Memory and Storage

• Primary Memory
• Secondary Memory/Storage
• Off-line storage
• Online storage

1. Primary Memory/storage/Internal Memory /Main Memory

• Stores data while the computer is running. / Working space of the computer.
• Examples: ROM, RAM and Cache

(a) RAM (Random Access Memory)

➢ Data is stored temporarily. / It is volatile (When the computer is off, data is lost).
➢ RAM performs read and write operations.
➢ Amount of storage in a RAM can be upgraded.
Use: Stores part of operating system.
Stores programs in use.
Stores data in use / currently running.
Types of RAM: S-RAM and D-RAM.
S-RAM (Static RAM) D-RAM (Dynamic RAM)
• Retains data in its memory as long as • Slower to data access.
power is supplied. • Consumes more power.
• Faster to data access. • Requires constant refreshing each time
• Consumes less power since it is static. in order to store data.
• Used together with cache memory. • Uses transistors and capacitors for
• Requires no refreshing each time it is storage.
used. • Less expensive.
• Uses transistors to store data. • Used together with main memory.
• More expensive. • Has higher storage capacity.

Uses: In routers and peripherals. Uses: In server, GPS

(b) ROM (Read Only Memory)

➢ Data is stored permanently/ It is non-volatile (When computer is off, data is lost)
➢ Allows only read operations.
➢ Has a limited storage capacity.
Use: To store the booting program / bootstrap/ firmware/ BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Compiled by J.Malayandi-Sauba
 (c) Cache Memory
➢ It is known as fast memory.
➢ Stores frequently used instructions and programs and thus prevent the CPU from
wasting CPU cycles.

2. Secondary Storage/ Backing Storage

• Stores data for later use.
• The CPU does not have direct access to the secondary memory.
• It is both volatile and non-volatile.
• Examples: Hard Disk, Solid State drive, Pendrive, CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and SD card.

(a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• It is the main storage in the computer system.
• It is made up of tracks and sectors whereby data is stored onto their surface.

Diagram of HDD

Parts of HDD:
1. Actuator: It moves the read/write head.
2. Spindle: Allows the platter to rotate at high speed.
3. Platter: Stores information in binary.

Compiled by J.Malayandi-Sauba
Read and Write operations in HDD
➢ Data is stored in an orderly pattern on each platter.
➢ Part of hard disk stores a map of free and used sectors. (FAT- File Allocation Table).
➢ When computer stores new data, it has to consult the FAT for new available spaces.
➢ Then, the read/write head moves across the platter and write the data.
Problems with HDD

• Dust and dirt can make the read/write head bounce up and down and crash the platter.
• It has a slow data access leading to latency: time taken for a specific block of data to
rotate around the read/write head.

(b) Solid State Drive (SSD)

• It resembles a HDD but instead of using magnetic platters, it make use of flash memory
chips (NAND chips) to retain data.

Differences between Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD)
HDD SSD
Has moving parts thus more prone to Has no moving parts.
crash.
Slower to data access Faster to data access
Uses more power during read/write Uses less power since there is no rotation.
operations.
Heavy Lighter therefore more suitable for laptops.
Cheap Expensive
Less durable thus shorter lifespan. More durable thus has a longer lifespan.

(c) Off-line storage

• Refers to any storage medium that must be physically inserted into the computer
system each time a user wants to access data.
• Examples: Optical Storage device, USB flash drive

(i) Optical Storage device

• Uses a laser beam to read/write data onto its surface.
• Stores data as pattern of dots.
• Examples: CD, DVD and Blu-Ray

Compiled by J.Malayandi-Sauba
CD (Compact Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)

• Uses a red laser beam for read/write operations.

• Uses a single spiral track of data.
• Stores data in pits and bumps on the spiral tracks.
• Types: CD/DVD –R, CD/DVD-ROM , CD/DVD-RW
• Note: Storage capacity of CD= 700 - 800 MB
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)

• Has a larger storage capacity than CD. (storage capacity of DVD= 4.7 GB)
• Uses dual-layering (2 recording layers)
• Consists of a thin reflector between 2 layers.
• Has smaller pit size than CD.

CD/ DVD –R (Compact CD/DVD- ROM CD/DVD- RW (Compact

Disc/ Digital Versatile (Compact Disc/ Digital Disc/ Digital Versatile
Disc -Recordable) Versatile Disc -Read Disc- Rewritable)
Only Memory)
Data can be written only Data can only be read. Data can be read and
once. written many times.
Data cannot be altered or Data cannot be added or Data can be modified or
deleted. deleted. deleted many times.
It is used to store music It is used to store It is used to store project
files. computer programs. works.

DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc- Random Access Memory)

• Uses many concentric tracks.

• Allows simultaneous read and write operations to take place.
• Have longer lifespan.
• Use: For archiving data.

Blu-Ray Disc
• Uses a blue laser to perform read/write operations.
• Has smaller pits than DVD, therefore higher storage capacity.
• Consists of a single layer.
• Has an in-built secure encryption system which prevents piracy.

Compiled by J.Malayandi-Sauba
USB flash drive / Memory Stick / Pen drive
• Uses solid state technology.
• Small, light and portable for back up.
• Connects to a computer through USB port.

Advantages of using USB connection

• It can be inserted in only 1 direction thus less chance of connecting the device
incorrectly.
• Drivers are automatically downloaded/ Device is automatically identified and thus no
need to install them manually.
• It is a high speed connection so data will be transmitted quicker.
• It uses serial transmission so less chance of errors.

(d) Online storage (cloud storage)

• Make use of database, computer and internet.
• No storage equipment required.
• Files are accessible anywhere by accessing data online using a username and
password.
• Examples: SkyDrive, DropBox, GoogleDrive.

Compiled by J.Malayandi-Sauba