A storage device is any computing hardware that is used to store information both permanently and temporarily. These devices can be installed internally or externally to a computer, server, or other system. Storage devices, also called storage media or storage mediums, have two types: primary and secondary. An example of primary storage is random access memory (RAM), and an example of secondary storage is a hard drive.
Types of Computer Storage Devices
There are many different types of computer storage.
The first and most common is magnetic storage. Magnetic storage refers to the storage of data on a magnetized medium. It employs different patterns of magnetization to store data in a form of non-volatile memory (memory that is saved even when a device is turned off). Examples of magnetic storage devices include hard drives, floppy discs, magnetic strips, tape media, and zip diskettes. Another common type of storage is optical storage, which uses lights and lasers to read and write data. Examples of optical storage devices include, DVD or Blu-Ray discs, CD-ROM discs, CD-RW discs, and more.
A newer type of storage, flash memory, has begun replacing most magnetic and optical media as it is often cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable. The USB flash drive is the most common example of this type of storage device. Aside from the USB flash drive, examples of flash memory include jump drives, thumb drives, memory cards, as well as SD and SSD cards. Another new type of data storage is online or cloud storage. Cloud storage has increased in popularity due to many people’s need to access data on more than one device.
Storage is pivotal to computers as it is the only means for a device to save or ‘remember’ settings or information. Without storage, a computer would be what is called a dumb terminal. The computer could still run, but would have minimal capabilities. Even a simple task like using the internet requires storage. By default, most data is stored on the computer hard drive. However, when saving something, the computer may ask you for a storage location. A storage location is any place on your computer where data can be stored.
Most modern computers use a solid-state drive (SSD) for their primary storage, coupled with cloud access and the ability to use USB flash drives. Though it is becoming less common, most desktop computers and laptops include a disc drive that allows the machine to read and write CDs and DVDs. Hard drives and SSDs generally have the most storage capacity, but networked computers may have access to larger storage centers such as tape drives, cloud computing, and NAS devices. How a storage device is accessed depends on the computer operating system and how it is used. Both Apple and Microsoft Windows devices use a file manager to access files on any storage device. On Apple computers, Finder is the default manager, while Microsoft Windows devices use Explorer.
At Just IT Hardware, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the IT parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Whether you need optical storage, tape drives, or any other hardware products, Just IT Hardware is the source you’ve been looking for. Our inventory of greater than 6 billion new and obsolete parts is readily available to each of our valued clients. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@justithardware.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.
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