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storage devices

The document provides an overview of computer storage devices, categorizing them into primary and secondary types. It details various storage options such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, RAM, and cloud storage, explaining their functions and characteristics. Additionally, it offers guidance on selecting a storage device based on factors like capacity, speed, reliability, portability, and cost.

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hiba111624
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2 views

storage devices

The document provides an overview of computer storage devices, categorizing them into primary and secondary types. It details various storage options such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, RAM, and cloud storage, explaining their functions and characteristics. Additionally, it offers guidance on selecting a storage device based on factors like capacity, speed, reliability, portability, and cost.

Uploaded by

hiba111624
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPUTER NOTES

STORAGE DEVICES:
Primary and Secondary storage devices:
A computer storage device is a piece of hardware that stores and retrieves digital data and
programs. Storage devices are a crucial part of a computer system and come in many different
types.

What do storage devices do?


• Store data in digital formats, such as images, videos, and audio
• Allow users to access and organize their data
• Enable the editing, formatting, and transmission of text and images

There are several types of storage devices in computers, including:


• Hard disk drive (HDD): A magnetic storage device that stores data using a magnetized
medium.
• Solid state drive: A storage device that can store data.
• Random access memory (RAM): A hardware component that provides temporary
storage for programs and the operating system.
• Optical storage devices: A non-volatile storage device that uses light to store and
retrieve data. These devices are commonly used to store movies, music, and data files.
• Flash memory: A nonvolatile memory chip that is used to store data and transmit it
between digital equipment and personal computers.
• Cloud storage: A storage option that is not a physical device, but rather a collection of
servers in data centers around the world.
• Primary storage: Also known as main memory, this is a computer component that stores
data, programs, and instructions that are currently in use.
• Secondary storage: A non-volatile storage device that can be present internally or
externally within a computer.

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COMPUTER NOTES

Primary Storage Devices:


Primary storage devices, also known as main memory or internal memory, are the components
of a computer that store data and instructions that are currently being used.
What do primary storage devices do?
• Store the operating system, applications, and data that are currently being processed
• Allow for quick access and retrieval of information
• Play a vital role in the overall performance and responsiveness of a computer system

Where are primary storage devices located?


• Located on the motherboard, which is the circuit board inside a computer that houses the
CPU, memory, and connections to other devices

What types of primary storage devices are there?


• ROM: Non-volatile memory that stores data even when not powered
• RAM: Volatile memory that stores computer program data while it is being executed
• SRAM: Static random-access memory, a type of volatile storage
• DRAM: Dynamic random-access memory, a type of volatile storage

Secondary Storage Devices:


The three main types of secondary storage devices for computers are magnetic, optical, and
solid state.

Magnetic storage
• Hard disk drives (HDDs): A common type of secondary storage that uses magnetic fields
to store data on a spinning metal disk
• Magnetic tape: A type of magnetic storage that can be used for data backup

Optical storage

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COMPUTER NOTES

• CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs: Portable, durable, and low-cost storage devices that use
reflected light to store data

Solid state storage

• Solid state drives (SSDs): A type of solid-state storage that uses silicon microchips to
store data
• USB flash drives: A popular type of solid-state storage that uses non-volatile flash
memory to store data
Secondary storage devices are used for long-term storage, data backups, and disaster recovery.

Cloud storage
• A virtual storage service that allows users to store and share data online

FOR UNDERSTANDING:
When choosing a storage device, you can consider things like:
• Capacity: How much storage space you need
• Speed: How quickly you can access and transfer data
• Reliability: How durable and reliable the device is
• Portability: Whether the device is portable
• Cost: The cost of the device and its ongoing maintenance

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