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What is a storage device? This question may have come to the mind of many at some time. Still, even after searching a lot, detailed information is not available anywhere. Many people are in the right reason. There is no complete information about what a Data Storage Device is and how many types it has.
As its name suggests, some devices (devices) are used to store data or information digitally.
They are also alternatively known as digital storage, storage media, storage medium or storage device. These are some of the types of hardware devices that store data or information digitally and that too temporally or Permanently. Their primary purpose is to keep the data.
If we talk about computers, these data storage places store the data in electromagnetic and optical forms. If the computer processor is needed, these data can be easily accessed.
Then without delay, let us know what this storage device is and what are their types.
What is a storage device?
As I’ve already mentioned, the Storage Devices temporarily or permanently store the data called and according to need the information. They store data digitally.
The storage device is computer hardware used to save data securely and to use it according to need—this short-term information or store for the long -term.
You can find these storage devices inside or outside the computer or server. At the same time, these storage devices are also named storage medium or storage media.
This is an essential part of any computing device. At the same time, they are available in different sizes and types, depending on their need and functionalities.
Types of storage devices
There are four types of storage devices used in computers. Let us now know about the different kinds of those storage devices.
1. Primary Storage Device
2. Secondary Storage Device
3. Tertiary Storage Device
4. Off-line Storage Device
Primary Storage Devices
- These primary storage devices are also called main memory.
- This is the direct memory accessible through the Central Processing Unit (CPU) via a memory bus.
- These storage devices are volatile.
- Their memory is temporary; as the device is switched off or rebooted, their memory becomes erased.
Example
- RAM
- ROM
- Cache
Secondary Storage Devices
these Secondary Storage Devices are storage devices that are not directly accessible by the Central Processing Unit.
- In this, input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices with the computer. Because they are mainly external.
- They are non-volatile and together have more storage capacity as compared to the primary storage device.
- This type of storage is permanent unless removed by an external factor.
- Both internal and external memory is found in them.
Example: Hard disk
Tertiary Storage Devices
These Tertiary Storage Devices are not as necessary, and often, they are not even a part of a personal computer.
- It has often been found to use a robotic mechanism that mounts or dismounts removable mass storage media into a storage device.
- This type of storage device uses automatic functions.
- It does not require human intervention repeatedly and can do its job automatically.
- It is a comprehensive computer storage system that is very slow, so it is often used to archive data that is not accessed repeatedly.
Example:
- Magnetic Tape
- Optical Disc
Off-line Storage Devices
- Offline storage devices are also called disconnected storage.
- It is a computer data storage that is not under the control of the processing unit.
- It has to be connected by a human being before any computer can reaccess it.
This type of storage devices is also called disconnected or removable storage.
Example :
- Floppy Disk
- Zip diskette
- USB Flash drive
- Memory card
What did you learn today
I sincerely hope that I have asked you what is a storage device and how many variants are there? I gave you complete information about, and I hope you guys have understood about the Storage Device.
I request all of you readers that you too should share this information in your neighbourhood, relatives, and friends to have awareness among us, and everyone will benefit a lot from it. I need your support so that I can convey more new information to you.
It has always been my endeavour always to help my readers or readers from all sides; if you people have any doubt of any kind, you can ask me irresponsibly.
I will try to solve those Doubts. What do you think is the Storage Device, and how many variants are there? Tell us how you felt by writing a comment so that we, too, have a chance to learn something from your thoughts and improve something.