The computer storage unit is divided into three parts. Given below are details about the three types of computer storage:

• Primary Storage: This is the direct memory which is accessible to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). 
  • This is also known as the main memory and is volatile. 
  • This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased
  • It is smaller in size
  • Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory
  • Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.

• Secondary Storage: This type of storage does not have direct accessibility to the Central Processing Unit.
  • The input and output channels are used to connect such storage devices to the computer, as they are mainly external
  • It is non-volatile and larger storage capacity in comparison to primary storage
  • This type of storage is permanent until removed by an external factor
  • It comprises of both internal and external memory
  • Examples of secondary storage are USB drives, floppy disks, etc.

• Tertiary Memory: This type of storage is generally not considered to be important and is generally not a part of personal computers.
  • It involves mounting and unmounting of mass storage data which is removable from a computer device
  • This type of storage holds robotic functions
  • It does not always require human intervention and can function automatically

Also, for further information, refer to the links below where other important Computer Awareness topics have been discussed in detail. Also, sample questions based on each of them have also be given:

There are four types of devices in which computer data can be stored. Discussed below are the same in detail. 

The most commonly used storage devices in today’s time are magnetic storage devices. These are affordable and easily accessible. A large amount of data can be stored in these through magnetised mediums. 

A magnetic field is created when the device is attached to the computer and with the help of the two magnetic polarities, the device is able to read the binary language and store the information. Given below are the examples of magnetic storage devices.

• Floppy Disk – Also known as a floppy diskette, it is a removable storage device which is in the shape of a square and comprises magnetic elements. When placed in the disk reader of the computer device, it spins around and can store information. Lately, these floppy disks have been replaced with CDs, DVDs and USB drives
• Hard Drive – This primary storage device is directly attached to the motherboard’s disk controller. It is integral storage space as it is required to install any new program or application to the device. Software programs, images, videos, etc. can all be saved in a hard drive and hard drives with storage space in terabytes are also easily available now
• Zip Disk – Introduced by Iomega, is a removable storage device which was initially released with a storage space of 100 MB which was later increased to 250 and then finally 750 MB
• Magnetic Strip – A magnetic strip is attached in the device comprising digital data. The most suitable example for this is a debit card which has a strip placed on one of its sides which stores the digital data

Types of Storage

Types of Storage