Advantages and Disadvantages of Magnetic, Optical, and Solid State Storage Devices
Magnetic storage is the oldest storage technology and is used in hard disks that are the primary storage device in most computers. The storage devices store data by assigning a magnetic charge to metal that is then processed and converted into ones and zeros by a read head (Burd, 2010). Magnetic storage devices have the advantages of having very large storage capacities, and very fast access to data because they allow direct random access to any part of the device. However, the devices have slow transfer rates, especially when writing. Durability is also an issue with the devices as they are highly susceptible to damage from physical shock. Also, the devices are not versatile because they lose charge over time resulting in data loss. Mechanical problems, dust, and magnetic field may also alter data.
Optical devices comprise of disc surfaces with pits and lands where data is written and read by using a lens. The devices include CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-ray discs that can either be written once or written many times. The main advantages of the devices are versatility and durability. That is they can retain data even when there is no power and can last for a long time as long they are not scratched. The disadvantages of the devices include slow access time and transfer rates and also offer less storage compared to other devices.
Solid state devices are a form of non-volatile flash memory and are mostly used as secondary storage devices in most computers. One of the advantages of solid state devices include fast access time and transfer rates due to their fast read and write times. The devices are also resistant to shock, with some of them being waterproof making them durable. However, the devices are not versatile because they have limited write cycles. Most of their storage capacities are lower than those of magnetic devices.
Microprocessor and Relationship to Software
A microprocessor is a small silicon chip inside computers that contains the computer’s central processing unit. The microprocessor receives inputs, executes entered commands to perform all necessary instructions and tasks to process the input into appropriate output (Baida, 2010). All software instructions are carried out in the microprocessor. The instructions tell the microprocessor what operations it should execute.
Four Types of Memories in Computers
Four types of memories found in computers include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), and Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM).
The memory is referred to as random access because reading and writing of data in the memory is done randomly. It takes the same time to access any address in the memory. RAM is a volatile memory that means the information stored in the memory is temporary and disappears as soon as power to the computer is cut off.
The ROM is formed by the integrated circuits inside the computer. The memory is permanent and non-volatile meaning data is not lost when the power supply is cut. The memory mostly contains standard processing programs from the manufacturer that operate the computers. The ROM can only be read by the central processing unit but it cannot make any changes.
PROM is also non-volatile and allows storage of programs. The programs can only be written once in the PROM and cannot be modified afterward. The programs remain in the memory permanently even when power to the computer is switched off.
EPROM is used to overcome the problems observed in PROM and ROM where data cannot be erased. The EPROM can be programmed whenever necessary by erasing the instructions stored earlier in the chip. Erasing the data in the EPROM is done by exposing the chip to ultraviolet light for some time, reprogramming of the chip is done using a special programming facility. When the chip is in use, the information in it can only be read.
Computer Programs
A computer program is a sequenced list of instructions written in computer programming language. The instructions can read and executed by the computer causing it to behave in a predetermined manner. An example of a computer program is an antivirus.
System Software
System software are all utility programs that are dedicated to managing computer resources at a low level. Examples of system software include linkers and debuggers.
Application Software
Application software are also known as productivity programs and are specifically designed for computers’ end-users to help them perform different tasks. An example of application software is Microsoft Word processors.
Operating Systems
An operating system is a large powerful program that controls and manages all computer resources that include hardware and other software determining the allocation of resources among other things. Microsoft Windows 10 is an example of an operating system.
Significance of Digitization
Digitization involves representation of information in various physical forms in binary code that can be easily processed and stored in computers (Rieger, 2008). This kind of storage is more secure because security can be enhances using passwords and authorizations. Digitization also allows faster data processing because different users can access data concurrently and facilitates the use of systems such as e-mail that are faster than traditional systems such as sending letters.
References
Baida, Y. (2010, October). Introduction to microprocessors. Retrieved from https://mipt.ru/drec/about/ilab/upload/38c/f_4vj743-arpgiu3hout.pdf
Burd, S. D. (2010). Systems architecture (6th ed.). United States: Cengage Learning.
Rieger, O. Y. (2008). Council on library and information resources preservation in the age of large-scale Digitization A white paper. Retrieved from https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub141/pub141.pdf
