher storage Faster access Faster transfer

Quieter operation More durable
capacities times rates

Less power Less heat

Lighter weight Longer life
consumption generation

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Flash Memory Storage

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-11
Flash Memory Storage

• A memory card is a removable flash memory

device that you insert and remove from a slot in a
computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer

CF SDHC SDXC miniSD microSD

xD Picture Memory Stick

microSDHC microSDXC M2
Card PRO Duo

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Flash Memory Storage

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Figure 8-12 Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Flash Memory Storage

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-13
Flash Memory Storage

• USB flash drives plug into a USB port on a

computer or mobile device

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Figure 8-14
Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides

storage to computer or mobile device users

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Optical Discs

• An optical disc consists of a flat, round, portable

disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is
written and read by a laser

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Figure 8-15
Optical Discs

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Figure 8-16
Optical Discs

• Optical discs commonly

store items in a single
track that spirals from
the center of the disc to
the edge of the disc
• Track is divided into
evenly sized sectors

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-17
Optical Discs

A CD-ROM can be A CD-R is an optical

read from but not disc on which users
written to can write once, but
• Single-session disc not erase

A CD-RW is an
erasable
multisession disc

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Optical Discs

A DVD-ROM is a high-capacity optical disc on which users

can read but not write on or erase

A DVD-R or DVD+R are competing DVD-recordable WORM

formats, on which users can write once but not erase

DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM are high-capacity

rewritable DVD formats

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Enterprise Storage

• Enterprise hardware allows large organizations to

manage and store data and information using
devices intended for heavy use, maximum
efficiency, and maximum availability
– RAID duplicates data, instructions, and information to
improve data reliability

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-19
Enterprise Storage

• Network attached storage (NAS) is a server that is

placed on a network with the sole purpose of
providing storage to users, computers, and
devices attached to the network

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Figure 8-20
Enterprise Storage

• A storage area network (SAN) is a high-speed

network with the sole purpose of providing
storage to other attached servers

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-21
Enterprise Storage

• Tape is a magnetically
coated ribbon of plastic
capable of storing large
amounts of data and
information
• A tape drive reads and
writes data and
information on a tape

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-22
Other Types of Storage

• A magnetic stripe card contains a magnetic stripe

that stores information
• A smart card stores data on an integrated circuit
embedded in the card

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-24
Other Types of Storage

• The RFID tag consists of an antenna and a memory chip

that contains the information to be transmitted via radio
waves
• An RFID reader reads the radio signal and transfers the
information to a computer or computing device

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Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 8
Figure 8-25
Other Types of Storage

• Microfilm and microfiche store microscopic

images of documents on a roll or sheet film

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Figure 8-26