Storage device is a computer hardware that is used to securely save data, and to use it according to need. They can store information for short-term or 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 as storage medium or storage media.
This is a very important part of any computer device. At the same time, they are available in different sizes and types, which depends on their need and functionalities.
Types of storage devices
The storage device used in computers is mainly of four types. Let us now know about the different types of 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 that is accessible through the Central Processing Unit (CPU), via a memory bus.
These storage devices are volatile.
Their memory is temporary, that is, as the device is switched off or rebooted, then their memory becomes erase.
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 type of storage devices with the computer. Because they are mainly external.
They are non-volatile and together have more storage capacity as compared to primary storage device.
This type of storage is permanent unless removed by external factor.
Both internal and external memory are found in them.
Example: Hard disk
Tertiary Storage Devices
These Tertiary Storage Devices are not as important and often they are not even a part of a personal computer.
It has often been found that it uses a robotic mechanism that mounts or dismounts removable mass storage media into a storage device.
This type of storage device uses robotic functions.
It does not require human intervention repeatedly and is able to 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 again and again.
Example:
Magnetic tape
Optical disc
Off-line Storage Devices
These 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 access it again.
This type of storage devices is also called disconnected or removable storage.
Example:
Floppy Disk
Zip diskette
USB Flash drive
Memory card
