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The storage devices are the components of a computer system that holds data and orders that will be analysed. Secondary storage is a component of computer hardware that stores data to process the results of computing activity. A system will not allow functioning or even load up without a storage device. In other terms, a data store is a piece of equipment that is used to transfer, store, or extract data files. It may also temporarily and permanently store data and information.
A storage device is among the essential components of any computer system, and it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the requirements and functionality. It holds almost all of the large datasets in a computer, except the exception of hardware-software. A storage device comes in a variety of shapes and sizes; for example, a computer has numerous file systems such as a hard drive, RAM, and cache. These have also optical disc drives and USB drives that may be linked outside. There are two sorts of storage systems that store data: main and secondary.
Types of computer storage
- Primary storage devices: primary storage is also referred to as internal memory. This is a component that is present inside the CPU which is used to store the temporary files and process them to get immediate results. The best examples for primary storage devices are RAM (Random access memory) and ROM (Read-only memory).
- Secondary storage devices: From the name itself this can be known that this is a type of secondary storage which is external to the computer system. It is not as primary storage as here the data is being stored for the long term or we can say it’s permanent storage.
Storage devices in a computer
Let’s discuss the different types of storage devices that are available in the market:
Primary storage devices
RAM
RAM means random access memory which is used to access any temporary data and to get intermediate results for the usage of that information. It is also known as temporary memory because the data will be stored only till the computer system is on, if it’s turned off the data will be lost.
ROM
ROM means read-only memory. This is also known as non-volatile memory as the information here is stored permanently until and unless it’s deleted by the user.
Magnetic storage devices
Floppy disk
It is a type of storage device which is used in the personal computer on a personal basis. Floppy disk is generally used with plastic and is made secure by using protective cases.
Hard disk
It’s a hard disc drive (HDD) that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve data. It’s a non-volatile device that stores data that could be changed or deleted an infinite number of times.
Magnetic disk
It’s a card that stores data by changing or reorganising the magnetism of microscopic metal magnetic nanoparticles on the card’s band. A swipe card is another name for it.
Flash memory devices
Pen drive
This is also called a USB drive since it has flash memory and a built-in USB interface. These devices can be immediately connected to our desktops and laptops, allowing us to read data into them even more quickly and efficiently.
SSD
It refers to Solid State Drive, a type of mass storage technology similar to hard disc drives. It is much more resilient than hard drives as it does not require visual discs.
Sd card
A Contactless Smart Card is what it’s called. It is commonly used for storing greater information on electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and so on.
Memory card
It’s commonly found in digital cameras, printers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices. It may be used to carry lots of data and comes in a variety of sizes. A memory card reader is required to use a storage device on a computer.
Optical storage devices
CD
Compact Disc is the name for it. It has data-storage channels and sections on its surface. It has a round form and is composed of polycarbonate plastic.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc is the name given to it. DVDs are data storage discs that are round and flat. It is available in two distinct sizes: 4.7Gigabyte solitary discs and 8.5Gigabyte dual discs.
Cloud and virtual storage
Digital or cloud storage systems have replaced secondary memory in recent years. We can keep our documents and other items on the cloud for just as much as we subscribe to cloud storage. Many corporations, namely amazon, google, Microsoft, and others, offer cloud services.
Conclusion
The storage devices are getting smaller day by day with changing technology but can hold tons of data at a time. Everyone has their data or some information to store and storage devices are the one that satisfies this need of people and serve many purposes.
