Introduction to computing

Lesson 3
Storage Device

A device capable of storing data. The term usually refers to mass storage devices, such as disk and
tape drives. In a computer, storage is the place where data is held in an electromagnetic or optical form for
access by a computer processor.

Computer data storage; often called storage or memory refer to computer components, devices and
recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time.

As a computer technician, your responsibilities are likely to include installing and maintaining
many different types of computer components, including storage devices. By identifying the various types
of storage devices that can be found in most personal computer, you will be better prepared to select, install,
and maintain storage device in personal computers.

Primary Storage
Primary Storage is the storage device that is directly connected to the CPU and store data
temporarily during execution. CPU can directly access primary storage and stores instruction and data for
execution/processing.

CPU registers, Caches and other memories connected to the CPU local bus falls in this category.
Primary storage devices are comparatively faster than all other kinds of memory types. Usually primary
storage devices are considered to be directly connected to the processor.

Note: Volatile memories are usually used as primary storage.

Volatile and Non-volatile Storage

As the name implies, volatile memory loses its contents when power supply is withdrawn. So
usually Volatile memories are used for temporary storage of data. Volatile storage devices are faster while
both reading and writing data.

Non-volatile storage devices retain the contents even in absence of active power source. This make
non-volatile devices usually available in large capacities. Non-volatile storage devices are slower when
compared to volatile storage devices. But some non-volatile can faster during read operation and slower
during write operation.

Primary Storage
Directly accessible from CPU
Register Cache RAM
 Secondary Storage

Secondary storage devices are also called Mass Storage Devices since the capacity of these devices
are comparatively large.
Hard Drives

A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a storage device that reads data from, and write data to, a hard disk.
A hard disk consists of several metal or hard plastics with magnetic surface coating. Data is stored
magnetically and can be accessed directly.
Disk Controllers
Hard drives requires circuitry to communicate with the CPU. This circuitry is known as the disk
controller. Disk controllers can be built into the drive itself, or they can be contained on an expansion card.
In most modern hard drives, the controller is built into the drive.
Hard Drive Speeds
The speed of a hard drive is based on how fast the disk is spun to retrieve the requested data. This referred
to as revolutions per minute (rpm). Common speeds include:
 5,400 rpm
 7,200 rpm
 10,000 rpm
Hot Swappable Devices
Hot swapping is a type of hardware replacement procedure where a component can be replaced
while the main power is still on. Also called hot plug or hot insertion, hot swap is a feature of USB and
FireWire devices, enabling you to install an internal or external drive, network adapter, or other peripheral
without having to power down the computer. It is good practice to use the safe removal option from the
System Tray before removing a hot-swappable device or peripheral from the computer. Hot swapping can
also refer to the computer’s ability to detect when hardware is added or removes.
Non-hot-swappable devices require the computer to be shut down and restarted before any device
installation updates or removals are recognized by the operating system.
Solid State Storage
Solid state drives (SSDs) use flash technology to retain data in special types of memory instead of
disks or tape. Solid state storage uses non-volatile memory to emulate mechanical storage devices, but solid
state storage is much faster and more reliable.
Optical Discs
An optical disc is a storage device that stores data optically, rather than magnetically. The
removable plastic discs have a reflective coating and require an optical drive to be read. In optical storage,
data is written by either pressing ort burning with laser to create pits (recessed areas) and lands (raised
areas) in the reflective surface of the disc. Common optical discs include compact discs (CDs), digital
versatile discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs.

Secondary Storage
Accessible through special hardware
Solid-state disk Hard disk Optical disk Magnetic tapes

Assignment #3

1.) Types of Hard Drive

2.) Types of Solid State Storage

3.) Types of Optical Drive