IGCSE :Computer Science

Data Storage
 Lesson objective:
1 .Differentiate between Primary, Secondary storage media.

2.Compare RAM and ROM

Types of Memory
• Primary
• Secondary
 Primary Memory:
•Primary memory is a segment of computer memory that can be accessed
directly by the processor.
•All programs, files, and data are stored in secondary storage that is larger and
hence has greater access time.
•In order, to execute any process operating system loads the process in primary
memory which is smaller and can be accessed directly by the CPU.
•Since only those processes are loaded in primary memory which is ready to be
executed, the CPU can access those processes efficiently and this optimizes the
performance of the system.
 Classification of Primary Memory
1. RAM(Random Access Memory)
2. ROM(Read Only Memory)
 RAM:
• it is volatile/temporary memory

• it is used to store:

• data, files, or part of the operating system that are currently in use

• it can be written to or read from, and the contents of the memory can be
changed.
 ROM
• they are non-volatile/permanent memories (the contents of the memory remain even when
the power to the ROM is turned off)

• they are often used to store the start-up instructions when the computer is first switched on
(for example, ROM might store the basic input/output system (BIOS))

• the data or contents of a ROM chip can only be read; they cannot be changed.
 Secondary ( off-line storage)
• Secondary (and off-line) storage includes storage devices that are not directly addressable by

the CPU.

• They are non-volatile devices that allow data to be stored as long as required by the user.

• This type of storage can store more data than primary memory, but data access time is

considerably longer than with RAM or ROM.

• Unlike ROM, secondary storage can be read from and written to. ROM is read only

• All applications, the operating system, device drivers and general files (for example,

documents, photos and music) are stored on secondary storage.

 Secondary storage
-non-volatile, persistent memory that is accessed by a device that is part of computer
-not directly accessed by the CPU

• magnetic
• solid state
• optical.
Magnetic: A type of Secondary storage that uses the properties of
magnetism to store the data

a. Hard disk
b. Floppy disk
c. Magnetic tape
Solid State: A type of secondary storage that uses transistors to store the data.

a. SSD

b. Memory Stick

c. Flash Memory
Optical Storage: A type of secondary storage that uses lasers to store the data

a. CD

b. DVD

c. Blue Ray
Magnetic Storage Devices(Hard Disk Drives)
A modern magnetic storage device normally has a circular plates called platters that spins to allow data to be

read and written.

The platters are divided into tracks and sectors. It has a read/write head that move across the platters to read

and write the data. It uses an electromagnet to magnetism dot on each platter that store the data. If a dot is

magnetised it stores a binary value 1.

 Hard Disk Drives
•The HDD has a number of platters which spin at around 7000 times a second.

•Slow data access when compared to RAM

•Cheaper than SSD

•Data is stored in a digital format on the magnetic surfaces in tracks and sectors of the disks in a

HDD.
Latency is defined as the time it takes for a specific block of data on a data track to rotate around
to the read write head.
 Solid State Drives (SSD)
•Solid State secondary storage is made of transistors that are arranged in a grid layout
•No moving parts.

•More costly than HDD

•More reliable since there are no moving parts (no data will be corrupted)

•Faster than HDD since it doesn’t need to refresh constantly like the HDD

•Less chance of data corruption

•Consumes less power because no parts are meant to be moved.

•It uses NAND and NOR gates in electrical circuits to persistently control the flow of electrons

•Current flowing is 1, no current is 0 - which is how electrical flow can represent binary values
NAND Flash Memory:
• NAND: NAND is a type of flash memory technology. It is a
type of non-volatile storage technology that doesn't
require power to retain data.
• Flash Memory: Flash memory is a type of electronic non-
volatile computer storage that can be electrically erased
and reprogrammed. It is used in various forms of storage,
including USB drives, memory cards, and SSDs.
 USB/ flash memories
•Memory sticks use solid-state technology.

•They connect to the computer through the USB port, and are small, lightweight devices.

•Complex or expensive software uses memory sticks called dongles. This contains additional

files that are needed to run the software. This prevents piracy.

•Digital cameras use XD (eXtreme Digital) or SD (Secure Digital) cards. Each memory card is

made of NAND chips and does not contain moving parts.

•Data can be corrupted if the flash drive is removed before being made safe.

Removable hard disk drives

•HDDs that can be connected to the computer using a USB port. They can be used as back-up

devices.
 Optical: Offline Storage
-non-volatile memory that can be removed from a computer system
-must be physically connected to computer to obtain stored data
-used to store files as a backup
• Optical devices include CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays

• Blu-rays have the largest capacity

• CDs have the lowest capacity

• CD-R are read-only (you cannot save data on to them)

• CD-RW can be written to and read from

• DVD-RW can be written to and read from

• All optical devices work by shining a laser at the disk and processing the reflection

• An arm moves the laser across the surface of the disk

• In CD-Rs a laser burns the data, permanently on to the disk, by creating pits and lands

• The laser is also used to read the data from the pits and lands

• When the laser light hits the point where the pit changes into a land or vice versa the light scatters and is not reflected as well.

This is captured by a sensor and can be interpreted as a change in the binary value
 CD/DVD
•These are optical storage devices.

•Laser light is used to read and write data in the surface of the disk.

•Data is stored in pits and bumps on a spiral track.

•DVDs use dual layering, which means that two individual recording layers are joined
together. Reading and writing of the second layer is done by focusing another red
laser at a fraction of a millimeter difference compared to the first layer.
 DVD-RAM
•Instead of a single, spiral track, they use a number of concentric tracks.

•This allows simultaneous read and write operations to take place.

•Numerous read and write operations and great longevity makes them ideal for archiving.

Blue-ray Disks
•A blue laser instead of a red laser is used, which has a smaller wavelength.

•This means that the ‘pits’ and ‘bumps’ can be much smaller. So, Blu-ray disks can store five

times as much data as normal DVDs.

•Doesn’t suffer from birefringence because it uses only one layer.

•Comes with a secure encryption system which helps prevent piracy and copyright

infringement.