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.

Table of Contents:

1. Types of Computer Storage

2. List of Computer Storage Devices
o Magnetic Storage Devices
o Optical Storage Devices
o Flash Memory Devices
o Online Cloud Storage
3. Characteristics of Computer Storage Devices

Computer Storage Devices Questions and AnswersLet us start with first understanding the
term “Computer storage device” by its definition.

Computer Storage Device Definition: A hardware device which can be used to store digital
data and applications which may be in the form of images, video, audio, etc. is called a
storage device. It is a key component of a computer and the hard drive is one of its examples.

Types of Computer Storage

The computer storage unit is 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).
o This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.
o This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory
is erased
o It is smaller in size
o Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory
o 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.
o The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to the
computer, as they are mainly external
o It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary storage
o This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor
o It comprises of both internal and external memory
o 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.
 o It involves mounting and unmounting of mass storage data which is removable
from a computer device
o This type of storage holds robotic functions
o 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 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 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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Computer Storage Devices Questions and Answers

As discussed earlier, Computer Awareness based questions are asked in competitive exams.
Though these questions may not be very complex, candidates must be aware of the basic
concepts, applications, programs and terms to answer the questions.

Given below are a few sample questions on Computer storage devices for the candidate’s
assistance.

Q 1. Which of the following is not an example of Flash Memory Drives?

1. Memory Stick
2. Pen Drive
3. SD Card
4. Compact Disc
5. None of the above

Answer: (4) Compact Disc

Q 2. Which of these storage devices has a minimum storage capacity?

 1. USB drive
2. Hard Disk
3. Floppy Disk
4. Compact Disc
5. Cloud Storage

Answer: (3) Floppy Disk

Q 3. What is the meaning of “backing up data” on the computer?

1. Copy the data to another device/location to save it for future use

2. Saving the computer from a virus
3. Inserting SD card to the computer device
4. Connecting Personal computer to a network
5. None of the above

Answer: (1) Copy the data to another device/location to save it for future use

Q 4. Which among the following is an example of a magnetic storage device?

1. Floppy Disc
2. Credit Card
3. Compact Disc
4. All of the above
5. None of the above

Answer: (4) All of the above

Candidates must keep themselves updated with Computer Awareness as questions like the
ones mentioned above may also be asked to analyse your general awareness.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Computer Storage Devices

Q1

Q 1. Is online cloud storage a device?

Ans. No, online cloud storage is a tool where one can save their data files, images, etc. It is
not a device and the data can be stored over the Internet only.
Q2

Q 2. What is a computer storage device?

Ans. A storage device enables its user to store and safely access the data and applications on
a computer device. It can be classified into multiple types.
Q3
Q 3. What is a magnetic storage device?

Ans. 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. Such devices are called magnetic storage devices.
Q4

Q 4. What are the examples of an Optic storage device?

Ans. CD-ROM, Blu-Disc, DVD, CD-R, are all examples of Optic Storage devices.