Example of Storage

5 TYPES OF STORAGE DEVICE

1. Random Access Memory (RAM)

- Used for storing information temporarily. When the computer is switched off, the information on the RAM is wiped off. The access rate of RAM is much higher. They are more expensive than the other types of primary storage devices.

2. Floppy Discs
-This is a magnetic storage device, which is set in square plastic shell. They are available in different sizes, like 8 inches, 5 ¼ inches and 3 ½ inches. In the initial days floppy discs were very popular, however, with the advancements they got over shadowed by the other computer storage devices.

3. USB Flash Drive

- Consist of a NAND type flash memory.  It has an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. They are non-volatile and data can be rewritten on them. They are very small in size, but have very large memory space. There are some of the USB drives, where 1 million erase and write cycles can be carried out. On the other hand, some of them are known to retain data for as long as 10 years.

4. Memory Cards

- Data is stored in digital format on the memory cards. They can be used in various electronic devices from hand held computers, mobile phones, cameras, etc. They are also rewritable. Although they are small in size, they can store a high amount of data.

5. Read Only Memory (ROM

- It is used to permanently store data. Data can be stored on ROM, either when the computer is been manufactured or by the computer user. However, the disadvantage of this type of memory is that the data stored on ROM cannot be changed. The access rate necessary to get to the memory is much lesser as compared to the access rate of the RAM. Unlike the RAM’s, ROM’s are not expensive.