Storage Devices

• A storage device is a piece of hardware that is primarily used for storing data.
Every desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and smartphone will have some kind of
storage device within it.
• As technology has advanced over time, data storage devices have also evolved
in a major way. Nowadays, storage devices come in many shapes and sizes,
and there are a few different types of storage device that cater to different
devices and functions.
• A storage device is also known as a storage medium or storage media. Digital
storage is measured in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and, these days,
terabytes (TB).
Types of storage devices
Primary Storage: Random Access Memory (RAM)
•Random Access Memory, or RAM, is the primary storage of a computer.
•When you’re working on a file on your computer, it will temporarily store data in your
RAM. RAM allows you to perform everyday tasks like opening applications, loading
webpages, editing a document or playing games. It also allows you to jump from one
task to another without losing your progress. In essence, the larger the RAM of your
computer, the smoother and quicker it is for you to multitask.
•RAM is a volatile memory, meaning it cannot hold onto information once the system
turns off. For example, if you copy a block of text, restart your computer, and then
attempt to paste that block of text into a document, you’ll find that your computer has
forgotten the copied text. This is because it was only stored temporarily in your RAM.
•RAM makes it possible for a computer to access data in a random order, and thus reads
and writes much faster than a computer’s secondary storage.
• Secondary Storage:
In addition to RAM, every computer also has another storage drive that’s used for storing
information on a long-term basis. This is secondary storage. Any file you create or
download saves to the computer’s secondary storage. Secondary storage devices are
often removable, so you can replace or upgrade your computer’s storage, or move your
storage drive to a different computer.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• A hard drive or hard disk drive (HDD) is a type of data storage device
that is used in laptops and desktop computers. An HDD is a “non-
volatile” storage drive, which means it can retain the stored data even
when no power is supplied to the device. Operating systems (OS) tell
the HDD to read and write data as needed by programs.
• HDDs started as massive, room-filling devices with a capacity of
about 3.75 megabytes. Today, by comparison, an HDD that fits easily
in a desktop computer can have upwards of 18 terabytes worth of
storage.
Solid State Drive (SDD)
• An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers. This
non-volatile storage media stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory.
SSDs replace traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in computers and perform the
same basic functions as a hard drive. But SSDs are significantly faster in
comparison. With an SSD, the device's operating system will boot up more
rapidly, programs will load quicker and files can be saved faster.
Hybrid Drives (SSHD):
• Hybrid drives combine the features of HDDs and SSDs in a single unit. They contain both
spinning platters for larger storage capacity and a smaller amount of solid-state memory for
faster access to frequently used data. The device's built-in intelligence automatically determines
which data to store on the SSD portion for improved performance. SSHDs are often used as a
cost-effective compromise between the speed of an SSD and the capacity of an HDD.
USB (Flash Drive)
• A USB drive, also referred to as a flash drive or memory stick, is a small, portable device that
plugs into the USB port on your computer. USB drives a used for storage, data backup, and
transferring files between devices. USB flash drives are lightweight, compact, require no external
power source, creating backups, and carrying important data on the go. Some advantages of USB
flash drive are:
• The cost: inexpensive.
• High-speed transfer rate. ...
• Increased durability. ...
• Maximum portability. ...
• Compatibility.
•
Optical Discs:
Optical discs use laser technology to read and write data. The most common types are CD
(Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and Blu-ray. CDs and DVDs are used for
distributing software, music, videos, and other data, while Blu-ray discs offer higher storage
capacity and are commonly used for HD movies and large data backups. Optical discs are
gradually being phased out as primary storage media due to the rise of faster and more durable
alternatives like SSDs.
Network attached storage (NAS)
• Network attached storage (NAS) is a centralized, file server, which allows multiple users to store
and share files over a TCP/IP network via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. It is also commonly known
as a NAS box, NAS unit, NAS server, or NAS head. NAS is a dedicated storage device or a
storage server connected to a network. It allows multiple users and devices to access and share
data over a local network or the internet.
• Memory Cards:
Memory cards are small, removable storage devices used in various portable electronic devices
such as digital cameras, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. They come in different
formats, such as Secure Digital (SD), microSD, CompactFlash (CF), and others. Memory cards
store data using NAND flash memory and provide a convenient way to expand the storage capacity
of compatible devices.
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