Types of storage devices | Computer Literacy

Bharat Kumar


 

📦 Types of Storage Devices

Storage devices are hardware used to store digital data. They are mainly divided into two types:

🔹 1. Primary Storage (Main Memory)

This is directly accessed by the CPU.

TypeDescriptionExamples
RAMTemporary memory (volatile)DDR4, DDR5
ROMPermanent memory (non-volatile)BIOS, firmware
Cache MemoryVery fast, small memory inside CPUL1, L2, L3 cache

🧠 Primary memory is fast but limited and temporary.

🔹 2. Secondary Storage (Permanent Memory)

Used to store data permanently, even after power is turned off.

🔸 A. Magnetic Storage

DeviceUse & Features
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)Common in PCs/Laptops; high capacity, low cost
Floppy Disk (outdated)Old storage device, very low capacity

🔸 B. Optical Storage

DeviceUse & Features
CD (Compact Disc)Stores ~700 MB, used for music, software
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)Stores 4.7–8.5 GB, used for movies, games
Blu-ray DiscHigh-definition video; stores 25–50 GB

🔸 C. Solid State Storage

DeviceUse & Features
SSD (Solid State Drive)Faster and more durable than HDDs
USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive)Portable, easy to use
Memory CardsUsed in cameras, phones (SD cards, microSD)

🔸 D. Cloud Storage

ServiceDescription
Google Drive, iCloud, OneDriveStore data on the internet; accessible anywhere

🧪 Practically Knowing and Accessing Storage Devices/Drives

💡 How to View Storage Devices on a Computer (Windows):

🔸 Step-by-step:

  1. Open "This PC" or "My Computer"

    • Shortcut: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

    • You will see:

      • Local Disk (C:) – Main hard drive

      • Removable drives (USB, SD card)

      • CD/DVD drive (if present)

  2. Check Storage Space

    • Right-click any drive > Click Properties

    • You can view:

      • Used space

      • Free space

      • File system (NTFS, FAT32, etc.)

  3. Insert External Storage

    • Insert USB/SD card → It appears automatically in File Explorer.

    • You can copy, move, delete files.

  4. Ejecting Safely

    • Right-click on the removable drive → Select Eject

    • Or click on the USB icon on the taskbar → Eject drive safely

📂 Practical Tasks You Can Try:

TaskHow to Do It
View drive storageOpen File Explorer → Click “This PC”
Copy files to USBPlug USB → Drag & drop file into it
Format USB/SD cardRight-click → Format → Select settings
Rename a driveRight-click → Rename
Burn a CD/DVD (if applicable)Use Windows Media Player or 3rd party tool
Upload files to cloud storageOpen Google Drive/OneDrive → Upload files

🛡️ Safety Tips:

  • Don’t remove USB drives suddenly — always eject properly.

  • Keep backups on cloud or another device.

  • Use antivirus to scan external drives.

🧠 Quick Summary

Storage TypeExamplesPortable?SpeedUse
HDDC: Drive❌MediumPermanent PC storage
SSDIn laptops/PCs❌FastFaster booting and work
USB DriveFlash/Pen Drive✅MediumData sharing, backup
SD CardMobile/Camera✅MediumPhotos, videos
CD/DVDMusic, videos✅SlowMedia, games
CloudGoogle Drive, etc.✅Fast (online)Online backup & sharing

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