CARILLO, ELAINE L.

COE 501

Create a summary of the following topics, base your work on the handout
contents only.
1. Computer Storage types based on:
- Computers use a variety of storage devices to meet their various needs. Hardware for
computers called storage devices is used to remember or save data. Based on the access
to stored data and the access to devices, these devices can be categorized into two (2)
types.
a.) Access
- Serial access – This implies that every prior item must be read or skipped before reading
the current data item. The location of the searched item affects the search time, which is
the main drawback of serial access storage systems. When using serial access, data
records are kept in any order, one after the other. Typically, this is an unprocessed file.
Starting at the beginning of a serial file, you can read through each record until you reach
the one you desire. Since the records are not in any particular order, you should start at
the beginning to avoid missing any.
- Random access (direct) – It is possible to get to the required item directly. Memory, for
example, is a direct-access device. The access time for obtaining a data item using direct
access storage devices is almost similar for all items, regardless of their location. A
random-access data file enables you to read or write information anywhere in the file.
b.) Hierarchy
- Primary Storage – If the data in the cache memory is not present, the CPU accesses the
information or instruction in the main memory (RAM). The CPU can use conventional
and cache memory to execute programs since both offer quick access to data and program
instructions. The term "primary storage" is often used to refer to volatile primary storage,
such as the RAM, which tends to lose data as soon as a computer restarts or loses power.
It stores data or information that the central processing unit can access directly. RAM is
kept in integrated circuits for quick, minimally if not instant access. It is a fast data
storage media that communicates with the processing unit directly over the memory bus,
allowing running programs to do so. Primarily, internal storage systems that offer quick
and effective data or information access are referred to as main storage. However, while
the computer is running, it temporarily saves data or programs.
- Secondary Storage – This is the level of conventional memory where the CPU cannot
directly access the storage in the hierarchy. Data and programs must be copied to primary
memory for CPU access; therefore, this is classified as I/O. Access to secondary storage
is much slower than primary storage, with the exception of flash memory. In the
 computer's memory architecture, secondary storage is still another excellent option for
long-term, or even permanent, data or information storage. They are non-volatile
memory, sometimes known as external memory, which is different from primary storage
in that the central processing unit cannot directly access them. They are also referred to as
auxiliary storage because they can be internal or exterior in addition to secondary storage.
When it comes to accessing data, they are somewhat slower than primary storage devices
because the I/O channels do not directly access them. However, the ability to
permanently store applications and programs makes it one of the most significant assets
in the data storage hierarchy.
2. Kinds of Storage
- Magnetic Disk - In order to write, rewrite, and access data, a magnetic disk utilizes a
magnetization process. It has a magnetic layer over it and stores data as tracks, spots, and
sectors. These consist of one (1) or more flat, circular platters that are covered in
magnetism and are constructed of glass, metal, or plastic. With the use of an
electromagnet, particles contained inside a tiny region of the magnetic substance can be
magnetically polarized in either of the two (2) orientations. The prior recorded
polarization direction can also be found via an electromagnet. This means that 1s and 0s
may be distinguished using magnetic polarization. The disk platter(s) are rotated on their
central axis by a drive motor. The motor rotates the disk at a fixed speed on the majority
of drives. Each arm has two (2) read/write heads that service the surfaces of two (2)
adjacent platters, with the read/write head located at the end of each arm.
MAGNETIC DISK CHARACTERISTICS
o Access Time – This is the length of time it takes for data transfer to begin. Additionally,
seek time and rotational delay are added to it.
o Reading or writing time – The amount of time needed for the head to read or write the
data is indicated. The electronic data transit determines how long reading or writing takes
(the head is over the requested location, and all it has to do is read or write the data).
o Seek Time – This is the amount of time it takes for the head to turn to the right track.
o Rotational Delay – Depending on rotation speed, this relates to how long it takes for a
sector to position under a read/write head.
o Rotation speed – The Disk File System determines the rotation delay since this is
expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM) and considers that the sector is away from the
head half of the track.
o File system – This describes how the data on the hard drive is organized.

Solid State Memory – It is a solid-state storage medium that stores and allows access to data by
using volatile memory. NAND Flash chips, which are used to create solid state memory, are
different from RAM in terms of consumption and instability. In many situations, flash memory is
a good choice for secondary storage. It is frequently the secondary storage of choice for long-
term system storage and portable storage due to its tiny size, low power requirement, and light
weight. Solid-state memory is a type of computer memory that is kept inside a piece of hardware
with no moving parts. One typical solid-state non-volatile memory is CompactFlash. The speed
at which numerous crucial computer applications may be executed is constrained by the capacity
to access stored data quickly. The usage and tiny size of SSD have been accelerated by recent
technical advancements.
Optical Disks – Any computer disk that reads and writes data using optical storage methods and
technologies is referred to as an optical disk. It is a type of computer storage disk that stores data
digitally and reads and writes data using laser beams (emitted from a laser head mounted on an
optical disk drive). A low-powered laser beam can be used to write to and read from an optical
disk, an electronic data storage media. Red or blue lasers are used to record and read data on
optical drives. The majority of optical disks in use today are flat, spherical, and 12 cm in
diameter. Micron-sized data pits and lands are used to store data on the disk. A reflecting layer of
recording material has pits carved into it. These serve as magnetic disk storage alternatives.
These include different CD and DVD formats, including read-only, write-once, and read/write.
Magnetic Tapes – Tape, like other magnetic tape, is nonvolatile, and data can be stored
indefinitely under proper storage conditions. Full system backups are typically made to tape and
moved to off-site locations for long-term storage. Tape is stored in a cartridge using the LTO
standard format (linear tape open). The tape is said to be mounted when it is in the tape drive and
ready for use. The main advantage of tape cartridges is their portability. They are compact and
simple to store, as well as simple to mount and demount. Currently available tape cartridges can
hold 1.5 TB of uncompressed data or 3 TB of compressed data. There are currently 12 TB-
capable uncompressed cartridges in development. Data streaming is the method utilized for this
kind of storage and retrieval. A physical storage medium for several data types is magnetic tape.
In contrast to more modern forms of storage media, including solid state disk (SSD) drives, it is
regarded as an analog solution. For many years, magnetic tape served as the primary method for
storing binary and audio data, and some systems still use it today.