CF Notes - Unit 3

Unit - 3
Storage Devices
Storage Devices: Computers have the capability to store your information in a variety of
different ways. All of these different ways require a specific storage device. More than likely,
you have used a variety of different storage devices on your computer. You just may not have
realized it at the time. Storage by way of zip drives and floppy discs is now a thing of the past.
There are many new solutions for computer users to store large amounts of data.
Memory : Computer Memory is internal storage areas in the computer used to either
temporarily or permanently store data or instructions to be processed. There are four basic
types of computer memory: Cache Memory, RAM, Virtual Memory and Hard Drives.
With modern CPU’s running at speeds of 1 gigahertz or higher, it is hard for computer
memory to keep up with the extreme amount of data being processed. Just like humans,
computers rely a lot on memory. They need to process and store data, just like we do.
However, computers store data in digital format, which means the information can always
be called up exactly the way it was stored. Also, unlike our memory, the computer's
memory doesn't get worse over time.
Types of Memory: there are two types of memory :
1. Primary Memory
2. Secondary Memory
1. RAM
2. ROM
3. Cache Memory
4. Register Memory
Basic Computer Memory Types Explained:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a location within the computer

system which is responsible for stacking away data on a temporary basis, so that it can
be promptly accessed by the processor. The information stored in RAM is typically
loaded from the computer's hard disk, and includes data related to the operating system
and certain applications. When the system is switched off, RAM loses all the stored
information. The data remains stored and can be retained only when the system is
running. When the RAM gets full, the computer system is more likely to operate at a
slow speed. The data can be retrieved in any random order. Generally, there are two
types of RAM; namely Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM). When many
programs are running on the computer simultaneously, the virtual memory allows the
computer to search in RAM for memory portions which haven't been utilized lately and
copy them onto the hard drive. This action frees up RAM space and enables the system
to load different programs.
There are two types of RAM: –
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) –
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
Static RAM
Faster • More expensive • More power consumption • does not need to be refreshed
Dynamic RAM
Slower • Less expensive • Less power consumption • needs to be refreshed thousands of times
per second
2. Read Only Memory (ROM): This type of memory is active, regardless of

whether the system is turned on or is switched off. It is a kind of permanent non-volatile
storage memory. As the name 'read only' suggests, the contents in it cannot be changed
or modified. It is an integrated circuit which is pre-programmed with important data that
should necessarily be present for the computer to carry out its normal functionalities.
There are different variations on the classic ROM chips which were manufacturer produced and could
not change. The most common are:
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)
This type of ROM can be re-programmed by using a special device called a PROM programmer.
Generally, a PROM can only be changed/updated once.
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)
This type of ROM can have its contents erased by ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed by an
RPROM programmer. This procedure can be carried out many times; however, the constant erasing
and rewriting will eventually render the chip useless.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)

This type of ROM works in a similar way to Flash memory in that it can its contents can be 'flashed'
for erasure ad then written to without having to remove the chip from its environment. EEPROMs are
used to store a computer system's BIOS, and can be updated without returning the unit to the
factory. In many cases, BIOS updates can be carried out by computer users wishing a BIOS update.
3. Cache: Cache is a kind of RAM which a computer system can access more
responsively than it can in regular RAM. The central processing unit looks up in the cache
memory before searching in the central memory storage area to determine the
information it requires. These rules out the need for the system to search for information
in larger and bigger memory storage areas, which in turn leads to a faster extraction of
data.
4. Register Memory:
Storage Concept
External Memory / Secondary Memory
Hard Disk
Hard Drive (Internal): You computer's hard drive is the first most important type of storage.
Anything that you download, applications that you install, your pictures, videos and music are
all stored directly to your hard drive. Basically, anything that
is on your computer is stored to your internal hard drive. Internal hard drive capacity is
measured in gigabytes. For example, you may have a 500GB SATA hard drive on your
computer. Also, internal computer hard drives have different speeds such as 5400RPM
and 7200RPM. This reading is the speed that the hard drive disk spins. A faster hard drive
will have higher RPM. The faster the hard drive spins, the faster your hard drive can read
data, as well as write data.
2. External Hard Drives: External hard drives are exactly the same as
internal drives, with one exception. Rather then being enclosed inside your
computer, external hard drives have their own separate casing and sit
externally to your computer.
External hard drives can connect to your computer in a variety of ways. Some common
connection types are: USB 2.0, ESATA, Firewire 400 and Firewire 800. External hard drives
measure capacity in gigabytes and have different speeds as well. For the most part, external
hard drives are used for backup and storing files that a computer user may want to transport.
3. Network Attached Storage: Another common form of computer

storage is networking attached storage or NAS. Network attached storage is
a method commonly used by businesses to share files between computers.
A NAS is simply a storage device connected to a computer network. This is
beneficial because many computers can read
and write to a NAS. Network attached storage capacity is measured in gigabytes. Also, NASs
are available with different hard drive speeds.
Many at home computer users often create their own NAS devices by connecting an external
hard drive to their router. This allows them to access it wirelessly, as well as share it with
other computers.
4. Optical Media Storage: Optical media storage is basically writing data to

a CD or DVD. When your burn a CD, you are storing songs and music on
the CD so that you can listen to it later. If you are burning a DVD, you
are storing a video on it so that you can watch it later. CD-RW and
DVD-RW media has the capability to be
recorded on and erased later if necessary. This makes optical media storage ideal for
transporting relatively small amounts of data.
5. Flash Drives or Removable Derives: Flash drives, or thumb drives, are

one of the newest forms of computer storage. These drives connect to
any computer by way of USB. Often times, students as well as business
professionals, use flash drives as a simple way to transport text
documents to and from work, and to and from school.
When flash drives were first released, storage capacity was rather limited. However,
companies are now manufacturing flash drives with huge storage capacities, up to 64GB.
Flash Memory: This is a special type’s non-volatile kind of memory which is intended to contribute
to portable storage and a convenient transfer of data from one computer to another. The data in it
can be erased and re-programmed as per the user's requirements. It only has a specific number of
erase and write cycles that it can withstand, after which it creates a tendency to lose out on the
stored information. Memory cards and USB flash drives are some modes of this type of memory
storage.
CD-ROM
Floppy Disk
Magnetic Tape & Cartrides

Comparison of sequential and direct-Access devices

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Unit - 3

Basic Computer Memory Types Explained:

1. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a location within the computer

There are two types of RAM: –

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) –

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

2. Read Only Memory (ROM): This type of memory is active, regardless of

Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)

3. Network Attached Storage: Another common form of computer

4. Optical Media Storage: Optical media storage is basically writing data to

5. Flash Drives or Removable Derives: Flash drives, or thumb drives, are

Magnetic Tape & Cartrides

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