Computer Hardware and

Network Essentials_4
Overview

Storage (Secondary storage)

Hard Disk Drive
Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)
Characteristics of storage devices
 Storage (Secondary storage)
Storage holds data, instruction and information for future use
(long-term storage).
Every computer uses storage to hold software, specially, system
software and application software. To start up, a computer locates
an operating system (system software) in storage and loads it into
memory.
Examples of storage media are ( hard disks, floppy disks, Zip
disks, flash memory, tape, CDs and DVDs)
 Storage device & types of storage
Storage devices have two types of process:
Writing process:
 Process of transferring items from memory to storage media.
Reading process:
 Process of transferring items from storage media to memory
Storage media are two types namely Magnetic and optical.
1. Magnetic media types: [Write and read]
Hard Drives - High-capacity storage (100 – 500 GB)
Floppy Drive - One flexible platter(1.44 MB)
Zip Drive – Magnetic medium that stores 100 MB to 750
MB of data
Flash Cards – high capacity(1 – 16 GB)
 Types of storage
2. Optical media types: [read only]
Uses lasers to “read” the binary information from the medium,
usually a disc.
Millions of tiny holes are “burned” into the surface of the disc.
There are two common types of optic media
a. CD-ROM (Read Only Memory)650MB or 700 MB
 By its definition, CD-ROM is Read Only.
 Special CD drives “burn” information into blank CDs.
 There are two types of CD-ROM:
 CD-R (compact disc-recordable) you can write on once
 CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) you can write on.
multiple times.
b. DVD - stands for Digital Versatile Disc, it allows up to 17
gigabytes of storage (from 4.7 GB to 17 GB). In addition it can
read CDs.
 How does a hard disk work?
Hard disk is a storage device that contains several inflexible,
circular platters that store data electronically.
Hard disks store digital information in a relatively permanent
form.
Step 3.
When software
requests a disk
access, read/write
Step 2.
heads determine
Small motor
current or new
spins platters
location of data.
while computer
is running.
Step 4.
Head actuator
Step 1. positions read/write
Circuit board controls head arms over
movement of head correct location on
actuator and a small platters to read or
motor. write data.
 Floppy Disk Drive (FDD):
 A Floppy Disk Drive is a device that reads from and writes to
floppy disk
Floppy disk:
write-protect notch is a small opening with a cover that you
slide. A notch open means you cannot write on the disk and
when it closed means you can write on the disk.
The FDD interface cable is used to connect the FDD to the
motherboard.
 How to Choose a PC For Your Business

The three most important characteristics of computer parts are

speed, cost and capacity.
Backup is duplicate of file, program, or disk in case original is
lost, damage, or destroyed. It is very important for using in an
organizations especially banks, hospitals, governments…..etc.
Questions