Textbook U6 U7
Textbook U6 U7
Textbook U6 U7
Learning objectives
In this module, you will :
Learn about definition of main memory.
Learn about types of main memory
Distinguish between computer memory and computer storage.
Learn about different types of magnetic drives and disks.
Give instructions and advice on how to protect data.
Use technical vocabulary associated with optical storage devices and media.
Learn and use discourse connector.
Learn about the technical details of flash memory and its uses.
Learn different ways of making new words – affixation, conservation and
compounding.
Describe flash-based devices.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the major differences between memory and storage? How much
memory does your computer have? How much storage does your computer have?
2. Do you think semi-conductor storage will ever completely replace
magnetic storage? When and why?
3. What is meant above when the author says that volatile memory needs
power in order to "retain its state?"
Random Access Memory or RAM is the memory that the computer uses to
temporarily store the information as it is being processed. The more information being
processed the more RAM the (1) needs.
RAM memory chips come in many different sizes and speeds and can usually be (2)
. Older computers came with 512 Kb of memory which could be
expanded to a maximum of 640 Kb. In most modern computers the memory can be
expanded by adding or replacing the memory chips depending on the processor you have
and the type of memory your computer uses. (3)
range in size from 1 Mb to 4 Gb. As computer technology changes, the type (4)
memory changes as well making old memory chips out of date.
Check your computer manual to find out what kind of memory your computer uses
before (5) new memory chips.
3
4
6
6
6 7
6
6
6
ACROSS
1. Portable hard drives are used to make a of important files or
transport data between PCs.
4. PCs usually have one hard, , called C.
6. DVD-RW means
Digital Versatile Disc- .
7. Non- memory is computer memory that can retain the stored
information even when not powered.
DOWN
2. Flash memory are used to store information in digital cameras and
other handheld devices.
3. Unit of memory equivalent to 1,024 megabytes.
5. When a disk is formatted, its surface is divided into concentric circles known as
.
(Source: Check your English vocabulary for computer and Information Technology)
The "brain" of a computer is the (1)________. Most of these are made by Intel and
AMD, and are sometimes referred to as"(2)________".The fastest processors
are(3)_______,which means that there are two processors working together. The
(4)______of a processor is measured in (5) ____., which is usually written as MHz
A computer's memory is measured in (6)_______If a computer has 1,024
megabytes of memory, and the memory type is SDRAM, this is written as 1,024 MB
SDRAM, and is pronounced "a thousand and twenty-four megabytes ess- dee-dram".
The processor and memory modules are located on the (7)______.Changing a
computer's processor is not generally practical, but the memory can usually be
(8)____________.
B. In pairs, discuss what you should or shouldn’t do to protect data. Use the
suggestions below.
Example: discs on top of each other (stack)
You shouldn’t stack discs on top of each other./ Don’t stack discs on top of each
other.
1. Your anti-virus program regularly, since new viruses are created everyday
(update)
2. Discs in a protective case (store)
3. Passwords and security devices to protect confidential information (use)
4. On discs with permanent marker pens (write)
5. The discs into the discs drive carefully (insert)
6. Floppies or hard drive near magnets; they can damage the data stored on them
(leave)
Note: disc (optical media); disk (magnetic storage media)
fragment fragmentation
defragmenter fragmented
4. After you create, delete and modify a lot of files, the hard drive becomes ...........,
with bist and pieces spread all over the disk.
5…………. slows down the speed at which data is accessed because the disk drive
has to work harder to find the parts of a file stored in many different locations.
6. To reorganize your hard drive, you can use disk optimizer or ................; this will
reorder your files into continuous clusters.
7.2. Optical Storage
A. Read the text and find the followings:
1. The advantages and disadvantages of optical discs over magnetic disks.
2. The storage capacity of a double-sided, dual layer DVD.
3. The difference between a DVD burner and a DVD recorder.
4. The feature of a portable DVD player which allow the user play different
format.
5. Two possible successor to DVDs.
6. Where the Blu-ray format gets its name from?
A Blu-ray disc has a capacity of 25 GB (single layer), 50GB (dual layer) and 100
GB (four layer). Unlike DVDs, which use a red laser to read and write data, Blu-ray uses
a blue -violet laser, hence its name. Blu-ray discs can record and play back high-
definition television and digital audio, as well as computer data.
(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).
B. Read the text again and make notes about the features of CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray
discs.
Capacity and formats Possible uses
CD
DVD
Blu-ray
Memory in a flash!
Flash memory is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electronically erased
and reprogrammed. Its name was invented by Toshiba to express how much faster it
could be erased –‘in a flash’, which means ‘very quickly’.
