A storage device is necessary for recording data.

One of the most important tasks performed by

computers is storing data. Different types of devices are used to store data. The data stored is
stores in digital forms. There are three types of data storage, namely primary data storage,
secondary storage devices and tertiary storage devices. The classification of computer storage
devices is made based on the task performed by the device. The primary storage device is
commonly called random access memory, while the secondary storage device is the hard disk.
The tertiary storage devices are removable mass storage devices. While the amount of data
stored on the primary is less and is volatile in nature, while the secondary storage device have
better storage space and also is non volatile in nature. Let’s see the data storage types.
Primary Computer Storage Devices

The primary storage devices for computers are actually a part of the computer's memory. We
have previously used the terms like RAM and ROM, but may not have know what they are
exactly. They are the Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

Random Access Memory

The Random Access Memory is used for storing information temporarily. When the computer is
switched off, the information on the RAM is wiped off. The access rate of RAM is much higher.
They are more expensive than the other types of primary storage devices.

Read Only Memory

It is used to permanently store data. Data can be stored on ROM, either when the computer is
been manufactured or by the computer user. However, the disadvantage of this type of memory
is that the data stored on ROM cannot be changed. The access rate necessary to get to the
memory is much lesser as compared to the access rate of the RAM. Unlike the RAM’s, ROM’s
are not expensive.

Secondary Computer Storage Devices

Most of the storage devices we are acquainted with come under this category. They are not a part
of the processor. People make use of these devices, so that the storage capacity of the computer
can be increased. Like the ROM, the secondary computer storage are also non volatile. The
information stored on the these devices is retained, even if the computer has been switched off.

Hard Drives
The hard drives are one of the most important of the secondary types of computer data storage
devices, the hard drive types. Data is stored on the hard drives in the digital format on the hard
drives. In the initial days of the computers, hard disks were like removable mass storage devices.
However, with time they started coming as a part of the central processing unit of the computer.
However, now there are external hard drives available as well.

Floppy Discs
This is a magnetic storage device, which is set in square plastic shell. They are available in
different sizes, like 8 inches, 5 ¼ inches and 3 ½ inches. In the initial days floppy discs were
very popular, however, with the advancements they got over shadowed by the other computer
storage devices.
Compact Discs
Previously compact discs (abbreviated as CD) were used only for recording and storing audio
files. Subsequently along with audio, video and other data is also stored on them. These discs can
store data for long time. The data is stored on the CDs in optical format. Backup can be stored on
the CDs.

Digital Versatile Disc

The format of storing data in the digital versatile discs (DVD) is similar to that of a compact
disc. The difference lies in the storage capacity. There is six times more storage space in the
DVD’s as compared to the CD’s. Like the CD’s, DVD’s are also used as backup device.

Flash Memory
With a lot of research came the flash memory. This storage devices for a computer is similar to
the read only memory. However, there is a big difference between the flash memory and the
ROM. Data from the flash memory can be erased in a matter of few seconds from the flash
drives, which is not the case with the ROM’s. At the same time, the data can be changed as per
the requirement.

Blu-ray Discs
Blu-rays discs are abbreviated as BD, are used for high definition video storage. It is often used
by gamers. Blu-ray discs are similar to the CD’s and DVD’s in their looks. It is the memory
space which makes all the difference between the CD’s, DVD’s and BD’s. Blu-ray disc is an
optical storage device.

USB Flash Drive

The USB flash drives consist of a NAND type flash memory. It has an integrated Universal
Serial Bus (USB) interface. They are non-volatile and data can be rewritten on them. They are
very small in size, but have very large memory space. There are some of the USB drives, where
1 million erase and write cycles can be carried out. On the other hand, some of them are known
to retain data for as long as 10 years.

Memory Cards
The next of the computer storage devices examples are the memory cards. Data is stored in
digital format on the memory cards. They can be used in various electronic devices from hand
held computers, mobile phones, cameras, etc. They are also rewritable. Although they are small
in size, they can store a high amount of data.

These are the computer storage devices. With the constant advancement in technology, new
storage devices are constantly getting added to the storage devices list. Along with the new
devices, there is advancement that is been carried out to increase the access rate and the capacity
of the data stored.