What is Storage?
Storage devices are used to save data and programs so they can be used
later. There are two main types of storage:
1. Primary Storage (Volatile Memory) – Stores data temporarily while
the computer is running.
2. Secondary Storage (Non-Volatile Memory) – Stores data
permanently until deleted.
Primary Storage (Temporary Memory)
Primary storage is fast but temporary, meaning data is lost when the power
is turned off. Examples include:
RAM (Random Access Memory) – Stores data that is actively being
used by the computer.
o Capacity: 4GB - 128GB+
Cache Memory – Very fast memory that helps speed up processing.
o Capacity: 2MB - 64MB
ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Stores important instructions that the
computer needs to start up.
o Capacity: 4MB - 256MB
Secondary Storage (Permanent Memory)
Secondary storage holds data even when the power is turned off. It includes
different types of storage devices:
1. Magnetic Storage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Uses spinning disks to store large amounts
of data.
o Capacity: 250GB - 20TB+
Floppy Disk – An old storage device used in early computers.
o Capacity: 1.44MB (3.5-inch floppy)
2. Solid-State Storage (Faster & More Reliable)
Solid-State Drive (SSD) – Faster than HDDs, used in modern
computers.
o Capacity: 128GB - 8TB+
USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive) – Small and portable, used to transfer
files.
o Capacity: 1GB - 2TB
SD Card (Memory Card) – Used in cameras, phones, and tablets.
o Capacity: 2GB - 1TB
3. Optical Storage (Uses Lasers to Read Data)
CD (Compact Disc) – Stores music, software, and small files.
o Capacity: 650MB - 700MB
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) – Used for movies and larger files.
o Capacity: 4.7GB - 9GB
Blu-ray Disc (BD) – High-definition movies and games.
o Capacity: Single Layer: 25GB, Dual Layer: 50GB, Triple Layer:
100GB+
4. Cloud Storage (Internet-Based Storage)
Examples: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox.
Capacity: Varies (Free: 15GB, Paid: Unlimited)
Comparison of Storage Devices
Device Type Speed Capacity
RAM Primary ⚡ Very Fast 🟢 4GB - 128GB+
Cache Memory Primary ⚡ Very Fast 🟢 2MB - 64MB
ROM Primary 🔵 Fast 🔵 4MB - 256MB
HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Magnetic 🟡 Slower 🟡 250GB - 20TB+
Floppy Disk Magnetic 🔴 Very Slow 🔴 1.44MB
SSD (Solid-State Drive) Solid-State ⚡ Very Fast 🟢 128GB - 8TB+
USB Flash Drive Solid-State 🔵 Fast 🔵 1GB - 2TB
SD Card Solid-State 🔵 Fast 🔵 2GB - 1TB
CD (Compact Disc) Optical 🟠 Slow 🟠 650MB - 700MB
DVD (Digital Versatile
Optical 🟠 Slow 🟠 4.7GB - 9GB
Disc)
Blu-ray Disc (BD) Optical 🟠 Slow 🟠 25GB - 100GB+
Cloud Storage Internet 🌍 Varies 🌍 15GB - Unlimited
Key Points to Remember
Primary storage is fast but temporary.
Secondary storage is permanent but can be slower.
Floppy disks were used in older computers and have very small storage capacity.
Optical storage uses lasers to read/write data.
SSDs are faster than HDDs and have no moving parts.
Cloud storage allows access from anywhere with internet access.
