Data Storage 

Computer processes need to be able to store data during the execution phase. The data may need to be stored temporarily in volatile memory or permanently in secondary storage. Volatile memory is implemented for random access in RAM (Random Access Memory) and magnetic disks, optical disks, and Flash memory are used to store data permanently. Data is stored on a disk using a file system, which uses file and directory structures.

While high speed processors may enable high performance applications to achieve high throughput, disk data transfer rates, speed, and capacity are also critical for the overall performance of an application because slow RAM and slow disks have an impact on application performance.

Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you:

1. Realize business and organizational data storage and fast access times are much more important than they have ever been. Compare and contrast magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical discs, Flash RAM, and solid-state drives (SSD) in terms of:
   1. Speed
   2. Volatility
   3. Access methods
   4. Portability
   5. Cost
   6. Capacity
2. Describe a situation in which you would select each of the above media.
3. Describe a situation in which you would use Static RAM (Random Access Memory) (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM), and Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) and emphasize access times, fabrication technology, data transfer rates, and capacity.
4. Use at least three (3) quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the professor's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Summarize the different types of data storage technology.
• Analyze the logical and physical organization of files and directories.
• Demonstrate how processing and storage components communicate in a computing environment.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in computer architecture.
• Write clearly and concisely about computer architecture using proper writing mechanics and technical style conventions.