Objectives: Subunits are

• Magnetic storage devices

• Optical Storage devices
• Solid state storage devices

Secondary Storage devices ensures data is stored permanently so that it can be used again at
a later date.

Storage medium is the name given to the device that actually holds the data.

Units of storage
Data is stored on the disk as 0 or 1. (Binary Digit)
8 bits = 1 Byte
1024 Bytes = 1 KB (Kilo Bytes)
1024 KB = 1MB (Mega Bytes
1024 MB = 1GB (Giga Bytes)
1024 GB = 1TB (Tera Bytes)

Serial (Sequential) Access : Files are stored one by one in a sequence. Must search through
the files one by one until you get to the one you want. Ex: Magnetic Tape
Direct (Random Access): Files can be instantly accessed. No need to search through files to
get to the one you want. Ex: Hard disc, CD ROM, Flash drive
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3.1 Magnetic storage devices:
Fixed Internal Hard Drive :
• Stores operating system, applications & files.
• Inbuilt and disk is protected
• It has the fastest file access time and file transfer rate
• High storage capacities compared to external drives.
But..
• Has more moving parts. Hence laptop with hard disk cannot be moved around while in use.
• Incorrect shut down procedure could cause hard drive to malfunction.

Structure:

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3.1 Magnetic storage devices:
Portable Hard Drive : Connected to the computer using a USB port.
• Portable – transfer files between computers.
• High Storage capacity compared to optical disks
But.. Could be damaged if not ejected properly.

Magnetic Tape: Large storage capacity (185 TB) mostly used for network backup.
• Huge storage capacity compared to fixed and portable hard drives.
• Stored away in a fire proof safe.
• Robust – last for long time
But.. Slower Access. Tape reader has to start at the beginning of the tape and continue fast
forwarding until it gets to the piece of data that needed.

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3.2 optical storage devices:
Structure: A laser beam is used to make a dot on the disk. Data is read by bouncing the laser
beam off the surface off the medium.

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only memory)

• Capacity is around 700MB.
• Data is given by the provider. Cannot change.
• Data can only be read from these disks
• Stores Audio CDs, Software Applications & Device Drivers.

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3.2 optical storage devices:
DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only memory)
• Capacity is around 4-9GB.
• Data is given by the provider. Cannot change. Video is of higher resolution
• Data can only be read from these disks
• Stores DVD Movies, Software Applications, Computer Games
Blu-Ray –
They uses a blue laser instead of red laser
Used HD Movies, Large Software/Game Applications & In camcorders in the
cartridge form.
Large storage capacity (25 to 50 GB) used to store HD video content.
Secure Encryption System to minimise chance of copyright.
But… More expensive compared to other optical media and separate player
required to pay.

CD-R and DVD-R  Can be written only once and read as many times as
possible
CD-RW and DVD-RW)  can be written, erased and rewritten many times through software
as many times as possible

DVD RAM  when data constantly needs to be re-written and storage up to 10GB.
Commonly used in recording equipment like camcorders(professional photographers).
But… they are not compatible with all playback formats and are expensive. 5
3.3 Solid State storage devices:
• They are based on electronic circuits with no
moving parts.
• They store data using a special type of memory
called flash memory.
• USB/Memory Cards use Direct Access
• Robust and not easily breakable. Data can be
written and read from any number of times.
• They are faster than other forms of external
secondary storage devices.

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3.3 Solid State storage devices: HDD Vs SSD
1. HDD is Widely used storage solution available to consumers and the technology has been
around for decades storing several terabytes worth of data in a compact storage device
while SSD is a newer technology that stores data on solid-state flash memory
2. HDD uses mechanical drives while SSD stores data on solid-state flash memory where
there are no moving parts.
3. HDDs have a relatively slower read/write speed compared to SSDs
4. HDDs are high-capacity storage devices while SSDs have less storage capacity
5. HDDs are a whole lot cheaper than SSDs and for same amount of storage
6. HDDs use magnetic storage to store and retrieve data and more mechanical parts means
the device is more prone to failure and data loss in case of accidental falls or mishandling.
While SSDs are more durable as there are no moving or mechanical parts involved as well
as they are robust and compact. Hence easy to move around.
7. The lifespan of SSDs is far better than HDDs with little or no risk of data loss or integrity
failure. Also, SSDs generate less heat than HDDs.
8. HDD’s produce more heat due to mechanical parts while SSD’s produce less or no heat as
there are no moving parts.

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Save a file : Sending a file from main memory to secondary storage device for later use.

Backup : Making one or more copy of your data in a different storage medium.
Reason:
• Data could be deleted by accident or intentional.
• The computer where data is stored may break down
• The computer where data is stored might get infected by a virus which could edit data
• The laptop where data is stored may be stolen or gets damaged.
• The data could be corrupted by hackers. 8