STORAGE

Definition

Storage holds data, instructions and information for future use.

Characteristics

  • Storage is non-volatile; it does not lose it contents when the power is off
  • Has bigger capacity compared to memory (limited capacity)

Definition of storage capacity

The number of bytes of storage medium can hold.

Definition of storage device

Hardware that records and/or retrieve items to and from storage media.

Definition of storage media

The physical material on which a computer keeps data, information, programs and applications.

Types of storage media

Hard Disks

Solid State Drives

USB Flash Drives

Memory Cards

Optical Discs

Hard Disk

Function

contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions and information

Characteristics

High-capacity storage

Types of hard disks

Internal Hard Disk

External hard disk

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An internal hard disk can be mounted inside a desktop or laptop

Separate freestanding storage device that connects with a cable

Solid State Drives

Functions

Uses flash memory to store data, instructions and informations

Characteristics

SSDs contain no moving parts

Current SSDs storage capacities up to 8 TB

Benefits

Faster access time

Faster transfer rates

More durable & shock resistant

Drawbacks

Higher failure rate

Costs is much higher

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Flash Memory Storage

that uses solid-state chips that maintains stored data without any external power source.

Types

USB flash drive

Memory cards

that users plug in a USB part on computer

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Insert and remove from a slot in personal computer.

Examples;

SD card

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MicroSD card

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Optical Disc

consists of flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic and lacquer that is written and read by a laser.

stores data in deformities

Types of optical disc are

CD

DVD

BD

to store data, songs

CD-ROM

CD-R

CD-RW

used mainly as video and data storage

DVD-ROM

DVD-R

DVD-RW

to store high definition

BD-ROM

BD-R

BD-RE

Volatile Memory (RAM)

Store data temporarily

Directly accessible to the CPU.

Storage

Store data permanently

Contents copied to main memory before being accessed by CPU.