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Primary storage is quite expensive and comes with limited storage. Still, if we need permanent data or programs, they are cheap and permanent with no direct accessibility. Secondary storage overcomes these problems and provides permanent storage with bulk storage. Secondary storage is a non-volatile and larger storage capacity used internally or externally with the computer. Auxiliary devices help us store programs and data, including all the drivers, user data, and operating systems. Secondary storage is necessary because when the computer is turned off, primary memory loses its data, but on the other hand, secondary storage doesn’t. Examples: CDs, flash drives, hard disk drives, etc.
Features of Secondary storage:
1) Secondary storage is non-volatile and has a larger storage capacity, meaning it can store or save information even after the computer is turned off.
2) The storage lies within the range from megabytes to petabytes.
3) Primary storage is expensive, whereas secondary storage is cheaper.
4) Secondary storage devices can also transfer information from one device to another.
5) It also has no direct accessibility.
Types of Secondary storage:
There are two types of secondary storage devices:
1) Fixed storage
2) Removable storage
Fixed Storage:
Fixed storage is installed inside the computer for storing data. This fixed storage is also known as hard drives or fixed disk drives. Fixed devices don’t mean they can not be removed. They can be easily removed for repairing, replacing, maintenance upgradation, etc. All the data in the computer is stored in some built-in fixed storage device. The examples of fixed storage are:
Hard disk drives:
A hard disk is also called a hard drive. It is located in the drive unit on the motherboard and stores data permanently. It is a rigid magnetic disk. It is also a non-volatile storage device. The data on the hard drive generally contains operating systems, files, pictures, videos, software, etc.
Solid-state disk :
It also is a non-volatile storage device that stores and access data. It doesn’t have any moving components and is much cheaper, providing benefits like fast access time, low power consumption, etc. They have become a replacement for hard disks and are also present in notebooks and tablets.
Internal Flash memory:
Non-volatile storage that can be erased and also reprogrammed. It has a fast read access time. It is used in computers, mobile phones, cameras, video games, robotics, etc. It is preferable over a hard drive because of its shock resistance.
Removable Storage:
It is an external media device meaning no direct accessibility to computers, and also can use to store data. Removal storage devices are also known as external drives. The biggest advantage of removal devices is transferring data from one computer to another. They usually perform fast data transfers. Examples of Removable drivers are CDs, USB drives, DVDs, etc.
CDs,DVDs,BDs
- CD: CD means compact disks. They are circular and are cheap, providing data up to 700MB. There is a place called a CD cabinet they are put there, where you can add or store any information.
- DVD: DVD stands for digital video display. It can store 15 x more data than a CD which stores high-quality files. There are different types of DVDs available read-only, rewritable, and recordable.
- Blu-Ray disk: stores media in high-definition and has larger storage than CDs and DVDs. They can store data to 128 GB. They also use shorter wavelengths so that more data can be stored here.
Memory cards:
It is an electronic data storage device to store digital information. They are also known as SD cards, where SD stands for standard digital cards. It is often used in devices like mobile phones and cameras. The data can be easily viewed on the computer when removed from your mobile phone. There are different types and sizes of SD cards depending on the need and usage.
Floppy disks:
These are one of the oldest external storage devices. They only have a storage amount of 1.44MB, so now they are not much used because of their low storage capacity.
Flash Drive:
It is a small, portable storage device used to swiftly move files from one system to another. It is also known as a thumb drive or a jump drive. To connect a USB to a computer, it should be inserted into the USB port present. Nowadays, USB can store up to 2TB storage. Despite being much costlier than external devices, they are more simple and convenient to use and transfer files. It doesn’t have any movable parts, so you just have to use a plugin, and use.No external software or hardware is required.
Conclusion:
Secondary storage devices are the most valuable devices in the system. It is not in the computer, where data can be stored permanently, without direct accessibility. It also has a larger capacity to store data. Secondary storage devices are necessary because data on primary storage can be lost easily. Hence, this gives users an assurity to save their work even if the device gets turned off. That is why it is called a non-volatile storage device. The data will be there on the storage device until and unless it is edited or deleted by the user.
