Presentation # 01

Digital Storage

Group 5

Group Members:

UROOJ ZAFAR
UMAMA HANIF
AREEBA SHOUKAT
AQSA MAQBOOL
MAHNOOR ARIF
 Digital storage

Digital storage is a fundamental component

of computers that allows users to store large amounts
of data in a small space. It also makes it easy to
share information with others and edit, enhance, or
crop digital items. It is used to storing data in an
electronic file, typically as bits and bytes. It can be
stored on a variety of devices, including hard drives,
flash drives, servers, and magnetic tape

Types of storage:

• Storage medium
• Cloud storage
 Storage and Memory

Storage and memory are both essential components of a computer system,

but they serve different purposes and operate in different ways.

Storage:
Computer storage refers to the components, devices, and media that are used
to store data in a computer system permanently. It is essential for saving and
retrieving information like operating systems, programs, files, and user data.

Non-volatile:
Retains data even when the computer is powered off.

Capacity:
Typically much larger in capacity, with sizes ranging from hundreds of
gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB).
Storage Devices:

• Hard Disk Drives (HDDs

• Solid-State Drives (SSDs
• Optical Discs (CDs/DVDs
• USB Flash Drives
• Cloud Storage
Memory:
Computer memory refers to the components or devices used to store data
temporarily in a computer system. Memory is essential for storing information that
is actively used by the computer. It stores data temporarily to allow the CPU to
access it quickly while running programs or performing tasks.

Volatile:
It loses all stored data when the power is turned off.

Capacity:
Typically much smaller in size compared to storage. Common
configurations are 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, etc.
Types of memory:
Different types of memory are follows:

RAM (Random Access Memory):

The primary volatile memory used for fast data access by the CPU.

Cache Memory:
A small, high-speed memory that stores frequently used data for faster access
by the CPU.

Registers:
Very small, ultra-fast memory units inside the CPU used for specific
calculations.
 Characteristics of different storage devices

Hard Disk Drive (HDD):

• Typically offers large storage capacity, ranging from several hundred gigabytes (GB) to
several terabytes (TB).
• Relatively slower than solid-state drives (SSDs) because of mechanical moving parts
(spinning disks and read/write heads).
• More affordable per GB compared to SSDs.
• Ideal for bulk storage, archiving data, or for systems where speed is less critical.

Solid-State Drive (SSD):

• Ranges from a few hundred GB to several TB.
• Much faster than HDDs due to the lack of moving parts; provides faster read/write speeds.
• More expensive than HDDs per GB, although prices have been decreasing over time.
• Commonly used for operating systems, software applications, gaming, and situations
where speed is crucial.
Flash Drive (USB Drive):
• Usually ranges from a few GB to several TB.
• Speed depends on the version of USB (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1). Modern USB 3.1 drives
can be quite fast.
• Extremely durable due to the lack of moving parts, compact design, and resistance to
shock and vibrations.
• Higher cost per GB compared to HDDs but cheaper than SSDs.
• Portable storage for transferring files, backup storage, or running portable apps.

Optical Disc (CD/DVD/Blu-ray):

• Ranges from 700 MB (CD) to 100 GB (Blu-ray).
• Relatively slow read/write speeds.
• Can be vulnerable to scratching, exposure to heat, and environmental factors.
• Low cost per disc, but each disc can hold limited data.
• Used for media storage (music, movies) and software distribution. Blu-ray is used for
high-definition video storage.
 Cloud Storage

Cloud storage refers to a virtual storage

area that can span across many different physical
storage devices
Most data you access via the internet that is not
stored on your personal computer is part of the
cloud.

For Example:
If you use an internet-based email service
like Gmail, Yahoo, or Live, you can access your
email anywhere you have an internet connection.
 Advantages of Cloud Storage
Accessibility:
Files can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, anytime,
anywhere.
Scalability:
Storage capacity can be easily increased or decreased based on needs.
Automatic Backup:
Cloud storage often includes automated backup options, reducing the risk of data
loss.
Security:
Many cloud providers offer strong encryption and security measures to protect data.
Cost-Effective:
Reduces the need for physical hardware and maintenance costs, with pay-as-you-go
pricing.
Data Redundancy:
Cloud providers typically use multiple data centers, ensuring your data is safe even
if one location fails.
 Optical Discs:

Optical disc is a disc drive that

uses leaser or electromagnetic waves near
the light spectrum as part of process of
reading or writing to or from optical disc.
Data is stored as pits and lands on the
disc's surface, which are read by a laser
beam to represent binary data.
 Types of optical discs:
CDs:
Typically hold 700 MB of data and are mainly used for music and software distribution.

