Definition(s):
A system component that can communicate with and be added to or
removed from a system or network and that is limited to data storage—including
text, video, audio or image data—as its primary function (e.g., optical discs,
external or removable hard drives, external or removable solid-state disk
drives, magnetic or optical tapes, flash memory devices, flash memory cards,
and other external or removable disks).
Types of Computer Storage
The computer storage devices can be classified into various parts, but the computer storage unit is also divided into three parts. Given below are details about the three types of computer storage:
Primary Storage:
This is the direct memory which is accessible
to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
- This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.
- This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased
- It is smaller in size
- Primary storage comprises only of internal memory
- Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.
Secondary Storage:
This type of storage does not have direct
accessibility to the Central Processing Unit.
- The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to the
- computer, as they are mainly external
- It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary storage
- This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor
- It comprises of both internal and external memory
Examples of secondary storage are USB drives, floppy disks, etc.
Tertiary Memory:
This type of storage is generally not considered to be important and is generally not a part of personal computers.
- It involves mounting and un mounting of mass storage data which is removable from a computer device
- This type of storage holds robotic functions
- It does not always require human intervention and can function automatically.
List of Computer Storage Devices
There are four types of devices in which computer data can be stored. Discussed below are the same in detail.
Magnetic Storage Devices
The most commonly used storage devices in today’s time are
magnetic storage devices. These are affordable and easily accessible. A large
amount of data can be stored in these through magnetized mediums.
A magnetic field is created when the device is attached to the computer and with the help of the two magnetic polarities, the device is able to read the binary language and store the information. Given below are the examples of magnetic storage devices.
- Floppy Disk - Also known as a floppy diskette, it is a removable storage device which is in the shape of a square and comprises magnetic elements. When placed in the disk reader of the computer device, it spins around and can store information. Lately, these floppy disks have been replaced with CDs, DVDs and USB drives
- Hard Drive - This primary storage device is directly attached to the motherboard’s disk controller. It is an integral storage space as it is required to install any new program or application to the device. Software programs, images, videos, etc. can all be saved in a hard drive and hard drives with storage space in terabytes are also easily available now
- Zip Disk - Introduced by Iomega, is a removable storage device which was initially released with a storage space of 100 MB which was later increased to 250 and then finally 750 MB
- Magnetic Strip - A magnetic strip is attached in the device comprising digital data. The most suitable example for this is a debit card which has a strip placed on one of its sides which stores the digital data
Optical Storage Devices
Such devices used lasers and lights to detect and store data.
They are cheaper in comparison to USB drives and can store more data. Discussed
below are a few commonly used optical storage devices.
- CD-ROM - This stands for Compact Disc - Read-Only Memory and is an external device which can store and read data in the form of audio or software data
- Blu-Ray Disc - Introduced in 2006, Blu-ray disk was backup up by major IT and computer companies. It can store up to 25 GB data in a single-layer disc and 50 GB data in a dual-layer disc
- DVD - Digital Versatile Disc is another type of optical storage device. It can be readable, recordable, and rewritable. Recordings can be done in such devices and then can be attached to the system
- CD-R - It is a readable Compact Disc which uses photosensitive organic dye to record data and store it. They are a low-cost replacement for storing software and applications
Flash Memory Devices
These storage devices have now replaced both magnetic and
optical storage devices. They are easy to use, portable and easily available
and accessible. They have become a cheaper and more convenient option to store
data.
Discussed below are the major flash memory devices which are being commonly used by the people nowadays.
- USB Drive - Also, known as a pen drive, this storage device is small in size and is portable and ranges between storage space of 2 GB to 1 TB. It comprises an integrated circuit which allows it to store data and also replace it
- Memory Card - Usually attached with smaller electronic and computerized devices like mobile phones or digital camera, a memory card can be used to store images, videos and audios and is compatible and small in size
- Memory Stick - Originally launched by Sony, a memory stick can store more data and is easy and quick to transfer data using this storage device. Later on, various other versions of memory stock were also released
- SD Card - Known as Secure Digital Card, it is used in various electronic devices to store data and is available in mini and micro sizes. Generally, computers have a separate slot to insert an SD card. In case they do not have one, separate USBs are available in which these cards can be inserted and then connected to the computer
There are various other flash memory drives which are also easily available in the market and are easily accessible and easy to use.
Online Cloud Storage
The term Cloud computing is used to describe the data centers available for users over the Internet where they can save their databases and
files. This data can easily be accessed over the internet anytime and anywhere.
This has become a common mode to store data. The largest or the
smallest computerized devices can use the online cloud storage to save their
data files. This option is also available in mobile phones where a backup of
our files and data is being managed.