Unlike RAM, which is volatile, flash memory retains the information stored in the
chip when the power is turned off. This makes it ideal for use in digital cameras, laptops,
networks switches, video game cards, mobile phones and portable multimedia players. In
addition , it offers fast read access times (although not as fast as RAM), with transfer
rates of 12MB per second. Unlike ROM chips, flash memory chips are rewritable, so you
can update programs via software.
Inside the chip, data is stored in several floating gate transistors, called cells. Each
cell traditionally stores one bit of data (1 = erased and 0 = programmed). New device
have a multi-level cell structure so They can store more than one bit per cell. The chips
are constructed with either NOR or NAND gates. NOR chips function like a computer’s
main memory, While NAND works like a hard driver. For example, in a camera, NOR
flash contains the camera’s internal software, while NAND flash is used to store the
images.
Flash memory is used in several ways.
Many PCs have their BIOS (basic input/output System) stored on a flash memory
chip so it can be update if necessary.
Modems use flash memory because it allows the manufacturer to support new
protocols.
USB flash drivers are used to save and move MP3s and other data files between
computers. They are more easily transported than external hard drivers because they use
solid-state technology, meaning that they don’t have fragile moving parts that can break
if dropped. However, USB flash drivers have less storage capacity than hard drives. New
U3 smart drives allow users to store both applications and data. They have two driver
partitions and can carry applications that run on the host computer without requiring
installation.
Flash memory cards are used to store images on cameras, to back up data on
PDAs, to transfer games in video consoles, to record voice and music on MP3s players or
to store movies on MP4 players. They are as small as a stamp, and capacity can range
from 8MB to several gigabytes. The only limitation is that flash cards are often not
interchangeable between devices. Some formats include: CompactFlash, Secure Digital,
Multi-Media Card, Mini SD card, and XD-Picture Card. Sony has its own product called
the Memory Stick, used in its digital still cameras, video camcorders and the PlayStation
Portable. The photos stored in a digital camera can be offloaded to a computer via cable
or wirelessly. Another option is to have a flash card reader permanently connected to
your PC; you simply eject the card from the camera and put it into the reader instead of
having to plug the camera in.
The future of Hard Driver may be hybrid hard drivers. Hybrid hard drives
Combine a magnetic Hard disk and flash Memory into one device. This allows computers
to boot, or start, more quickly and also reduces power consumption.
(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).
HELP BOX
Word building
A. Look at the HELP box and then, using affixation, conversion and compounding, try
to make as many words as you can from blog, mail and print. Use a dictionary and the
Internet to help you.
For stereo recording. And thanks to the voice 5 (activation /activate /active) option,
users don’t need to press a single button to start recording-the WS-320M will record as
soon as the built-in microphone picks up sound.
Perhaps the most convenient feature, however, is The built-in USB 6 (connector
/connect /connected), which eliminates the need for a USB cable. Once this is connected,
you can 7 (downloadable /download /upload) music files, images of documents from
your PC, in effect turning the recorder into a small hard your computer for 8
(store/storage/storeroom) or multimedia use.
(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).
7.4 Consolidation
7.4.1. Choose the best answer
1. Which of the following is a secondary memory device?
A. Keyboard
B. Disk
C. ALU
D. All of the above
2. A scanner is ……….that reads images and converts them into electronic codes
which can be understood by a computer.
A. software
B. a storage device
C. a peripheral
D. an output device
3. The difference between memory and storage is that memory is ……….... and
storage is ………….
A. Temporary, permanent
B. Permanent, temporary
C. Slow, fast
D. All of above
4. What is the best definition of 'tape drive'?
A. A legacy storage device which can read and write data slowly from a removable
magnetic medium (normally 3.5" in diameter and holding 1.44 MB of data).
B. A type of memory which is manufactured with permanent contents which cannot
be modified
C. A type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM,
ROM, and flash memory.
D. A legacy storage device using magnetic tape; normally reading and writing data
slower rate and used for backups.
5. Which of the following memory is capable of operating at electronic speed?
A. Semiconductor memory
B. Magnetic disks
C. Magnetic drums
D. Magnetic tapes
6. What is the best definition of 'SSD' or 'solid state drive'?
A. A type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM,
ROM, and flash memory
B .A type of memory which is manufactured with permanent contents which cannot
be modified
C. A newer data storage device meant to replace a traditional hard disk drive; these
are characterized by non-moving parts and lower energy consumption
D. All the above
7. What is the best definition of 'semiconductor storage'?
A. A type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM,
ROM, and flash memory
B. A legacy storage device using magnetic tape; normally reading and writing data
slower rate and used for backups.
