Chapter 8 type of storage

Storage

Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. A storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information.

-Capacity is the number of  bytes a storage medium can hold.

-A storage device is the computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media. 

-Reading is the process of transferring items from a storage medium into memory. 

-Writing is the process of transferring items from memory to a storage medium.

Hard Disks

A hard disk contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information.

Characteristics of hard disk :

•Capacity

•Platters

•Read/Write Heads

•Cylinders

•Sectors and Tracks

•Revolutions per Minute

•Transfer Rate

•Access Time

-Formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks and sectors so that the operating system can store and locate data and information on the disk.

-RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a group of two or more integrated hard disks

-A network attached storage (NAS) device is a server connected to a network with the sole purpose of providing storage

Flash Memory Storage

Flash memory chips are a type of solid state media and contain no moving parts.

- memory card is a removable flash memory device that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader.

- USB flash drives plug into a USB port on a computer or mobile device.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides storage to computer users for variety of reasons such as : Access file from any computer, Store large files instantaneously, Allow others to access their files.

Optical Discs

An optical disc consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser.

Other types of storage

-Tape is a magnetically coated ribbon of plastic capable of storing large amounts of data and information.

-A tape drive reads and writes data and information on a tape.

-A magnetic stripe card contains a magnetic stripe that stores information.

-A smart card stores data on a  thin microprocessor embedded in the card.

-Microfilm and microfiche store microscopic images of documents on a roll or sheet film.