Computer Storage devices
Definition of computer storage device
A storage device is any processing hardware used to store, transfer, or extract files and data objects. Storage devices can store information either temporarily or permanently. They can be internal or external to a computer, server, or computing device. A storage device may also be known as a storage medium or storage medium depending on whether it is considered discrete,
for example, “multiple hard drive space” versus “hard drive.”
Now It is available in various shapes and sizes depending on the needs and functionality.
The usage of storage devices
Storage devices are one of the main components of any computing device,
Storage devices are used to store applications and user data. and save our files and applications on our devices so we can use them
One of the purposes of storage devices is to back up or archive essential data. We need to keep our data permanently and not easily damaged, corrupted, or corrupted in the business world. Can use different types of storage media for backup or archiving.
Storage devices come in many forms, depending on the type of underlying device. For example, a standard computer has several storage devices, including RAM, Cache, and a hard drive. The same device can also have an externally connected optical disc drive and USB drive
Types of storage
There are four types of storage devices used with computers primary storage, secondary storage, Tertiary storage, and Offline storage.
- Primary storage :
Primary storage is the computer component containing the data, programs, and instructions currently in use. The main memory is located on the motherboard. As a result, data can be read and written to the main memory very quickly. That allows the processor to quickly access the data and instructions contained in the main memory.
There are four main types of storage:
1.read-only memory (ROM)
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. Refers to a computer memory chip that contains permanent or semi-permanent data. Consists of several kilobytes of code that tell the computer what to do at startup, for example, run hardware diagnostics and load the operating system into RAM
2. random access memory (RAM)
Random-access Memory (RAM) is the system’s short-term data storage. It stores information the computer is actively using to be accessed quickly. The more programs running on the system, the more memory will need. There are two types of RAM,
DRAM(Dynamic Random Access Memory)
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
3.flash memory
Flash memory is a durable, non-volatile storage chip that is widely used in embedded systems. It can keep the stored data and information even when the power goes out. It can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). developed flash memory. (overview, 2021)
4.cache memory
cache memory, also called Cache, Cache is a high-speed access area that can be
Either a reserved section of main memory or a storage device. Most computers today come with L3 Cache and L2 Cache, while older computers included only L1 Cache.
- Secondary storage :
Secondary reminiscence is likewise termed as external memory. It refers back to the diverse storage media on which a laptop can shop statistics and programs. The Secondary storage media may be constant or removable. Fixed Storage media is an inner storage medium like a hard disk.
— Hard Disk
hard disk, also called hard disk or hard disk, magnetic storage media for computers. A hard drive is a flat round plate made of aluminum or glass and coated with magnetic material. Hard drives for personal computers can store terabytes (trillions of bytes) of information.
There are two types of hard disk,
· Internal Hard disk
· External Hard disk
- Tertiary storage :
Tertiary storage includes high-capacity data storage designed to incorporate large amounts of removable media, such as optical tape or discs. Removable media is usually not stored in the proper drive but is stored in a specially crafted storage slot, shelf, or carousel when offline
This is especially useful for colossal data archives, accessible without human operator Examples:
· Magnetic tape
Magnetic tape is a magnetic recording medium consisting of a thin, magnetizable film on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. Magnetic tape has revolutionized the recording, reproduction, and transmission of sound. That allows the radio, which is continuously broadcast live, to be recorded for subsequent or repeated broadcasts
· Optical Disc
a disc with a plastic coating on which information (such as music, visual images, or computer data) is digitally recorded (as in the form of tiny dimples) and read using a laser.
The most common types of optical media are,
-Blu-ray Disc(BD)
-Compact Disc(CD)
-Digital Versatile Disc(DVD)
- Offline storage :
Offline storage must be physically attached or plugged into a computer system every time used it. Devices such as portable hard drives, Floppy Disk, Zip diskette, USB flash drives, and SD cards are examples of offline storage
Types of computer storage devices
Magnetic storage devices :
Magnetic storage uses magnetization patterns in magnetizable materials to store data and is a form of non-volatile memory. Information is accessed using one or more read/write heads. Other examples of magnetic storage media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, and magnetic stripes on credit cards. (Banger, DigitalThinkerHelp, n.d.)
There are different types of magnetic storage medium (device); below mentioned all:
- Hard Drive. The hard drive is also known as the “Hard Disk Drive.”
- Magnetic Tape.
- Magnetic Drum.
- Zip Diskette.
- SuperDisk.
- MRAM
Optical storage devices :
Optical storage is an electronic media that uses a low-power laser beam to record and retrieve digital (binary) data. In optical storage technology, a laser beam encodes digital data onto an optical disc, or laser, in the form of tiny holes arranged in a spiral pattern on the disc’s surface.
· CD-ROM. CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read-Only Memor, and CD-ROM comes in the Random Access category’s devices.
- DVD-ROM.
- Blue Ray.
- HD DVD.
- DVD-RAM.
- CD-R & DVD-R.
- CD-RW & DVD-RW
Flash Memory devices :
Flash memory is a durable, non-volatile storage chip that is widely used in embedded systems. It can keep the stored data and information even when the power goes out. It can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. EEPROM developed flash memory
Here are a few examples of flash memory: Memory Stick (most often found in digital cameras), PCMCIA Type I and Type II memory cards (used as solid-state disks in laptops) Memory cards for video game consoles.
Most significant Advantages of Flash Memory
- Increased Durability. Unlike traditional hard-disk drives, flash drives lack moving parts.
- Maximum Portability.
- Plenty of Storage Capacity.
- Fast Transfer Speeds.
- Compatibility with Many Devices.
- Use Flash Drives as Promotional Materials.
Disadvantages of Flash Memory
- Lifetime.
- Capacity.
- Editing Works.
- Physical Damage
Online Cloud storage devices :
Cloud storage is a service model in which data is transmitted and stored on remote storage systems. It is maintained, managed, backed up, and made available to users over a network, typically, the internet. Users generally pay for their cloud data storage on a per consumption, monthly rate (W.chai,R Castagna , S Lelii, n.d.)
There are four types of cloud storage solutions.
- Private Cloud Storage. Just as the name may suggest, this type of cloud storage means that the infrastructure is used by a single person or company hence the high level of privacy and security.
- Public Cloud Storage.
- Hybrid Storage.
- Community cloud storage
examples of online storage
- iCloud. Apple Inc.
- Google Drive. Google itself developed Google drive.
- Microsoft One Drive.
- IDrive.
- Mega.
- 7. Box.
- pCloud.
Most used storage devices
Optical disks and flash memory devices are the most popular and removable hard drives to a much lesser extent. In business use, magnetic tape is dominant. Old examples are floppy disks, Zip disks, or punch cards.
The most effective popular storage device is the hard disk drive. Hard drives (also known as hard drives, HDs, or HDDs) can be installed on almost every desktop and laptop computer. It stores files for the operating system and software programs and user documents, such as photos, text, video, and audio files.
Characteristics of computer storage devices
Primary memory is stored in the computer. The main purpose of primary memory is to store frequently used programs that the processor can directly access for further processing. It is volatile memory, meaning that data is stored temporarily and can be lost when the power is switched off.
Secondary memory refers to any device that can store data other than the main memory. Secondary storage devices are non-volatile and are usually high-capacity, portable, or both. cost per unit of storage (i.e., price per gigabyte or megabyte), portability (how easy it is to move it from one computer to another)
Factors affecting the choice of a secondary storage device include,
· speed (how quickly data can be accessed)
· cost per storage unit (i.e., price per gigabyte or megabyte)
· durability (toughness)
· portability (how easy it is to move it from one computer to another)
References
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