C. This is either dedicated or shared memory set aside specifically for the graphics
processor
D. All the above
8. What is the best definition of 'optical storage'?
A. A legacy storage device which can read and write data slowly from a removable
magnetic medium (normally 3.5" in diameter and holding 1.44 MB of data)
B. A non-volatile (permanent) memory type that is erasable via ultra-violet light and
reprogrammable
C. A legacy storage device using magnetic tape; normally reading and writing data
slower rate and used for backups
D. A data storage technique using a pattern of markings on a disc that can be read
by a laser; examples include CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM technology.
9. What is the best definition of 'floppy disk drive'?
A. A legacy storage device which can read and write data slowly from a removable
magnetic medium (normally 3.5" in diameter and holding 1.44 MB of data)
B. A data storage technique using a pattern of markings on a disc that can be read
by a laser; examples include CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM technology
C. A type of memory which is manufactured with permanent contents which cannot
be modified
D. A type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM,
ROM, and flash memory
10. What is the best definition of 'magnetic storage'?
A. A storage technique using patterns of magnetized particles on a metallic surface
to store data; examples include hard disk drives, tape drives, floppy disk drives
B. A type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM,
ROM, and flash memory
C. A legacy storage device using magnetic tape; normally reading and writing data
slower rate and used for backups.
D. A newer data storage device meant to replace a traditional hard disk drive; these
are characterized by non-moving parts and lower energy consumption
Storage devices in the form of a disk or tape are used to store the programs and data
that are not being used. Note that the American(1)…………. of disk is commonly used,
although the British spelling, disc, is sometimes used. Before a program or data can be
used, it must be(2)………….. from the storage device to the main RAM(3)……………..
Hard disks consist of a set of magnetic coated metal disks that are vacuum- sealed
inside a case to keep out the dust. The(4)…………surfaces of the disks are formatted
using a read/write head to provide magnetic storage areas. These storage areas form
concentric circles called tracks and each track is(5)…………into sections called sectors.
The disks are(6)………..at high speed and read from or written to by the read/write head
that moves across the surface of the disks.
In (7)………. computers, hard disks can be connected together and made to operate
as one unit using RAID (a redundant array of inexpensive disks). This can speed up the
system and provide a way of (8)…………..data if the system crashes (fails suddenly and
completely, usually referring to the(9)………of a hard disk). There is a variety of optical
(10)……… devices that use laser light to read or write to a disk, including: CD-ROMs
(compact disk read only memory). CD-R (recordable compact disk). CD-RW (rewritable
compact disk), DVD (digital versatile disk-previously known as digital video disk).
(Source: Oxford English for Information Technology. Oxford University)
Optical disks can store information at much higher densities than magnetic disks.
Thus, they are ideal for multimedia applications where images, animation and sound
occupy a lot of disk space. Besides, they are not affected by magnetic fields. This means
that they are secure and stable, e.g. they can be transported through airport metal
detectors without damaging the data. However, optical drives are slower than hard drives.
While there are hard drives with an average access time of 8 mms, most CD-ROM drives
have an access time of 150 to 200 mms. There are various types of optical drives : CD-
ROM systems offer everything, from shareware programs to dictionaries and
encyclopedias, from multimedia databases to 3-D games. A lot of institutions have
discovered that CD-ROM is the most economical way of sharing information. In fact, one
CD-ROM disk (650 MB) can replace 300,000 pages of text (about 500 floppies), which
represents a lot of savings in distributing materials and corporate databases. In addition,
CD-ROM drives can play music CDs while you work. Yet CD-ROM technology has one
disadvantage: you cannot write anything onto a CD-ROM disk. You can only 'read' it,
like a book.
CD-Recorders come in two different forms: CD.R and CD. RW. CD-R machines
record on CD-R (write-once) disks, allowing you to create and duplicate CDs. They are
used to back up hard disks or to distribute and archive information. In fact, these systems
are the modern version of old WORM (write once, read many) disks. CD-RW machines
hold CDRW (rewritable) disks that you can erase and re-use, just as you would do with a
hard disk.
The future of optical storage is called DVD (digital versatile disk). A DVD~ROM
can hold 17 GB, about 25 times an ordinary.. CD-ROM. For this reason, it can store a
large amount of multimedia software and complete Hollywood movies in different
languages. They can also play music CDs and CD-ROMs. However, DVD-ROMs are
'read-only' devices. To avoid this limitation, companies also produce DVD rewritable
drives.
Magneto-optical (MO) drives use both a laser and an electromagnet to record
information. Consequently, MO disks are rewritable, i.e. they can be written to, erased,
and then written again. They usually come in two formats: (i) 5.25" cartridges can hold
more than 2 GB; (ii) 3.5" optical disks have a capacity of 230 to 640 MB. They are ideal
for back-up and portable mass storage.
(Source: English for Information Technology. Oxford University Press)