DVDs:
Have a higher capacity (4.7 GB for single-layer) and are often used for video and larger
data storage.

Blu-ray:
Can store much more data (up to 100 GB for dual-layer discs) and are used for high-
definition video and large data storage.

Advantages:
Optical discs are durable, portable, and inexpensive for smaller data capacities.
Disadvantages:
Slower read/write speeds and can be easily scratched, leading to data loss. They are being
replaced by more modern storage solutions like USB drives and cloud storage.
 Smart Cards:
A smart card is a physical card that
has an embedded integrated chip that
acts as a security token. Smart cards are
typically the same size as a driver's
license or credit card and can be made
out of metal or plastic.

Uses of smart cards:

Some uses of smart cards are follows:

• Payment Cards
• Credit Cards
• Corporate and government
identification cards
• E-documents, such as electronic
passports and visas.
 Enterprise Storage:
Enterprise storage refers to high-capacity, high-performance storage systems
used by large organizations to manage, store, and secure vast amounts of data. These
storage solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses with significant data
requirements, such as ensuring reliability, scalability, and fast access to information.

Key Features of Enterprise Storage:

Scalability:
Enterprise storage systems can scale both in terms of capacity and performance.
This ensures that organizations can meet growing data demands without compromising
efficiency.

Reliability & Availability:

Enterprise systems are designed for 24/7 availability with redundant components,
backup, and failover mechanisms to minimize downtime.
 Types of Enterprise Storage:

Direct-Attached Storage (DAS):

DAS is storage directly attached to a server or computer, typically in the form of
hard drives, SSDs, or RAID arrays.
Network-Attached Storage (NAS):
NAS systems provide centralized storage accessible over a network. They allow
multiple users or systems to access shared data.
Storage Area Network (SAN):
A SAN is a high-speed network of storage devices (e.g., disk arrays, tape
libraries) that provides block-level access to data.
Cloud Storage:
Cloud storage refers to storing data in virtualized storage environments managed
by third-party cloud providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Hybrid Storage:
A combination of on-premise and cloud-based storage systems to balance
performance, security, and cost-efficiency.
 Magnetic Strip Cards:
A magnetic stripe card (commonly
known as a magstripe card) is a type of card
that stores data on a magnetic strip, typically
used for identification and transaction
purposes. The strip contains encoded data that
can be read by a magnetic card reader.

Uses of Magnetic Strip Cards:

Below are some of the most common uses:

• Credit and Debit Cards
• Identification Cards
• Access Control
• Public Transportation Cards
• Gift Cards
• Hotel Room Keys
 RFID
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses
electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track objects.

RFID Tags:
• These are small devices used to store and transmit data via radio waves.
• They store data electronically and use radio waves to communicate with an RFID
reader, which retrieves the stored information without requiring direct contact.
 Types of RFID Tags:

Passive RFID Tags:

• Do an internal power source.
• Used in applications like;
inventory management and access control.
•
Active RFID Tags:
• Contain an internal battery for power.
• Used in applications like;
toll systems and large equipment tracking.

Semi-Passive RFID Tags:

• Have a small battery to power the chip but rely on the reader's signal to communicate.
• These are also known as Battery-Assisted Passive Tags ( BAP ).
 NFC (Near Field Communication)
NFC is a type of RFID technology designed for shorter range communication, typically
within a few centimeters.

Key Features:

1. Short Range:
• Operate within 4–10 cm (usually less).

2. Passive Communication:
• Powered by the electromagnetic field generated by an NFC reader.

3. Low Data Transfer Rate:

• Suitable for small amounts of data like URLs, payment info, or access credentials.
 Types of NFC Tags:
1. Read-Only NFC Tags:
Pre-programmed with data that cannot be modified (e.g., product
authentication).

2. Rewritable NFC Tags:

Allow users to overwrite data multiple times (e.g., personalized messages).
 Conclusion
To conclude, Digital storage has transformed how we store and access data, with
advancements from hard drives to cloud storage offering increased capacity, speed, and
accessibility. In today’s world, where data is the new currency, efficient storage
solutions are not just a necessity—they are the backbone of innovation, connectivity, and
progress.

The ultimate takeaway? Digital storage is not just about holding data; it is about
unlocking its limitless potential. The future lies in our ability to innovate storage
solutions that match the exponential growth of human creativity and information.