0417 KDS 2015

Chapter 3

Storage Media and Devices

Unit 3.1 Backing up data

Q. What is backing up of data?

Backing up of data means copying of files and data to a different location like disk,
tape, hard drive etc. This is safe since a problem may arise with the main storage
device. Taking backup on a regular basis is a good practice.

Q. Why do we need to backup data?

We need to backup data because:

1. Data may be lost due to the failure of the main storage due to;
a) Hardware failure
b) Corruption of files due to power changes
c) Files may be overwritten accidentally.
2. Data loss or corruption of files may occur due to hackers
3. If there is a need to use the same files on another computer, backup data is
necessary.

Q.) What core should be taken before taking backup?

Before taking a backup we should check the pc for virus, since if a backup is
restored then the virus would come again to the pc.

Unit 3.2 Types of Access

Q.) What are the different types of access used by storage devices?

There are 2 types of access used by backup storage devices.

a.) Serial access

b.) Direct access

Q. Explain serial access

In serial access the data is read serially starting from the beginning till it ends.

e.g; if a data is in the middle of the storage media then the system will start
reading from the beginning till it reaches the middle to get the data.

It is primary used on magnetic tapes, this type of access is very slow and are
used in batch processing applications like banks or electricity utility.

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Q.Explain direct access.

Ans.) In direct access the data is read directly from where it is stored. This is
calculated by using a key field which contains the information where the data is
stored.

It is used in magnetic disks CDs and DVDs. This type of access is faster than
serial access. It is used for real time process in chemical plant or online systems
like booking airline tickets.

Unit 3.3 Backing Storage Media

Three types:

1.) Magnetic storage media

2.) Optical storage media
3.) Solid state storage media

1.) Magnetic storage media

a.) Fixed hard disk

b.) Portable hard disks
c.) Floppy disk drives
d.) Magnetic tapes

a) Fixed hard disk drive

These are used as the main memory inside a computer system. The O.S. and
A.S. are installed on hard disks along with data files. It contains a disk which
is coated with magnetic material. The data is stored in as zeros and ones (0’s
and 1’s) by altering the magnetic properties on the disk surface. The data is
written by read/write head.

Uses
1. Used to store O.S. and data.
2. Used to store A.S
3. Real time systems and online systems use fixed hard drives
4. Used in file servers for computer networks.

Advantages

1. They have fast data transfer rates and fast access time to data
2. They are available in large capacities

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Disadvantages

1. They can be fairly easily damaged

2. They are not portable.

b) PORTABLE HARD DISK DRIVES

these are external hard disk drive which are portable they work in the same way as
fixed hard disk but are usually connected to the USB port of the computer . They can
be disconnected and used on other computer. The drive store more than the CDs
and DVD . They have a large storage capacities

USES

1) Used to backup system

2) They can be used to transfer data files or software between computers

ADVANTAGES:-
1) The data acess time and data transfer rate is very fast
2) The have a large memory capacity
3) They can be used to transfer information between computers

c) FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

Floppy disk uses a magnetic media to store data same as hard disk. In this case the
media is then like plastic ,and enclosed in a plastic case with a small window open .
As the disk rotates, a read / write head is used to acess data

USES

1) Used where small file need to be stored

2) Some old computers system skill use this

Advantages:-

1) If a CD is used to store small files then the remaining space is wasted ,hence
FFD are better
2) It is very simple technology
3) Floppy disks are less expensive to buy

Disadvantages:

1. FD have very low storage capacity

2. All latest computers do not have FDD

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3. The data transfer rate is slow

4. Floppy disks are not very robust

d) MAGNETIC TAPES

Magnetic tapes contain very thin strip of plastic coated with a magnetic layer. They
are read and written to be a read| write head , the data store is OS and is data is
read and stored by serial to office or batch processing application.

USES

1. Used in application where batch processing is used , like banks , utility

building
2. Used as a backup media.

Advantages:

1. Less costly than an equivalent harddisk

2. It is a very robust technology
3. The data transfer rate is fast

Disadvantages:

1. Access time is very slow

2. When updating another tape is also needed for ex: original tape with the
changes produces an updated tape

2) OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA

There are 5 types:

a) CD Rom and DVD-ROM

b) CDR and DVD –R
c) CD-RW and DVD-RW
d) DVD-RAM
e) Blu-Ray disks

Optical storage devices uses laser (light) to read\write data, the CD and DVD are
made by play carbonate material , on this a very thin layer of metal or organic dye is
used as the recording media .They are very portable and can store large data files.

a) CD-ROM and DVD-ROM

CD-ROM\DVD-ROM are read only memory CD-ROM, so once data is written ,it
cannot be over written again, but can only be read. The data is stored as a series of
pits (RS)and lond (US). It contain only a single track starting from centre till end at
disk

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USES:

CD-ROMS are used to store music files and softwares by manufactures.

DVD-ROM store much larger data than CD-ROM hence one can store films,
computer data or accurate games.

Advantages:

They can store more data then FD

They are less expensive than hard disk systems

Disadvantages:

The data transfer rate is slower then hard disk.

B) CD-R and DVD-R:

The letter “R” means the disk is recordable once only and it becomes a CD-
ROM or DVD-ROOM.

Uses:

 They are used for home recordings of music .

 They are used to store data.
 They are used in applications when it is necessary.

Advantages:

 CD-R and DVD-R are cheaper than raw disks.

 Once burned they become Rom disks.

Disadvantages:

 They can be recorded once.

 Not all CD/DVD players can read CD-R/DVD-R.

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C) CD-RW and DVD-RW:

RW means that these disks are re-writeable and can be written over several
times.

The system allows data to be written, erased and re-written many times.

Uses:

 CD-RWs and DVD-RWs Are used for record a radio and TV programs.
 They are used in CCTV systems.

Advantages:

1) CD-RWs and DVD-RWs can be many times

2) They can use different file formats.
3) The RW format is as wasteful as the R format

Disadvantages:

1) CD-RWs and DVD-RWs can be expensive media.

2) It is possible to accidently overwrite data.

D) DVD-RAM

DVD-RAM are some like DVD-RW but instead of a spiral track it has many
concentric circles of tracks. DVD-RAMs can be written over again many times. This
gives an advantage that writing and reading can occur at the same time.

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