Computer Storage Devices

A storage device for a computer enables its user to store and safely access the data and applications
on a computer device. Knowing and learning about these computer storage devices is necessary as it
works as one of the core components of the system.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 unmounting 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 magnetised
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

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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 computerised 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 centres 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 computerised 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.

To learn in detail about the ​Basics of Cloud Computing​, candidates can visit the linked article.
Characteristics of Computer Storage Devices
Over the years, the usage of computer and electronic devices have massively increased and so has the
dependency on them. Personally or professionally a lot of data is entered into the computer and storing
it becomes a must for future use. Thus, these internal and external storage devices have come in as a
saviour for the users.

In case of less memory space in the device, the various computer storage devices can be used to save
the data securely without losing it.

Given below are a few characteristics of these storage devices:

● Because of volatile memory, the data stored can be saved and also replaced whenever needed
● These devices are readable, writable and rewritable which ensures that the data saved if not
necessary can be removed or replaced accordingly
● Accessibility to these has become very easy and convenient. The devices are easily available
online and offline and need no expertise for usage
● The capacity and size of these drives and devices has become an added advantage
● Even in terms of performance, using these storage devices the data can be saved easily but
can also be transferred easily from one device to another

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