A device that is capable of storing data is known as Storage Device. The device which is most common is a hard drive. Hard Drive is the universal medium of all storage devices. Memory acts as a human brain that offers to save instruction on a temporary or permanent basis. Storage devices of a computer offer to store massive data into a lesser space which allows easy sharing of information. These devices are categorized into two types primary and secondary storage.
Operating systems, files and folders are often present in primary memory. On the other side secondary memory stores programming instructions. Moreover, these storage devices comprise a memory location that holds a long list of numbered locations. Memory is separated into several small parts which are titled as a cell.
Types of Storage Devices
The two major types of storage devices are primary and secondary devices.
Primary Memory Device (Main Memory)
Primary memory or storage memory both are the names of the same storage medium. This part of memory is specially accessed by the CPU is primary one. This is Computer’s most essential memory as all folders are stored in it. For data storing primary section takes the helping hand from random-access memory (RAM), cache memory, or some other dedicated hardware.
But more important is that it can only store data when the pc is switched on. Whenever the power is off all data will be vanished from the RAM. That’s why primary memory has a second calling name as volatile memory.
Secondary Memory Device (Auxiliary Memory)
Secondary memory indicates storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives. Storage media is also relatable with secondary memory such as CD, DVD, and USB flash drives. These memory devices are also called volatile devices.
They are called volatile due to two reasons. One is that it is not accessed by the CPU directly and secondly doesn’t lose data if the computer is powered off. Data that is stored in hard drives is usually ordered in a decent file system. This type of storage is slower as compared to primary but also more reliable and cheaper as well.
Examples of Storage Devices
Some key examples of the devices that store data are CD, DVD, Solid State Drive, and Hard Disk Drive.
Compact Discs (CDs)
Compact Disk (CD) is one of the most popular medium of storage for a pc. Its common process of storing data is through laser and light which helps out to read and write data. It is considered one of the steadiest devices for data storing. High conformity of the disc gives the chance to store important files.
DVD and Blu-ray Discs
DVD and Blu-Ray provides higher availability of space for data saving. Both have the capacity to store a large number of files and folders. But if we compare both of them then Blu-Ray stands out as a better storage medium. It has the competence to hold a vast scale of data that is 25 GB whereas DVD can store up to 4.7 GB.
Hard Disk Drives
The acronym of Hard disk drives is HDD that is used for digital content storage. Usually, they are pre-installed on every pc. It has the ability to store and process the software applications and files of an operating system as well.
Solid-State Drives (SSDs)
SSD is the short form of Solid State Drive. These drives are the new generational device for storing computer data. Basically, SSD has succeeded traditional mechanical hard drives via unique memory called flash memory. The most important advantage of SSDs is swift speed as their read-access time is very quick which allows computers to perform efficiently.
Why Is Storage Needed In a Computer?
Without the presence of a storage device a computer cannot store or remember any information or data either power is on or off. A computer can run without the existence of a storage medium but they will only be able to view data. Even you can’t browse any information on Internet as data saving is also required in it. A computer without a disk drive is nothing just a dumb electronic machine.
Conclusion
The most important part of a computer is memory. Any kind of work that you are doing on your pc you just need to have a good memory device to store data. Memory devices are mainly divided into two different categories that are primary storage (main storage) and secondary storage (auxiliary storage).
There is no denying that a computer can run without a storing device but it only allows to view data because for processing you should have a storage medium. In a nutshell storage devices are alike the human mind that has the capability to keep a massive amount of data and without them, a computer is an ignoramus device.
