Lesson 8 Storage

Lesson 8 Storage

By Ryan Mordey

Big Picture

Discussed security and performance implications that should be taken into consideration.

Past

Describe security concerns and other implications of using memory in digital devices.

Evaluate the effectiveness of using a range of memory types within computer systems.

Present

Future

Careers: Memory Tech Developer, Technician, Computer Engineer.

Categorize

Options (14)

Open maps in a sat nav

BIOS

Boot up instructions

Programs for an IoT system

Loaded applications on a desktop

Operating system when computer is powered on

Programs for sensors

Data being processed by the CPU

Images you have previously taken

Movie collection

Coursework assignments

Inactive Operating System

Games collection

Embedded system program

Group the data being stored into RAM, ROM or Storage

RAM

ROM

Storage

Open Ended

Why is the BIOS stored on EEPROM on more modern computers? (3 Marks)

Storage or Secondary Storage refers to long term, non-volatile store of data. Storage devices do not directly communicate with the CPU, instead it is passed to memory to be processed when in use.

​
Security concerns with internal storage is that the entire device, with its internal storage drive may be stolen. This is a more significant risk with portable devices like a laptop which are easily lost.

The OS attached to the computer will often protect the data as the user must have a log-on account, however if internal storage is removed and added to another device this can be bypassed. Internal storage should be protected used whole disk encryption.

Storage

Internal Storage

There are two main devices that are used for internal storage:

• HDD: Traditional hard disk drives use magnetic storage technology, a magnetic arm is used to store data in pits on a disk. HDD Provides high capacity at a low cost, however read/write speed is limited due to the physical moving arm. HDD can become fragmented over time.

• SSD: Solid state drive use electronic flash memory to store data in transistors. As this has no moving parts read/write speed is much faster, capacity tends to be lower and it is more expensive in terms of price per TB. Furthermore the lack of moving parts makes this more durable and consumes less power.

Open Ended

What is the difference between memory (primary storage) and secondary storage? (2 Marks)

Categorize

Options (17)

Hard Disk Drive

Uses magnetic technology

Has physical moving arm and disk

Stores data in pits on a disk

Solid State Drive

Uses solid state/flash technology

Has no physical moving parts

Stores data in transistors

High cost in price per TB

Low cost in price per TB

High capacity

Relatively lower capacity

Fastest read/write speed

More durable

Less durable

Not very portable large and bulky

Can be made relatively smaller

Group the correct characteristics with each storage device:

HDD

SSD

External Storage

Removable storage is no longer as popular as it once was, having been largely replaced by cloud storage. However it is still used for some applications. It includes devices such as USB flash drives connected VIA USB ports, or CD and DVD discs which are read from optical drives.

The main issue with external storage is it can be easily lost or stolen, and there is little that can be done to protect data on them. Flash drives also provide the risk of transferring malware, many organisation ban users from using USB flash drives by blocking ports. Once malware has been installed VIA USB flash drive, it can then spread throughout the network having an even greater impact, this is why you should not use a flash drive unless you are certain that it is new, or has came from a trusted source.

Open Ended

What is the main security concern with external storage? (4 Marks)

Most organisations use a server to store data, so this can be accesses across their site, using a client-server architecture.

Data held on servers are vulnerable to multiple risks including the physical theft of discs. This is done through hot swapping, the disk drives can be removed whilst the server is still running unlike traditional computers. As the server will still be running it makes it harder to recognise this threat within a timely manner. Physical security on server rooms is of high importance to avoid this and prevent unauthorised access. This can be done with key pad entry, use of key cards or biometric locks on the doors.

Servers are also used for data backup which is essential in case of natural disasters like a flood or fire. Hardware failing and theft of data can also be accounted for in back up policies, back ups should not be kept in the same location as the original.

​Server Storage

There are various strategies that can be used for servers:

Server Storage

• RAID, redundant array of independent disks are used by file server to provide redundant disks in case of disk failure. RAID uses two or more disks to allow the server to continue to work if one disk fails, there is no loss of data as disks can be swapped as the server is running.

• NAS, network attached storage is a type of dedicated file server that is designed and configured for small files to be accessed and shared on a smaller LAN, it does not have the complex configuration options of a specialised file server, NAS software can allow access to external users via a web browser.

• SAN, is a collection of storage devices connected by high speed dedicated network (fibre optic connection) that work together as a file server. SANs are deigned to provide very high capacity and performance where an organisation has demanding storage requirements.

Match

Connect the correct description to the server storage technique.

• Uses a redundant disk that acts as a back up and can be hot swapped to allow servers to continue running whilst transferring data.

• Acts as a type of dedicated file server, configured for small LANs but does not offer complex configuration provided by more expensive file servers.

• A collection of devices used to store data connected by high speed fibre optic to work together to act as a file server.

RAID

NAS

SAN

• RAID

• NAS

• SAN

Main Task

Computer Task:

Biomed is a medicine research company that is starting to use technology to try and increase their efficiency.

In the previous lesson you explained to them how different types of memory can be used in their organisation. Add more to this document and discuss storage options that can be used, their characteristics and security concerns.

Security is a huge concern as they do not want competitors getting their research, consider this.

Complete all the questions on the work sheet.