STORAGE DEVICES
Understanding Data Storage
Data storage refers to magnetic, optical, or mechanical media that records and
preserves digital information for ongoing or future operations.
There are two types of digital information: input and output data. Users provide
the input data. Computers provide output data. But a computer's CPU can't
compute anything or produce output data without the user's input.
Primary Storage Devices
Primary Storage, often referred to as Main Memory in some contexts, is the area
in a computer where data is stored while it is being processed. It is volatile in
nature, meaning it retains data only as long as the computer is powered on.
o Cache memory - is one of the fastest memory. Though it is costlier than
the main memory but more useful than the registers. The cache memory
basically acts as a buffer between the main memory and the CPU.
Moreover, it synchronizes with the speed of the CPU. Besides, it stores
the data and instructions which the CPU uses more frequently so that it
does not have to access the main memory again and again. Therefore the
average time to access the main memory decreases.
It is placed between the main memory and the CPU. Moreover, for any
data, the CPU first checks the cache and then the main memory.
o Random Access Memory (RAM) - It is the internal memory in the
computer’s CPU which stores different types of data and information as
per the requirement. Moreover, we can also call it the main memory,
primary memory, or read/write memory. RAM stores all the data that the
CPU requires during the execution of a program. Moreover, it is a volatile
memory i.e. it loses data as soon as the power is cut off.
o Read Only Memory (ROM) - As the name suggests, we can only read
from this memory and cannot write on it. Moreover, it is non-volatile in
nature which means that it does not lose data after the power supply is cut
off. Furthermore, its main function is to store the program and instructions
which are important to boot (start) the system. This is the bootstrap
process. Other than computers, many devices like calculators, washing
machines, ovens, etc use the ROM.
Secondary Storage Devices
Secondary storage devices are essential components of computer systems,
providing non-volatile storage that retains data even when the computer is
powered off. The primary types of secondary storage devices include hard drives,
solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives. Each has unique characteristics,
advantages, and typical use cases.
o Hard Drives (HDDs) - Traditional hard drives use magnetic storage to
read and write data. Consist of spinning disks (platters) coated with
magnetic material, with read/write heads on an actuator arm.
o Solid-State Drives (SSDs) - SSDs use flash memory to store data, which
has no moving parts.Consist of NAND flash chips and a controller that
manages data storage.
o Optical Drives - Optical drives read and write data using lasers on optical
discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.Include types such as CD-
ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray drives.
Offline Storage Devices
Storage media that are not connected to the computer or network. Optical discs,
external hard drives and USB drives that have been removed or disconnected
are examples of offline storage.
Importance of Data Backup
Backing up collected data is an important part of data management. Backups
protect against human error, hardware failure, virus attacks, power outages and
natural disasters. When these errors occur, backups save time and money.
Data Transfer Speed and Capacity Comparison
External hard drives offer higher storage capacities, while USB drives provide
greater portability with varying speeds depending on the USB version.
Future Trends in Storage Technology
Future trends in storage technology include advancements in SSDs with NVMe and
PCIe, increased use of 3D NAND, exploration of DNA data storage, growth in cloud
storage capabilities, and potential breakthroughs in quantum storage.
References
What Is Data Storage? | IBM. (n.d.). https://www.ibm.com/topics/data-storage#:~:text=Data
%20storage%20refers%20to%20magnetic,information%3A%20input%20and%20output
%20data.
Primary Memory: cache, RAM, ROM, concepts and examples. (2021, January 22). Toppr-guides.
https://www.toppr.com/guides/computer-science/computer-fundamentals/primary-
memory/
Secondary Storage: Devices, Examples & Types | StudySmarter. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK.
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/computer-science/computer-organisation-
and-architecture/secondary-storage/#:~:text=Secondary%20storage%20refers%20to
%20non,such%20as%20CDs%20and%20DVDs.
Dilshan, P. (2022, January 4). COMPUTER STORAGE DEVICE - Pramuditha Dilshan -
Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@dilshandareeju/computer-storage-device-
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Mathieu. (2023, April 18). Why is computer data backup important? Bocasay.
https://www.bocasay.com/importance-data-back-up/
CMD Ltd. (2019, October 7). Data transfer rate | CMD. https://www.cmd-ltd.com/advice-
centre/usb-chargers-and-power-modules/usb-and-power-module-product-help/data-
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