Storage Devices:
Definition: A hardware use to store data is called Storage device.
Example:
Correct Wrong
Hard disk.
CD (compact Dist)
RAM
Folder.
PDF
etc
3
Classification: They are classified into three types:
1) Primary Storage Devices
2) Secondary Storage Device
3) Off line storage devices
1-Primary Storage Devices:
Primary storage is a storage location that holds memory for short periods of times while the
computer running.
Primary storage is also called internal memory, main memory, and primary memory.
Properties:
Fastest memory in computer.
After reboot it is automatically deleted.
Example:
RAM
Cache
2-Secondary Storage Devices:
Secondary storage is a storage medium that holds information until it is deleted or overwritten
regardless if the computer has power.
Secondary storage is also called external memory and auxiliary storage.
4
Properties:
Any hardware or software problem can affect data.
Example:
Hard drive
3-Off-line Storage Devices:
Off-line storage that is removable and cannot be accessed by the computer once removed.
Properties:
Any hardware or software problem does not affect the data.
Example:
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Tape drive
CD (Compact Disc)
DVD (digital video disc / digital versatile disc)
BD (Blu Ray Disc)
etc
5
Functions Of Storage Devices:
Read data
Write data
Classification On Working Principle:
On the basis of working principles secondary and offline storage devices are classified into two
types;
1) Magnetic Storage Devices
2) Optical Storage Devices
1-Magnetic Storage Devices:
Use magnet to read or write data.
In 1928, Fritz Pfleumer developed the first magnetic tape recorder, the first magnetic
device.
Example; hard disk and magnetic tape drive.
2-Optical Storage Devices:
Use laser and work on principle of geometrical optics.
Optical tape - more capacity than magnetic tape but not as cost effective.
Example; CD, DVD and BD.
6
3-OtherStorage Devices:
Other storage devices work on the principle of electronic.
Example: USB, Memory card, etc.