Storage devices and media

Chapter Three
 Why I made this slide?
Textbook is so easy IGCSE question is complex
 Learning objectives

At the end of this slide, you should be able to answer any questions
related to chapter three
Why do we need a data back up in computer?

• to safeguard against loss of data,

• to safeguard against damage caused by hackers,

• backup is done if data needs to be used elsewhere.

This chapter covers many forms of secondary
storage
Backing up: refers to the copying of files or data to a

different medium (disk, tape, flash drive etc.) in case of a

problem with the main secondary storage device.

 Types of Data Access
Serial Access

• checking the data in a file sequentially until

the record is found. Example is magnetic tape

 Direct Access

• is used with magnetic disk, optical media

and solid-state media.

• The computer used a key field to calculate

where the data is stored.

• It is used in real-time system or online

systems
 Main Memory Backing Storage
• Sometimes known as Internal Memory or primary memory. • Backing storage are known as secondary storage.

• It Includes RAM and ROM • Name for all other storage devices which are part of a computer

like hard drive.

• Usually used to store data temporarily (in the case of RAM).

• Usually used to store data over a long time.

• Usually used to store data while it is being processed by the
• Usually used to store application software, operating system
CPU.
software, files etc.
• Is volatile – means data will be lost if computer is turned of.
• Is Non-volatile - Means data will not be lost of computer is

turned off.
Magnetic Storage Devices
 Fixed Internal Hard Drive
• Main backing storage device used by all computers
• Less likely to break as fixed
• High storage capacities compared to external drives.
• Fast data transfer rate
• It has more moving parts compared to solid state
drives.
• Incorrect shut down procedure could cause hard drive
to malfunction.
 Portable Hard Drive
• This device connects to the computer using the USB

Port. External Hard drives are used to store:

• Personal backup data.

• Transfer files between computers/devices

• It is Portable – transfer files between computers.

• High Storage capacity compared to optical disks.

• More prone to errors than fixed hard drive.

• Could be damaged if incorrectly ejected from computer.

 Magnetic Tapes

• Large organizations make daily backups of their

networks on to Magnetic Tapes

• Long-term archiving of data

• Huge storage capacity compared to fixed and

portable hard drives.

• Data access is slow

Optical media
 CD ROM
• CD-ROM disks are read-only. CD-

ROMs are normally used to store:

Audio CDs, Software Applications,

Device Drivers.
 DVD-ROM

• DVD-ROMs disks are read-only.

DVD-ROMs are normally used

to store: DVD Movies, Software

Applications, Computer Games

• Blu-Ray disks

• uses a blue laser instead of red laser used

with CD/DVD ROMs. Blu-Ray disks are

normally used to stored: HD Movies, Large

Software/Game Applications, In

camcorders in cartridge form.

Solid State
• Solid-state storage devices are based on

electronic circuits with no moving parts.

• Solid-state storage devices store data using a

special type of memory called flash memory.

• USB/Memory Cards/SSD are examples and they

use Direct Access

 IGCSE Questions on Chapter Two

Some of the storage devices

and media related questions
from
2013 - 2019
 Benefits Drawbacks

• SSD is stored within the computer therefore Ananya has • With the cloud data can be accessed on several devices/SSD

control over her data would have to have some method of transferring it.

• SSD is a physical storage device in the laptop therefore is • Extra storage can be set automatically on the cloud/SSD is a fixed

present at all times size

• Once SSD is purchased there are no more costs • SSD Device can easily be misplaced/damaged

• SSD does not necessarily need internet • Backups are automatic on the cloud/SSD you may have to set up

• Transferring data to the SSD may take less time than cloud/low

bandwidth
• Pen drives work on most computer systems magnetic tape drives may not
• Magnetic tape drives are more expensive to buy
• Pen drives are more robust
• Finding/restoring data from a pen drive is easier
• Pen drives are less susceptible to magnetic fields
• Easier to carry around/more portable
• The cloud has greater storage capacity than other methods
• The data could be sent directly to the cloud from any device on the
festival ground
• Access the data from any device
• Easier to add storage capacity
• Lower capital outlay
• The organizers would only pay for the storage they used
• Data can be analyzed more quickly

• More security issues as personal data is used

• The owner of the data loses control over it
• The cost of storing in the cloud may be restrictive in the long term
• The devices must always be connected to the cloud for ticket sales
• It requires monthly or yearly subscription
 Advantages
• Regular automatic upgrades of the applications
software on the cloud/On HDD the user may have to
upgrade manually
• Application software can be used on other devices,
automatically, from same subscription/With HDD
application software has to be installed manually on
each computer
• Saves hard disk space and can be used to store other
data
• Access software anywhere
• Applications software is centrally stored
Disadvantages
• Must be connected to the internet for it to operate
• If the network connection breaks as data is being
saved/loaded it may be corrupted
• If the internet crashes, then any data may not save
• Annual subscription cost for software, may be more
expensive than buying a copy of the software on a CD
• You never own the product
• If computer is switched off, data in RAM gets erased but backing storage stores data for future use

• Backing storage is cheaper than RAM per unit of memory so more cost effective to have both

• RAM is bulkier than backing storage per unit of memory so more sensible to have both

• RAM provides faster access to data than backing storage which helps computer to speed up operations

• Software package may be so large that it is physically impossible for RAM to store it

• Data may need to be transferred from one computer to another and can’t do that with RAM
• Can store vast amount of information

• Has a fast data access speed

• Has a fast data transfer speed

• Most computer systems come with hard discs

• Pen drive
• Internal hard disk drive
 Chapter 4

Networks Devices