Computer data storage

« Back to Glossary Index

Functionality and Types of Storage
– Computers without memory can only perform fixed operations and immediately output results
– Von Neumann machines have memory to store operating instructions and data
– Von Neumann machines can be reprogrammed with new in-memory instructions
– Von Neumann machines are more versatile and simpler to design
– Most modern computers are Von Neumann machines
– Computers represent data using the binary numeral system
– Information can be converted into a string of bits
– The byte is the most common unit of storage, equal to 8 bits
Data are encoded using various standards (e.g. ASCII, JPEG, MPEG-4)
– Redundancy allows computers to detect and correct errors in coded data
– Storage is divided into primary, secondary, tertiary, and off-line storage
– Primary storage is semiconductor storage directly accessible by the CPU
– Secondary storage consists of storage devices not directly accessible by the CPU (e.g. hard disk drives, optical disc drives)
– Tertiary storage refers to storage used in robotic tape libraries
– Off-line storage is the furthest from the CPU and has the lowest bandwidth
– Primary storage includes memory such as DRAM
– Secondary storage includes non-volatile devices like hard disk drives
– Primary storage is directly accessible to the CPU for executing instructions
– Early computers used delay lines, Williams tubes, and magnetic drums as primary storage
– Semiconductor memory became dominant in the 1970s, leading to modern RAM

Memory Hierarchy
– Processor registers are located inside the CPU and hold a word of data
– CPU instructions manipulate data stored in registers
– Processor cache is an intermediate stage between registers and main memory
– Main memory, such as RAM, is used for storing opened programs and as a disk cache
– Spare memory can be used as a RAM drive for temporary high-speed data storage

Introduction to Computer Data Storage
– Computer data storage is introduced to improve the performance of computers.
– Cache memory is faster but has lesser capacity compared to main memory.
– Main memory is slower but has greater storage capacity than processor registers.
– Multi-level hierarchical cache setup is commonly used, with primary cache being the smallest and fastest.
– Main memory is connected to the central processing unit via a memory bus, consisting of an address bus and a data bus.

Characteristics of Storage
– Volatility: Determines whether the stored information is retained without constant power supply.
– Mutability: Describes the ability to overwrite information at any time.
– Accessibility: Refers to the ease of accessing any location in storage.
– Addressability: Determines how information is selected and accessed within storage.
– Capacity: Represents the total amount of information that a storage device can hold.
– Mutability: Read/write storage, slow write/fast read storage, write once storage, read only storage
– Accessibility: Random access, sequential access, addressability (location-addressable, file addressable, content-addressable)
– Capacity: Raw capacity, memory storage density, performance, throughput, granularity

Storage Media
– Semiconductor: Uses integrated circuit chips to store information, with both volatile and non-volatile forms.
– Magnetic: Includes hard disk drives, magnetic tape, and carousel memory, used for primary, secondary, and tertiary storage.
– Optical: Utilizes technologies like Ultra Density Optical (UDO), magneto-optical disc storage, and 3D optical data storage.
– Flash Memory: Gains popularity as off-line storage for home computers, often used in solid-state drives (SSDs).
– Paper: Traditional form of data storage, including paper tape, punched cards, and barcodes.

Computer data storage is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media that are used to retain digital data. It is a core function and fundamental component of computers.

GiB of SDRAM mounted in a computer. An example of primary storage.
15 GB PATA hard disk drive (HDD) from 1999. When connected to a computer it serves as secondary storage.
160 GB SDLT tape cartridge, an example of off-line storage. When used within a robotic tape library, it is classified as tertiary storage instead.
Read/Write DVD drive with cradle for media extended

The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is what manipulates data by performing computations. In practice, almost all computers use a storage hierarchy, which puts fast but expensive and small storage options close to the CPU and slower but less expensive and larger options further away. Generally, the fast technologies are referred to as "memory", while slower persistent technologies are referred to as "storage".

Even the first computer designs, Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and Percy Ludgate's Analytical Machine, clearly distinguished between processing and memory (Babbage stored numbers as rotations of gears, while Ludgate stored numbers as displacements of rods in shuttles). This distinction was extended in the Von Neumann architecture, where the CPU consists of two main parts: The control unit and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The former controls the flow of data between the CPU and memory, while the latter performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.


« Back to Glossary Index

Submit your RFP

We can't wait to read about your project. Use the form below to submit your RFP!

Gabrielle Buff
Gabrielle Buff

Just left us a 5 star review

google

Great customer service and was able to walk us through the various options available to us in a way that made sense. Would definitely recommend!

google

Stoute Web Solutions has been a valuable resource for our business. Their attention to detail, expertise, and willingness to help at a moment's notice make them an essential support system for us.

google

Paul and the team are very professional, courteous, and efficient. They always respond immediately even to my minute concerns. Also, their SEO consultation is superb. These are good people!

google

Paul Stoute & his team are top notch! You will not find a more honest, hard working group whose focus is the success of your business. If you’re ready to work with the best to create the best for your business, go Stoute Web Solutions; you’ll definitely be glad you did!

google

Wonderful people that understand our needs and make it happen!

google

Paul is the absolute best! Always there with solutions in high pressure situations. A steady hand; always there when needed; I would recommend Paul to anyone!

facebook
Vince Fogliani
recommends

The team over at Stoute web solutions set my business up with a fantastic new website, could not be happier

facebook
Steve Sacre
recommends

If You are looking for Website design & creativity look no further. Paul & his team are the epitome of excellence.Don't take my word just refer to my website "stevestours.net"that Stoute Web Solutions created.This should convince anyone that You have finally found Your perfect fit

facebook
Jamie Hill
recommends

Paul and the team at Stoute Web are amazing. They are super fast to answer questions. Super easy to work with, and knows their stuff. 10,000 stars.

facebook

Paul and the team from Stoute Web solutions are awesome to work with. They're super intuitive on what best suits your needs and the end product is even better. We will be using them exclusively for our web design and hosting.

facebook
Dean Eardley
recommends

Beautifully functional websites from professional, knowledgeable team.

google

Along with hosting most of my url's Paul's business has helped me with website development, graphic design and even a really cool back end database app! I highly recommend him as your 360 solution to making your business more visible in today's social media driven marketplace.

yelp

I hate dealing with domain/site hosts. After terrible service for over a decade from Dreamhost, I was desperate to find a new one. I was lucky enough to win...

google

Paul Stoute has been extremely helpful in helping me choose the best package to suite my needs. Any time I had a technical issue he was there to help me through it. Superb customer service at a great value. I would recommend his services to anyone that wants a hassle free and quality experience for their website needs.

google

Paul is the BEST! I am a current customer and happy to say he has never let me down. Always responds quickly and if he cant fix the issue right away, if available, he provides you a temporary work around while researching the correct fix! Thanks for being an honest and great company!!

google

Paul Stoute is absolutely wonderful. Paul always responds to my calls and emails right away. He is truly the backbone of my business. From my fantastic website to popping right up on Google when people search for me and designing my business cards, Paul has been there every step of the way. I would recommend this company to anyone.

yelp

I can't say enough great things about Green Tie Hosting. Paul was wonderful in helping me get my website up and running quickly. I have stayed with Green...