Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is the non-volatile memory used to store data permanently in
a computer system. It keeps data even when the power is turned off. It is mainly
used to store the operating system, application programs, documents, images,
videos, and other files.
Secondary storage is also called auxiliary storage or external storage.
Characteristics of Secondary Storage
Non-volatile : Data is not lost when the computer is switched off.
Large Storage Capacity : It can store large amounts of data compared to
primary memory.
Slower than Primary Memory : Access speed is slower than RAM or cache
memory.
Cost Effective : The cost per unit of storage is cheaper than primary memory.
Used for Long-term Storage : Used to store programs and data for a long time.
Magnetic Storage
Magnetic storage is a type of secondary storage in which data is stored by
magnetizing small areas of a magnetic surface. Data is stored in the form of binary
digits (0 and 1). A read/write head is used to read and write data on the magnetic
surface.
Magnetic storage devices are widely used because they provide large storage
capacity and permanent data storage.
Types of Magnetic Storage
1. Hard Disk (Hard Disk Drive – HDD)
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a magnetic storage device used to store large amounts
of data permanently in computers.
It consists of circular metal disks called platters coated with magnetic material.
These platters rotate at high speed, and a read/write head accesses the data.
Features :
Very large storage capacity (GB or TB)
Used as the main storage device in
computers
Faster than magnetic tape
Stores operating system, software, and user
data
Advantages
Large capacity
Reliable for long-term storage
Disadvantages
Contains moving parts
Slower than SSD
2. Magnetic Tape
A magnetic tape is a storage device made of a long plastic strip coated with
magnetic material used to store data.
Data is stored sequentially, meaning the system reads data one after another from
the beginning.
Features
Very high storage capacity
Low cost
Mainly used for data backup and archival storage
Advantages
Economical for storing large data
Suitable for long-term backuP
Disadvantages
Slow access speed
Data cannot be accessed directly (sequential access)
Optical Storage
Optical storage is a type of secondary storage in which laser light is used to read
and write data on optical discs. Data is stored on the disc surface in the form of tiny
pits and lands.
Optical storage devices are mainly used for music, movies, software distribution,
and data storage.
Types of Optical Storage
1. CD (Compact Disc)
A CD is an optical storage device used to store digital data such as music, software,
and documents.
Features
Uses laser technology
Storage capacity about 700 MB
Types include CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW
Uses
Music storage
Software distribution
Data storage
2. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
A DVD is similar to a CD but has greater storage capacity and better data quality.
Features
Storage capacity 4.7 GB to 8.5 GB
Uses laser technology
Used for storing movies, videos, games, and large software files
Advantages
Larger storage than CD
Better video and audio quality
Solid State Storage
SSD (Solid State Drive)
An SSD is a modern storage device that stores data using flash memory chips
instead of magnetic disks.
Unlike hard disks, SSDs do not have moving parts, which makes them faster and
more reliable.
Features
Very fast data access
High reliability
Low power consumption
Used in modern computers and laptops
Advantages
Faster than HDD
Durable and silent
Lightweight
Disadvantages
More expensive than HDD
Limited write cycles