Storage Devices
Storage Devices
Storage Devices
The primary storage devices for computers are actually a part of the computer's memory. We
have previously used the terms like RAM and ROM, but may not have know what they are
exactly. They are the Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).
Most of the storage devices we are acquainted with come under this category. They are not a part
of the processor. People make use of these devices, so that the storage capacity of the computer
can be increased. Like the ROM, the secondary computer storage are also non volatile. The
information stored on the these devices is retained, even if the computer has been switched off.
Hard Drives
The hard drives are one of the most important of the secondary types of computer data storage
devices, the hard drive types. Data is stored on the hard drives in the digital format on the hard
drives. In the initial days of the computers, hard disks were like removable mass storage devices.
However, with time they started coming as a part of the central processing unit of the computer.
However, now there are external hard drives available as well.
Floppy Discs
This is a magnetic storage device, which is set in square plastic shell. They are available in
different sizes, like 8 inches, 5 ¼ inches and 3 ½ inches. In the initial days floppy discs were
very popular, however, with the advancements they got over shadowed by the other computer
storage devices.
Compact Discs
Previously compact discs (abbreviated as CD) were used only for recording and storing audio
files. Subsequently along with audio, video and other data is also stored on them. These discs can
store data for long time. The data is stored on the CDs in optical format. Backup can be stored on
the CDs.
Flash Memory
With a lot of research came the flash memory. This storage devices for a computer is similar to
the read only memory. However, there is a big difference between the flash memory and the
ROM. Data from the flash memory can be erased in a matter of few seconds from the flash
drives, which is not the case with the ROM’s. At the same time, the data can be changed as per
the requirement.
Blu-ray Discs
Blu-rays discs are abbreviated as BD, are used for high definition video storage. It is often used
by gamers. Blu-ray discs are similar to the CD’s and DVD’s in their looks. It is the memory
space which makes all the difference between the CD’s, DVD’s and BD’s. Blu-ray disc is an
optical storage device.
Memory Cards
The next of the computer storage devices examples are the memory cards. Data is stored in
digital format on the memory cards. They can be used in various electronic devices from hand
held computers, mobile phones, cameras, etc. They are also rewritable. Although they are small
in size, they can store a high amount of data.
These are the computer storage devices. With the constant advancement in technology, new
storage devices are constantly getting added to the storage devices list. Along with the new
devices, there is advancement that is been carried out to increase the access rate and the capacity
of the data stored.