Computer Storage Types

Study Notes

Computer storage is any physical device that stores information temporarily or permanently.
Storage devices are hardware components used to store, move, and retrieve data files and objects.
Storage types can be categorized as permanent (long-term) or temporary (short-term).

Compact Disc (CD): A type of optical disc used for storing digital data, commonly used for music and movies.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional storage device that uses spinning disks for data storage and retrieval. Data is stored magnetically on the disks.
Solid State Drive (SSD): A newer storage device that uses flash memory, faster than HDDs, typically without moving parts.
USB Flash Drive: A small, portable device that connects to a computer to store data using flash memory, convenient for transferring files and backups.
Memory Cards: Removable storage cards, often used with digital cameras, smartphones, or other devices.

Temporary storage is used for short term storage, for tasks like running a program. This type of storage is often faster but is lost when turned off.

Memory sizes are measured in increasing increments: bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte.
A byte is 8 bits.
A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes.
A megabyte is 1,024 kilobytes.
A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes.
A terabyte is 1,024 gigabytes.

Cloud storage is a service that stores data on remote servers. Data is accessed via the internet.

Optical discs use lasers to read and write data. Common examples include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

Memory cards are small removable storage devices frequently used in electronic devices like cameras, smartphones, tablets, and digital audio players. They store files like photos, videos, music, etc.