Access Methods
1. Random Access:
o Data can be retrieved directly from any location.
o Used in most modern storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives).
2. Sequential Access:
o Data is retrieved in the order it was stored.
o Typically used in magnetic tape drives (e.g., for backups).
Logical vs. Physical Representation
Logical Representation:
o How users see and organize files (e.g., a file named "[Link]" in a folder called "Vacation").
Physical Representation:
o How the computer accesses and stores the file on the medium (often split across locations).
File Basics
File: Any stored digital data (e.g., programs, documents, songs).
Filename: The name given to a file by the user.
Folder: A directory on storage media to organize files.
Types of Storage Technology
1. Magnetic: Hard drives, magnetic tapes.
2. Optical: CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays.
3. Electronic: Flash memory (e.g., USB drives, SSDs).
Access Types
Type How It Works Examples
Random Access Retrieve data from any location Hard drives, SSDs
Sequential Access Retrieve in storage order Magnetic tapes (backups)
Category Storage Media Storage Devices
Hardware used to access or read/write data on
Definition Physical material where data is stored.
storage media.
DVD discs, flash memory cards, hard drives, DVD drives, flash memory card readers, hard drive
Examples
magnetic tapes. enclosures.
Reads/writes data from/to
Usage Inserted into a device to store or retrieve data.
the media.
External, internal (inside computer) , or Can also be internal, external, or
Location
remote (e.g. cloud media). remote.
Magnetic, optical, or electronic (flash Includes various drives or interfaces for accessing
Technology Used
memory). media.
Works with
Volatility Nonvolatile (retains data without power).
nonvolatile media.
Hard Disk Structure
Tracks: Circles on the disk where data is stored.
Sectors: Small sections of a track.
Clusters: One or more sectors; the smallest unit the computer can access.
Cylinders: All tracks in the same position on each disk surface.
Types of Drives
Solid State Drives (SSDs):
o Use flash memory (no moving parts).
o Low power use.
o Ideal for portable devices.
Internal Hard Drives:
o Permanent storage inside the computer.
o Only removed if something’s wrong.
External Hard Drives:
o Used to transfer large data between computers.
o Smaller, portable, often USB or wireless.
Disk Performance
Disk Access Time: Total time to read/write data. Includes:
o Seek Time (finding data).
o Rotational Delay (waiting for the disk to spin).
o Data Movement Time (moving the data).
o SSDs skip seek time and rotational delay.
Disk Cache: Memory inside the drive to speed up access.
Hybrid Hard Drives
Combines flash memory (for cache) and a magnetic hard drive.
Benefits: Faster and can support encryption.
Partitioning
Divides a single hard drive into separate sections called partitions.
Each partition works like a separate drive.
Uses:
o Recovery partitions.
o New logical drives for data.
o Dual-boot systems (running two operating systems).
Topic Explanation
Hard Disk Parts
Tracks Concentric path on the disk where data is recorded.
Sectors A small piece of a track.
Clusters One or more sectors; the smallest addressable area on the disk.
Cylinders Collection of tracks located in the same location on a set of hard disk surfaces.
Solid State Drives Use flash memory technology; no moving parts; less power consumption. Ideal for portable
(SSDs) computers and mobile devices.
Internal Hard Drives Permanent storage devices located inside the system unit.
External Hard Used to transport large amounts of data between computers. Most connect via USB, some may be
Drives wireless.
Disk Access Total time to read/write data. Includes seek time, rotational delay, and data movement time. SSDs have
Time no seek or rotational delay.
Disk Cache Memory used with magnetic hard drives to improve performance.
Hybrid Hard Combination of flash memory and magnetic hard drive. Uses flash memory for cache, enables
Drives encryption.
Divides a single drive into logical areas (partitions) that function as independent drives. Improves efficiency.
Partitioning
Used for creating recovery partitions, logical drives, or dual boot systems.