Computer Storage

Measuring Memory and Storage

Storing Data

John von Neumann's development of software written in binary code began the storing data and instructions in binary code and initiated the use of memory to store data, as well as programs.

The Functions of a Computer

There are 4 basic computer functions:Memory, Processing, Input, and

Output

Computer Memory

There are two basic categories:Short term: Random Access Memory

(RAM) – used to constantly and temporarily store information.

Long term: ROM (Read Only Memory)

Measurement

A bit (binary digit) is a digit in the binary numeral system, which consists of base 2 digits.

Bytes

A byte is a collection of bits and is commonly used as a unit of storage measurement in computers.

A single byte is made up of 1’s and 0’s usually traveling in pairs of eight.

These 8 0’s and 1’s are the way the computer communicates and stores information. With each keystroke or character a

byte of memory is used.

Megabytes and Gigabytes

•A megabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to exactly one million bytes .

•A gigabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to one billion (that is, a thousand million) bytes.

Size Approximate storage capacity

1 Byte= A single character 10 Bytes = A word or two 100 Bytes = A sentence or two 1 kB = A very short story 10 kB = An encyclopedia page 100 kB = A medium-resolution photograph 1 MB = A short novel or 100 pages of single-

spaced 12 point font text in MS Word 10 MB = Two copies of the complete works

of Shakespeare 100 MB = 1 meter of shelved books 1 GB = 18 hours of MP3 music

Measurement of Bytes

8 bits 1 byte

1000 bytes 1 KB

1000 KB 1 MB

1000 MB 1GB

Storage Devices

The storage capacity of Storage Devices:31/2 Floppy Disk700 MB CD128 MB USB pin256 MB USB pin512 MB USB pin1 GB USB pin