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Computer Data Storage

Computer data storage refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data for computing. Storage provides the core function of retaining information and is a fundamental component of modern computers, along with a central processing unit. Memory typically refers to fast but temporary semiconductor storage like RAM, while storage commonly refers to slower but more permanent mass storage like hard disks and optical discs. Historically, memory was called primary storage and storage was called secondary storage.

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195 views

Computer Data Storage

Computer data storage refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data for computing. Storage provides the core function of retaining information and is a fundamental component of modern computers, along with a central processing unit. Memory typically refers to fast but temporary semiconductor storage like RAM, while storage commonly refers to slower but more permanent mass storage like hard disks and optical discs. Historically, memory was called primary storage and storage was called secondary storage.

Uploaded by

MAWiskiller
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer data storage

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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1 GB of SDRAM mounted in a personal computer. An example of primary storage.

40 GB hard disk drive (HDD); when connected to a computer it serves as secondary


storage.
160 GB SDLT tape cartridge, an example of off-line storage. When used within a robotic
tape library, it is classified as tertiary storage instead.

Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer


components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for
some interval of time. Computer data storage provides one of the core functions of the
modern computer, that of information retention. It is one of the fundamental components
of all modern computers, and coupled with a central processing unit (CPU, a processor),
implements the basic computer model used since the 1940s.

In contemporary usage, memory usually refers to a form of semiconductor storage known


as random access memory (RAM) and sometimes other forms of fast but temporary
storage. Similarly, storage today more commonly refers to mass storage - optical discs,
forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, and other types slower than RAM, but of a
more permanent nature. Historically, memory and storage were respectively called
primary storage and secondary storage.

The contemporary distinctions are helpful, because they are also fundamental to the
architecture of computers in general. The distinctions also reflect an important and
significant technical difference between memory and mass storage devices, which has
been blurred by the historical usage of the term storage. Nevertheless, this article uses the
traditional nomenclature.

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