Storage Devices

A storage device is any hardware that is used to keep files and documents. There different types of storage devices that is used by various computers. Below are common examples that you might be familiar with or have heard of before.

• 1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - This is a magnetic disk computer hardware device that is used to store data in the computer system. Hard drives are of two types, the internal hard disk drive which is found inside the computer system and also the external hard drive which can be easily detachable after use.

• 2. CDs and DVDs - Compact disks (CDs) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs) are also external storage devices that used to store and record multimedia files and images. They are easily affordable and comes in different memory size capacities.

• 3. USB Flash - USB flash is a portable pen like device that is also used to store files (images, videos, music etc). They can easily be connected to any device that has usb ports/interface and supports usb (universal serial bus). USB flash are usually small in size and also comes in different memory size capacities

• 4. Solid State Drive (SSD) - This is a non-volatile memory storage device that is used by modern computer systems today. SSD are faster, lighter and more reliable than HDD. It retrieves data faster than HDD and use less energy.

• 5. Randow Access Memory (RAM) - RAM is that computer memory that stores temporary data and on-going activities. The RAM is not used to store permanent data such as videos, music or images.

• 6. Floppy Disks - Floppy disks or floppy diskette are portable storage magnetic devices used to store data. They are made up of thin flexible materials which also made it light in weight and are easy to use and carry.

• 7. Memory Card - Memory cards are portable small storage devices that are mainly used by mobile devices in storing files. They can also be used as a secondary storage for storing computer files, but it is not a common thing to use memory cards for secondary storage in computers. People mostly use USB flash or External hard disk drives.

• 8. Magnetic Tape - This is a magnetic medium of recording films. Magnetic tapes are still used in some organizations. It consists of a narrow plastic ribbon coated with fine particles of magnetizable material.

TIPS:

Two categories of storage or memory are: Primary and Secondary Memory
Primary storage is the main memory of the computer system which can be directly accessed by the CPU. (Examples are: ROM, RAM, Cache Memory, Flash Memory etc.)
While Secondary storage are external storage which is used to store data or information permanently. (Examples are: Hard Disk Drives, CDs and DVDs, USB Flash)