COMPUTER STORAGE DEVICES
WHAT IS COMPUTER STORAGE ?
Information and documents are stored in computer storage so that it can be retrieved whenever they are needed later on.
TYPES OF COMPUTER STORAGE
Primary storage is known as the main memory of a computer, including RAM (Random-Access Memory)
and ROM (Read-Only Memory). It is an internal memory (inside the CPU) that can be accessed directly
by the processor.
Secondary storage is the alternative storage in a
computer. It is an external storage that refers to various ways a computer can store program and data.
PRIMARY STORAGE
Primary storage is the main memory in a computer. It stores data and programs that can be accessed directly by the processor.
TYPES OF PRIMARY STORAGE
There are two types of primary storage which are RAM and ROM.
RAM is an acronym for Random-Access Memory which means the data and program in RAM can be read and written.
ROM is an acronym for Read-Only Memory. The data or program in ROM can just be read but cannot be written at all.
RANDOM-ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
RAM is installed inside computers. RAM is also known as a working memory.
The data in RAM can be read (retrieved) or written (stored).
RAM is volatile which means the programs and data in RAM are lost when the computer is powered off.
A computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) to access instructions and data stored in the memory very quickly.
RAM stores data during and after processing.
READ-ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
ROM is another type of memory permanently stored inside the computer.
ROM is non-volatile. It holds the programs and data when the computer is powered off.
Programs in ROM have been pre-recorded. It can only be stored by the manufacturer; once it is done, it cannot be changed.
Many complex functions, such as start up operating instructions, translators for high-level languages and operating systems are placed in ROM memory.
All the contents in ROM can be accessed and read but cannot be changed.
WHAT IS SECONDARY STORAGE?
Secondary storage is another alternative storage to keep your work and documents. It is very useful to store programs and data for future use.
It is non-volatile, which means that it does not need power to maintain the information stored in it. It will store the information until it is erased.
TYPES OF SECONDARY STORAGE
MAGNETIC MEDIUM
Magnetic Medium is a non-volatile storage medium. It can be any type of storage medium that utilizes magnetic patterns to represent information. The devices use disks that are coated with magnetically sensitive material. The examples of magnetic storage are:
magnetic disk such as:
o a floppy disk, used for off-line storage
o hard disk, used for secondary storage
magnetic tape; including video cassette, audio storage reel-to-reel tape and others.
OPTICAL MEDIUM
Optical Medium is a non-volatile storage media that holds content in digital form that are written and read by a laser. These media include various types of CDs and DVDs.
These following forms are often commonly used
.
CD, CD-ROM, and DVD: Read only storage, used for distribution of digital information such as music, video and computer programs.
FLASH MEMORY
Flash Memory is a solid-state, non-volatile, rewritable memory that functions like RAM and a hard disk drive combined. Flash memory store bits of electronic data in memory cells just like DRAM (Dynamic RAM), but it also works like a hard disk drive that when the power is turned off, the data remains in the memory. Flash memory cards and flash memory sticks are examples of flash memory.
Flash memory cards are also used with digital cellular phones, MP3 players, digital video cameras and other portable digital devices.
Flash memory is also called USB drives, thumb drives, pen drives or flash drives
The advantages of flash memory are, it offers fast reading access times among the secondary storage devices, (though not as fast as RAM) it is durable and requires low voltage. It is also light and small. The disadvantage is, it is more expensive than the magnetic disk of the same capacity.
Flash Memory is a solid-state, non-volatile, rewritable memory that functions like RAM and a hard disk drive combined. Flash memory store bits of electronic data in memory cells just like DRAM (Dynamic RAM), but it also works like a hard disk drive that when the power is turned off, the data remains in the memory. Flash memory cards and flash memory sticks are examples of flash memory.
Flash memory cards are also used with digital cellular phones, MP3 players, digital video cameras and other portable digital devices.
Flash memory is also called USB drives, thumb drives, pen drives or flash drives
The advantages of flash memory are, it offers fast reading access times among the secondary storage devices, (though not as fast as RAM) it is durable and requires low voltage. It is also light and small. The disadvantage is, it is more expensive than the magnetic disk of the same capacity.
Types of storage devices
Floppy Drive - The smallest and most portable of all the storage devices usually holds about 1.44 MB of storage. Use a floppy disk media.
Super Drive
The LS120 or SuperDisk is a drive which supports a special floppy diskette which can store up to 120MB or 240MB of information as well as being backwards compatible and still supporting the standard floppy diskettes.
The LS120 or SuperDisk is a drive which supports a special floppy diskette which can store up to 120MB or 240MB of information as well as being backwards compatible and still supporting the standard floppy diskettes.
Zip Drive
New generation similar to the floppy disk drive created by Iomega The Iomega Zip Drive was first released 1994 and today is becoming a popular solution for PC and Macintosh computers as a removable solution. Zip Drives Disks come in100MB, 250MB and 750MB
New generation similar to the floppy disk drive created by Iomega The Iomega Zip Drive was first released 1994 and today is becoming a popular solution for PC and Macintosh computers as a removable solution. Zip Drives Disks come in100MB, 250MB and 750MB
CD Burner An optical storage device that holds data anywhere from 650MB to 700MB (74-80 minutes)
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