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IT Storage Notes

Secondary storage is non-volatile, long-term data storage that retains information without power, essential for storing operating systems, applications, and user data. It is characterized by large capacity, slower access speeds, and cost-effectiveness compared to primary storage (RAM). Various types of secondary storage include magnetic, optical, and solid-state storage, each with unique features and use cases.

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7 views2 pages

IT Storage Notes

Secondary storage is non-volatile, long-term data storage that retains information without power, essential for storing operating systems, applications, and user data. It is characterized by large capacity, slower access speeds, and cost-effectiveness compared to primary storage (RAM). Various types of secondary storage include magnetic, optical, and solid-state storage, each with unique features and use cases.

Uploaded by

Mildred Clarke
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DEFINITION

Secondary storage refers to non-volatile, long-term data storage in a computer system. It


retains data even when the power is turned off.

IMPORTANCE:
 Storing operating systems, applications, and user data
 Backing up important information
 Transferring data between computers

COMPARISON WITH PRIMARY STORAGE (RAM)


 Primary storage (RAM) is volatile and temporary.
 Secondary storage is necessary to permanently save data and programs.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
 Non-volatile: Data remains intact without power
 Large capacity: Stores more data than primary storage
 Slower access: Generally slower to read/write than primary storage
 Cost-effective: Cheaper per unit of storage compared to RAM

CATEGORIES OF STORAGE

1. Magnetic Storage
o Basic Principle: Uses magnetized particles to store data
o Common Types: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)and Magnetic Tapes
o Key Features: High capacity, Low cost per GB, Contains moving parts, Good for large-
scale storage
2. Optical Storage
o Basic Principle: Uses laser technology to read/write data
o Common Types: CDs (700 MB), DVDs (4.7-8.5 GB, Blu-ray (25-100 GB)
o Key Features: Removable media, Good for distribution, relatively durable, Lower
capacity than modern alternatives
3. Solid-State Storage
o Basic Principle: Uses electronic memory cells (no moving parts)
o Common Types: SSDs (Solid State Drives), USB Flash Drives, Memory Cards
o Key Features: Fastest access speeds, more expensive per GB, most reliable (no
moving parts), lower power consumption

Quick Comparison:
 Fastest → Solid-State
 Cheapest per GB → Magnetic
 Most Portable → Solid-State
 Highest Capacity → Magnetic
 Most Durable → Solid-State
 Best for Archives → Magnetic

HARD DISK TYPES

1. Moving Head Disk


o Disks on vertical shaft with read/write assemblies
o Heads move to access different tracks
2. Fixed Head Disk
o Stationary read/write head for each track
o Faster but more expensive
3. Removable/Exchangeable Disks
o Portable, can be processed on various systems
o Quick replacement and offline storage

MAGNETIC TAPE

 Cost-effective for non-immediate access data


 Used for backups and data transfer
 Types: reel-to-reel and cartridge
 Can store up to 100 MB

FLASH DRIVE

 Sometimes referred to as USB drive, jump drive, pen drive or thumb drive;
 Small, portable electronic storage
 No moving parts, uses flash memory
 Electronically reprogrammable and erasable

MEMORY CARD

 Small storage medium for portable devices


 Used in digital cameras, digital camcorders, handheld computers, MP3 players, PDAs, cell
phones, game consoles, and printers;
 Stores data, images, music, games or other computer files
 Provides a permanent and non-volatile medium to store data and files.

OPTICAL DISKS

 Store various data types (graphics, text, sound, video)


 Use laser technology for reading/writing.
 High-intensity beam writes data by burning pits into disk
 Low-intensity beam reads data from surface
 High storage density
 Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray disks

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