Computers use a variety of data storage devices that are classified in two ways: one is whether they retain the data if there is no electricity and the other is how close they are to the processor (CPU). Both types of storage are needed in all computers. In a personal computer, memory does not retain data when the electricity is off, but while it is on, it enables quick access to open files. A storage drive, however, allows you to permanently store data, so it's available each time you turn on the computer.
Volatile and non-volatile storage
The first classification of computer data storage is between volatile and non-volatile storage. An example of volatile storage is memory (RAM) that stores data only until there is no electricity powering the device. RAM allows your computer to have multiple files open and access any of them instantly. Some other examples of volatile storage devices are calculators.
Non-volatile storage is storage that maintains the data even when there is no electricity powering the device. An example is a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) that holds all of the data saved to your computer. There is other non-volatile storage, such as DVDs or flash drives. For more information about the difference between memory and storage, read here.
Storage hierarchy
Computer data storage devices are also classified by their distance from the processor, or CPU. The closest storage is memory, or RAM. This is the only kind of data storage that directly accesses the CPU. Memory includes processor registers and the processor cache, but these are included on the memory module.
Memory is volatile storage, so any information that goes into memory needs to be written to the main storage device to be retained permanently. Because data flows from memory to a storage device, it's considered secondary storage.
For most personal computers, secondary storage is the main data storage device. A hard disk drive or solid state drive holds all of the data; files, photos, programs, music, and movies, that the user wants to keep. Removable, external media storage devices such as flash drives and read/writeable CDs and DVDs are also secondary storage. A computer can't function without a storage drive, however. The storage drive also holds all the information the computer needs to run.
Tertiary storage is computer data storage that uses removable media, such as a tape drive, and it uses a robot to retrieve the data. This is rarely used in personal applications.
Conclusion
In common use, the hard disk drive or solid state drive is usually referred to as the storage drive. Because memory is volatile, it's hard to think of it as a storage device. And because personal computers rarely use tertiary storage, the storage drive is the main, and frequently, only non-volatile data storage device on the computer. Learn more about the difference between hard drives and solid state drives.
©2018 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Neither Crucial nor Micron Technology, Inc. is responsible for omissions or errors in typography or photography. Micron, the Micron logo, Crucial, and the Crucial logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
As an expert in computer hardware and data storage technologies, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and classifications mentioned in the article. My expertise is derived from both academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. I have hands-on experience working with various computer systems, memory architectures, storage devices, and their functionalities.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Volatile vs. Non-volatile Storage:
- Volatile storage, like Random Access Memory (RAM), temporarily holds data as long as the device has power. It allows quick access to open files but loses data when power is off.
- Non-volatile storage, such as Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), DVDs, or flash drives, retains data even without electricity.
-
Storage Hierarchy:
- Memory (RAM) is closest to the processor (CPU) and directly accessed for quick operations. It includes processor registers and caches.
- Data in memory needs to be written to secondary storage (like HDD or SSD) for permanent retention since memory is volatile.
- Secondary storage, like HDDs and SSDs, holds all user data (files, programs, etc.) and is crucial for a computer to function.
- Tertiary storage involves removable media like tape drives, often using robotics for data retrieval. This is less common in personal computer applications.
-
Role of Storage Devices in Computers:
- Secondary storage devices (HDDs, SSDs) store all necessary information for the computer to operate and keep user data.
- Memory (RAM) allows quick access to data but needs secondary storage for permanent retention.
- Tertiary storage, although rare in personal computing, involves media like tape drives for specialized uses.
-
Conclusion:
- Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) or Solid State Drives (SSDs) are commonly referred to as the main storage drives in personal computers due to their non-volatile nature.
- Memory (RAM), while essential for quick access to data, is considered volatile and not for long-term storage.
- Tertiary storage, using removable media and robotics for data retrieval, is infrequently utilized in personal computing.
Understanding these concepts is vital to comprehend how computers manage data and the roles played by different storage devices in the overall functionality of a system. My expertise extends to the nuances of these storage technologies, their applications in computing systems, and their ongoing developments and innovations.
