Data Storage Technologies
There are many different technologies used to store data, with new methods being created all the time. Some store data temporarily, and some for long periods of time. Many stay inside a computer or device, while others are portable and can be used on different devices or kept in other locations. There are many common technologies used to store data.
Let's go over some of them now:
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Also known simply as memory or computer memory, RAM is what computers use to hold information temporarily so it can be easily accessed by the computer as you work. It's a lot like your own short-term memory - things move in and out quickly and aren't kept permanently.
Hard Disk Drive
Most computers and laptops use pieces of hardware to store data. They typically remain inside the device and store information, such as computer programs and files. In contrast to RAM, hard disk drives store data permanently so it can be retrieved at a later time, much like your own long-term memory.
Flash Drive
Also known as thumb drives or USB sticks, flash drives are small, portable storage devices that can be plugged into the USB port on a device. Once data is stored on the flash drive, it remains there and can be removed and used in other devices. This is a common method for moving files between computers.
SD (Secure Digital) Card
SD (secure digital) cards are small cards commonly used in digital cameras and smartphones to store files, such as digital photographs. Like flash drives, they can be easily removed and accessed on other devices.
CDs and DVDs
Just as they can hold music or movies, CDs and DVDs can be used to store computer data. Like other storage methods, they are useful for sharing data between different devices or locations. CDs and DVDs are generally considered good options for long-term data storage.
Magnetic Tapes
Commonly referred to as backup tapes, many businesses rely on magnetic tape cartridges to back up data for long-term storage. Data is stored magnetically on long strips of tape wound inside a cartridge. They are similar in nature to the cassette tapes once used for music albums.
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Solid-state drives (SSD) are new generation storage devices used in computers that function like hard drives. These mass storage devices use flash-based memory to store information that can be accessed electronically.
M.2 Storage
The M.2 is a form factor of the solid-state drive that replaces the previous mSATA standard. Though these drives are compact in size they can store just as much information as the Non-volatile Memory Express SSD. M.2 drives aren't connected to a motherboard via a cable, they're instead plugged directly into the motherboard using a dedicated M.2 connector slot.
Lesson Summary
To recap, data must be properly stored to be used again by technology devices. Data storage is a term for how information is kept in a digital format that may be retrieved at a later time. There are many different technologies available to store data. Data can be stored temporarily using technology such as RAM, or saved to devices such as hard disks, flash drives, SD cards, CDs and DVDs, and backup magnetic tape cartridges. CDs/DVDs and magnetic backup tapes are typically better options for long-term data storage.
