Storage Devices

STORAGE DEVICES

1.Primary Memory Main Storage

It accepts program statements, transfers information from an input device to an output device.

Input storage- receives incoming data for processing.

Output storage- holds processed information.

TYPES OF PRIMARY MEMORY

* Random Access Memory (RAM) - also called read/write memory it stores and instructions temporarily.

* Read Only Memory (ROM) – the data in ROM can be read by the computer but it cannot be changed.

* Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) – this is the part of the CPU where programs are stored and are not changed when power is switched off.

* Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) –this is a chip that can be reprogrammed by erasing the information that is stored earlier by exposing the chip to ultraviolet light.

* Cache Memory- this is a small memory chip that is attached between the CPU and the main memory. It is used to store frequently used data temporarily to allow faster access.

* Registers- when the CPU processes data in high speed, data move between various units of the computer.

* Program Storage- stores program statements fed to the machine.

* Weighing Storage- retains semi-processed data or data being processed.

2. SECONDARY MEMORY OR SECONDARY STORAGE

* Hard disk- the hard disk stores your computer’s Operating System (OS) the programs that are installed in your computer and most of your files.

* Magnetic tape- it is recording medium that consists of a tape with a coating of the magnetic material.

* Flash drive – also called jump drive,pen drive and thumb drive.It is a small flash memory drive with a USB(Universal Serial Bus)connection.

* Floppy Disk- also called diskette, this contains flexible magnetic disk that holds data.

Input Devices

* Input devices allow you to communicate with the computer by” reading” programs and data.

Keyboard- it converts numbers, letters and other characters to signals that...