UNIT 3

Storage devices and media

Magnetic media and

magnetic storage devices

Aya Elkanzi
Learning From page no 60 to page
no 63
objectives

• For each secondary storage device

(magnetic (hard disk drive (HDD) and
magnetic tape drive), you will learn
about:
• ★ characteristics
• ★ uses
• ★ advantages and disadvantages.
Secondary Storage

Categories:
Definition: Non-volatile devices that store data 1.Magnetic Storage: Uses magnetic media (e.g.,
long-term, unlike primary memory (RAM and hard drives).
ROM). 2.Optical Storage: Uses optical media (e.g., CDs,
DVDs).
Characteristics: 3.Solid State Storage: Uses solid-state media
•Larger capacity than primary memory. (e.g., SSDs, USB flash drives).
•Slower access time compared to RAM and
ROM.
•Stores all applications, operating systems,
device drivers, and general files (e.g.,
documents, photos, music). Key Terms:
•Storage Media: The hardware where data is
stored (e.g., CD, DVD).
•Storage Device: The hardware used to
read/write data to/from the media (e.g.,
CD/DVD reader/writer).
Magnetic Media and Magnetic Storage Devices
Historical Context:
•Origins: Magnetic storage dates back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest methods for
electronic data storage.
Technology:
•Magnetism: Utilizes the property that an iron oxide coating can be magnetized to represent a binary 1 and
demagnetized to represent a binary 0.
•Data Density: Each magnetized area is very small, allowing for a large amount of data to be stored.
•Permanence: The magnetic state of the iron oxide is permanent unless overwritten, ensuring data
longevity.

Common Devices:
1.Magnetic Tape Drives:
1. Used for data backup and archival storage.
2. Cost-effective for storing large volumes of data.
2.Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):
1. Widely used in computers and servers.
2. Provide large storage capacity at a relatively low cost.
 Magnetic Tape Drives
Technology:
•Structure: A thin strip of plastic coated with a magnetic layer (iron oxide).
•Operation: Data is written and read by a read/write head. Magnetized areas represent
binary 1s, and demagnetized areas represent binary 0s.
•Access Method: Uses serial access, meaning data is read in the order it was written,
which results in slow data access times.

Applications:
1.Batch Processing:
1. Examples: Clearing bank cheques, utility billing (gas, electricity, water), producing
pay slips.
2. Reason: Speed of data access is not critical, and there is no need for specific
processing order.
2.Backup Media:
1. Usage: Storing vast amounts of data for backup purposes.
3.Long-term Archiving:
1. Reason: Magnetic tapes have huge storage capacities and are stable over long
periods, making them ideal for archiving.
Magnetic Tape Drives

Advantages: Disadvantages:
•Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive per •Slow Data Access Times: Serial access means all previous data must
byte compared to hard disk drives. be read to find the required data.
•Robustness: Durable and stable over time. •Complex Updates: Requires a master tape and a transaction tape to
•High Data Storage Capacity: Can store large produce a new master tape, which is slow and error-prone.
amounts of data. •Susceptibility to Magnetic Fields: Strong magnets can corrupt data
•Fast Data Transfer Rate: Despite slow access stored on the tape.
times, the rate at which data is transferred is
high.

Key Terms:
•Data Transfer Rate: The speed at which data
can be sent from a storage device to a
computer (or vice versa).
•Data Access Time: The time it takes to locate
specific data stored on the storage media.
 Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
•Common Usage: HDDs are widely used for data storage in computers.
•Data Storage: Data is stored digitally on magnetic surfaces of disks (platters).

Components and Operation:

•Platters: Made from glass, ceramic, or aluminum coated with iron oxide.
Each HDD typically has multiple platters.
•Read/Write Heads: Each platter has two surfaces, each with a read/write
head. These heads move quickly, up to 50 times per second, from the center
to the edge of the disk.
•Actuators: Voice coils (similar to electromagnets in speakers) move the
read/write heads.
•Read/Write Arm: Swings the heads across the rotating platters (up to
10,000 rpm).
•Data Storage: Data is stored in concentric, circular tracks, divided into
sectors.
•File Allocation Table (FAT): A map of sectors on the HDD, used to locate free
sectors for new data, speeding up the writing process
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)

Challenges:
•Latency: The time it takes for a specific block of data to
rotate to the read/write head. This can cause delays,
especially with multiple applications open.
•Head Movements: Frequent seeking of data blocks can
lead to noticeable latency, resulting in messages like
“Please wait” or “Not responding.”

Types:
•Fixed HDDs: Installed inside computers.
•Portable HDDs: External drives that can be connected
to different devices.
 Uses of Fixed Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
applications:
1.Operating System and Software Storage:
1. Stores the operating system, system software, and working data/files.
2. Stores applications software.
2.Real-Time Systems:
1. Used in robots and control systems for chemical plants.
3.Online Systems:
1. Utilized in booking systems (e.g., airline tickets) and automatic stock control (e.g., EPOS
systems).
4.File Servers:
1. Used in file servers for computer networks to manage and store data.

Disadvantages:
Advantages: •Susceptibility to Damage: Can be easily damaged if
•Fast Data Transfer Rate: Quick data transfer and access times. not properly shut down, leading to potential head
•Large Memory Capacity: Can store vast amounts of data. crashes.
•Reliability Issues: Contains many moving parts, which
can affect overall reliability.
•Noise: Read/write operations can be noisy compared
to solid-state drives (SSDs).
Portable Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
•Definition: External HDDs that connect to a computer via USB Disadvantages:
ports. •Susceptibility to Damage: Can be easily damaged if
•Purpose: Used for backup and transferring files between dropped or improperly shut down.
computers. •Slower Transfer Rate Compared to Fixed HDDs:
While fast, the transfer rate is not as high as that of
Uses: fixed hard drives.
1.Backup Systems:
1. Prevents data loss by storing copies of important files.
2.Data Transfer:
1. Facilitates the transfer of data, files, and software
between different computers.

Advantages:
•Fast Data Access and Transfer: Quick access times and high data
transfer rates.
•Large Memory Capacity: Can store substantial amounts of data.
•Portability: Convenient for transferring information between
computers.