Computer Applications Technology
Elaboration of
Technology Concepts
, Storage devices and media
1. Solid State Drive (SSD)
Definition / descption A storage device that has no moving parts making it silent more
robust than an HDD.
Operate much faster than traditional hard drives as they store
Purpose & function • quick access to stored program files & operating files
• store data, program files & operating system files
• improves general performance of computer & often used in
combo with hard drive
Explanation of how it works • uses microchips - no moving parts
• essential SSD components - host interface
(interface provided allow SSD communicate with driver)
• uses 'flash memory’ similar to RAM but non-volatile
(data not lost when power goes off)
• uses grid of electrical cells quickly send & receive data
Advantages / benefits • read/ write speed very fast = shorter boot time & better
performance than HHD
• less likely to get damaged - no moving parts
• silent - no moving parts ( becomes factor in data centre with
many hard drives
• flash memory to store data - not affected by magnetic
interface
• low power consumption
Disadvantages • more expensive than HHDs per GB of storage
( price gap becoming smaller in recent times)
• almost impossible data recovery from SSD
Limitations • wear out after using for long time - limited number of write
cycles
(data written to & erased from same place in flash
memory limited number of times)
• availability limited - may need to order in advance
Application in ICT envinment • found in smartphones, tablets, PCs
• standard for ultra-thin & high-performance laptop
computers) ultra-books
• preferable for workloads require high performance, quick
read / write speeds eg. Database applications
Elaboration of
Technology Concepts
, Storage devices and media
1. Solid State Drive (SSD)
Definition / descption A storage device that has no moving parts making it silent more
robust than an HDD.
Operate much faster than traditional hard drives as they store
Purpose & function • quick access to stored program files & operating files
• store data, program files & operating system files
• improves general performance of computer & often used in
combo with hard drive
Explanation of how it works • uses microchips - no moving parts
• essential SSD components - host interface
(interface provided allow SSD communicate with driver)
• uses 'flash memory’ similar to RAM but non-volatile
(data not lost when power goes off)
• uses grid of electrical cells quickly send & receive data
Advantages / benefits • read/ write speed very fast = shorter boot time & better
performance than HHD
• less likely to get damaged - no moving parts
• silent - no moving parts ( becomes factor in data centre with
many hard drives
• flash memory to store data - not affected by magnetic
interface
• low power consumption
Disadvantages • more expensive than HHDs per GB of storage
( price gap becoming smaller in recent times)
• almost impossible data recovery from SSD
Limitations • wear out after using for long time - limited number of write
cycles
(data written to & erased from same place in flash
memory limited number of times)
• availability limited - may need to order in advance
Application in ICT envinment • found in smartphones, tablets, PCs
• standard for ultra-thin & high-performance laptop
computers) ultra-books
• preferable for workloads require high performance, quick
read / write speeds eg. Database applications
