Information Communication Technology - CSS Flashcards
Plays a pivotal role in preserving and accessing digital information. These devices act as repositories for a vast array of data, ranging from personal documents and multimedia files to complex software applications and operating systems.
Storage Devices
It is essential for optimizing data management, ensuring data integrity, and making informed decisions regarding storage solutions.
Storage Devices
Computer storage devices can be broadly classified into two primary categories:
Primary storage and Secondary storage Devices
Often referred to as main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), represents the volatile, temporary storage space that directly interacts with the computer’s central processing unit (CPU).
Primary Storage
It holds the actively running programs and data that the CPU needs for immediate processing.
Primary Storage
Is characterized by its exceptional speed, enabling rapid data access and manipulation. However, its volatility means that data stored in primary storage is lost when the computer’s power is turned off.
Primary Storage
Provides a non-volatile, persistent storage solution for long-term data retention. It encompasses a wide range of devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical disks (CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays), and magnetic tapes. It is generally slower, it offers significantly larger capacities for storing vast amounts of data that can be retrieved and used as needed.
Secondary Storage
The underlying technologies employed in computer storage devices play a crucial role in determining their?
Performance, Durability, and Cost.
The most prevalent technology, utilizes magnetized materials to encode and store data. They offer large capacities at relatively low costs, but their mechanical nature makes them susceptible to physical damage and performance limitations.
Magnetic storage
Leverages lasers to read and write data on optical disks, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. These disks provide a portable and durable storage medium for a variety of data types, including multimedia files and software applications. However, their storage capacities are generally smaller compared to HDDs.
Optical Storage
A newer and rapidly evolving technology, utilizes flash memory to store data electronically. This kind of storage device revolutionized storage performance, offering significantly faster data access speeds compared to HDDs. They are also more resilient to physical shocks and vibrations, making them ideal for portable devices. However, this typically come with higher price tags and lower storage capacities compared to HDDs.
Solid-state Storage
Factors Governing Storage Device Selection
- Capacity
- Speed
- Durability
- Cost
- Application
The amount of data that needs to be stored is a primary consideration. For large data sets, high-capacity HDDs or SSDs may be necessary, while smaller data sets can be accommodated by lower-capacity devices or cloud storage solutions.
Capacity
The required data access speed is another critical factor. For applications demanding rapid data retrieval and processing, SSDs are the preferred choice. However, for less performance-critical tasks, HDDs may suffice.
Speed
The physical environment and usage patterns play a role in determining the required durability of the storage device. For environments with potential exposure to shocks or vibrations, SSDs offer superior resilience compared to HDDs.
Durability
The budget allocated for storage is a significant determinant. HDDs generally offer the most cost-effective storage per gigabyte, while SSDs command higher prices but provide superior performance.
Cost
The specific purpose of the storage device influences the choice. For storing operating systems and frequently used applications, SSDs provide a noticeable performance boost. For archival purposes or storing infrequently accessed data, HDDs or cloud storage may be more cost-effective.
Application
Is stored on computer storage devices is organized and managed through file systems.
Data
It provides a logical structure for storing, retrieving, and manipulating files and directories. It keeps track of file locations, attributes, and access permissions, ensuring data integrity and efficient retrieval.
File System
Involves the process of reading and writing data to and from storage devices. The speed and efficiency of data access depend on the storage device’s technology, the file system’s organization, and the operating system’s data management capabilities.
Data Access
Storage Device Management:
1.Partitioning
2. Formatting
3. Troubleshooting
Is the process of dividing a storage device into one or more logical sections. This can be done for a variety of reasons.
Partitioning
