Module 6: Computer Storage
An Overview of Modern Data Storage
1 Purpose
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to computer storage, progressing from the physical hardware layer up to the logical organization and practical troubleshooting required of an IT professional. You will explore the different types of storage devices, how they connect to a computer, how they are prepared for use by an operating system, and how to diagnose common storage-related problems.
2 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between storage types like HDD, SSD, and NVMe, and identify their interfaces.
- Explain how a drive is logically divided using partitioning schemes like MBR and GPT.
- Describe the purpose of a filesystem (e.g., NTFS, exFAT, APFS) and the formatting process.
- Understand the benefits of advanced filesystems like ZFS and Btrfs, such as snapshots and data integrity.
- Understand advanced configurations like RAID and full-disk encryption.
- Follow a systematic process to troubleshoot common storage device failures.
This module maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:
- Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
- 3. Apply terminology and numeric or system concepts: This module is rich with the specific terminology for storage hardware, interfaces, and logical structures.
- 6. Maintain environment: The sections on troubleshooting, RAID, and drive health are direct applications of system maintenance and data integrity.
- Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
- 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: This module focuses on identifying, selecting, and understanding the function of various storage devices.
- 3. Troubleshoot hardware and basic network components: This module provides a practical framework for diagnosing and resolving storage-related issues.
This module will help you develop the following skills and knowledge, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.
| Learning Objective | O*NET KSAs | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
| Differentiate between storage hardware types. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Abilities: Information Ordering, Category Flexibility |
SSD, HDD, NVMe, SATA |
| Explain data organization (partitions, filesystems). | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking |
MBR, GPT, NTFS, FAT32 |
| Troubleshoot and maintain storage devices. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: Troubleshooting Abilities: Problem Sensitivity |
S.M.A.R.T., chkdsk, fsck |
3 Module Content
This module is divided into the following sections, which build upon one another from the physical hardware to logical structures and practical troubleshooting:
Foundations of Modern Computer Storage: An introduction to the essential physical components, including the differences between HDDs and SSDs, their form factors, and the interfaces used to connect them.
Drive Addressing and Data Organization: A look at how a drive is seen by the system, from a raw block device to a logical drive, and how the operating system uses Logical Block Addressing (LBA) to find data.
Partitioning and Boot Structures: Learn how storage space is logically divided using partitioning standards like MBR and GPT, and understand the role these partitions play in the operating system boot process.
Filesystems and Formatting: Explore the final logical structure that determines how files are stored, the differences between filesystems like NTFS and exFAT, and an introduction to the features of advanced filesystems like ZFS and Btrfs.
Advanced Storage Configurations: An overview of specialized configurations, including RAID 0 and 1 for performance and redundancy, full-disk encryption like BitLocker, and best practices for maintaining SSD health.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance: A practical guide to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair skills required for a support role, including interpreting S.M.A.R.T. data and using repair utilities.