What is a Computer Storage Device? Defination, Types (Lession- 12)

Defination Of Storage Device

The storage unit is a part of the computer system that is employed to store the information and instructions to be processed. A storage device is an integral part of the computer hardware that stores information and data to process the results of any computational work. Without a storage device, a computer would not be able to run or even boot up. Or, in other words, we can say that a storage device is hardware that is used for storing, porting, or extracting data files. It can also store information and data both temporarily and permanently.

Types of Computer Storage Devices

1. Primary Storage Devices
2. Magnetic Storage Devices
3. Flash memory Devices
4. Optical Storage Devices
5. Cloud and Virtual Storage

1. Primary Storage Devices :

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM Memory which stands for random access memory, is a sort of Computer Memory that is used for the purpose of temporarily storing data that the computer is now using or processing. RAM And ROM Memory, Random-access memory (RAM), being a type of volatile memory, loses its stored information upon power switching off. The computer commonly uses RAM And ROM Memory, (RAM) to store its operating system, application programs, and current data.

• SRAM : The abbreviation for “Static Random Access (SRAM) RAM Memory” is “SRAM.” The production of microprocessors and computer equipment extensively uses this semiconductor.

• DRAM : The abbreviation for “DRAM” is “Dynamic Random Access Memory.” Its construction uses capacitors, and its data life cycle is shorter than that of static RAM.

• SDRAM : Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory is what it is abbreviated as. It operates at a quicker speed than DRAM. A variety of computer systems extensively use it. DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 are the improved versions of double-data-rate RAM that were released into the market after the introduction of SDRAM. Desktop computers and laptops in homes and offices extensively use these versions.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

ROM Memory, often known as ROM, is a sort of computer memory that is used for the purpose of storing data in a permanent manner that does not need any modifications. A ROM is a kind of memory that is non-volatile, which means that the information that is stored in it is preserved even if electrical power is switched off. ROM is primarily used for the purpose of storing the basic input/output system (BIOS) of a computer. This RAM And ROM Memory system is responsible for storing the instructions necessary to start the computer, in addition to firmware related to other hardware components.

• PROM : Additionally, it can be programmed by the user. Once programmed, the user cannot alter the data and instructions included inside it.

• EPROM : It is possible to reprogram it. Put it in the presence of UV light to get rid of the data on it. To re-program it, you must first delete all of the past data.

• EEPROM : We can use an electric field to delete the data, and we don’t need ultraviolet light for this process to succeed. We are able to delete.

2. Magnetic Storage Devices :

Floppy Disk :

There is another name for a floppy disk, which is a floppy diskette. In most cases, it is used on a personal computer for the purpose of storing data elsewhere. A floppy disk is a kind of disk that is composed of a plastic cartridge and is protected by a protective cover. These days, floppy disks have been supplanted by more modern and efficient storage methods, such as USB and others.

Hard Disk :

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a kind of storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve data utilizing the hard disk. It is a storage device that does not contain any volatile data and may be altered or removed an unlimited number of times without causing any issues. HDDs are the secondary storage devices that are found in the majority of laptops and desktop computers.

In reality, it is a collection of disks that are piled one on top of the other, exactly like phonograph records. On every hard disk, the data is stored electromagnetically in concentric circles, or, we can say, tracks, that are present on the hard disk. With the assistance of a head that is similar to a phonograph arm (but fixed in a certain position), the information that is present on the track may be read. Hard disk drives (HDDs) have a read-write speed that is not very quick but is satisfactory. It may be a few gigabytes, perhaps a few terabytes, or much more.

Magnetic Card :

This card stores data by altering or rearranging the magnetism of very small magnetic particles, based on iron, that are present on the card’s band. This card is also referred to as a swipe card. Some examples of its applications are a password (for entering a home or hotel room), a credit card, an identification card, and so forth. 

3. Flash Memory Devices :

It is a more portable and less expensive storage device. It is the device that stores data most frequently due to its superior dependability and efficiency compared to other storage devices. Here are some of the frequently used flash memory devices:

• Pen Drive : It is also referred to as a USB flash drive, which is a type of flash drive with a USB interface and flash memory capabilities. We can immediately connect these devices to our personal computers and laptops, enabling us to read and write data more efficiently and effectively. The portability of these gadgets is fairly high. In general, it may vary anywhere from 1 GB to 256 GB.

• SSD : The acronym refers to a mass storage device that is similar to a hard disk drive (HDD). Because it does not have as many optical disks as hard disks do, it is more durable than hard disks. In comparison to hard disks, it has a lower power consumption, is more lightweight, and has read and write performance that is ten times quicker than that of their counterparts. The price of them, however, is rather high. Solid-state drives (SSDs) perform the same function as hard drives, but their internal components are quite different from those of conventional drives. Solid-state drives (SSDs), unlike hard drives, do not utilize any moving components, hence the term “solid-state drives”. Solid-state drives (SSDs) use non-volatile storage to store data rather than magnetic platters, which use magnetic storage. Solid-state drives (SSDs) do not need “spin-up” since they do not include any moving components. It runs from 150 gigabytes to a few more terabytes.

• Memory Card : Digital cameras, printers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices generally use it. Additionally, it stores substantial quantities of data and comes in a variety of sizes. A separate memory card reader is required in order for a computer to be able to read data from a memory card.

4. Optical Storage Devices :

• CD : They are referred to as compact discs. To store data, it has tracks and sectors attached to its surface.

• DVD : The disc is referred to as a digital versatile disc. Data may be stored on DVDs, which are optical discs that are round and flat. Both single-layer discs with 4.7 gigabytes of storage space and double-layer discs with 8.5 gigabytes of storage space are available in this product. The storage capacity of DVDs is greater than that of CDs, despite the fact that DVDs have the same appearance as CDs. 

5. Cloud and Virtual Storage:

These days, virtual or cloud storage devices have taken the place of secondary memory. We are able to keep our files and other items in the cloud, and the data will remain in that location for as long as we continue to pay for cloud storage. Cloud services are offered by a multitude of organizations, the most prominent of which are Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others. We are able to pay the rent for the quantity of space that we need, and we will get a variety of advantages as a result.

The user does not engage with the physical device or its maintenance, despite the fact that it is really being kept on a physical device that is situated in the data centers of the service provider. One example of the sort of storage that Amazon Web Services provides is called Amazon Web Services S3. This type of storage allows customers to store data digitally rather than on physical hard drive devices. As far as storage mediums are concerned, these kinds of advances constitute the cutting edge of the field.

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