Data Storage 2 Questions & Exercises 1. If the memory cell whose address is 5 contains the value 8, what is the difference between writing the value 5 into cell number 6 and moving the contents of cell number 5 into cell number 6? 2. Suppose you want to interchange the values stored in memory cells 2 and 3. What is wrong with the following sequence of steps: Step 1. Move the contents of cell number 2 to cell number 3. Step 2. Move the contents of cell number 3 to cell number 2. 3. Design a sequence of steps that correctly interchanges the contents of these cells. If needed, you may use additional cells. 4. How many bits would be in the memory of a computer with 4KIB memory 3 Mass Storage Due to the volatility and limited size of a computer's main memory, most computers have additional memory devices called mass storage (or second ary storage) systems, including magnetic disks, CDs, DVDs, magnetic tapes flash drives, and solid-state drives (all of which we will discuss shortly). The advantages of mass storage systems over main memory include less volatility, large storage capacities, low cost, and in many cases, the ability to remove the storage medium from the machine for archival purposes. A major disadvantage of magnetic and optical mass storage systems is that they typically require mechanical motion and therefore require significantly more time to store and retrieve data than a machine's main memory, where all activities are performed electronically. Moreover, storage systems with mov- ing parts are more prone to mechanical failures than solid state systems. While flash drives and solid-state disks do not require moving parts, other electronic considerations can limit their speed or longevity relative to main memory Essential Knowledge Statements The choice of storage media affects both the methods and costs of manipulating the data it contains. . Magnetic Systems For years, magnetic technology has dominated the mass storage arena. The most common example in use today is the magnetic disk or hard disk drive (HDD), in which a thin, spinning disk with magnetic coating is used to hold 37