Computer Storage

How is data saved?

Data is simply Binary code that is stored on a medium that can later be recalled. Storage can come in many different forms including mechanical HDDs which store the data as magnetic dots. Optical media that encode binary data in the form of pits and NAND such as SSD’s, Memory cards and flash drives which store in flash memory arrays.

What is the function of storage?

Storage allows for data to be stored in the short or long term. Short term memory comes in the form of RAM (Random-access memory) which is very fast but volatile. It also requires power to retain the information meaning when the machine is switched off or reset - the data is lost. RAM is utilised by your device to hold short term commands and operations with your OS (Operating system) actually being loaded from your main HDD onto your memory at boot to allow for near-instant access - The same goes for any programs you open.

HDD, SSD, memory cards and USB Flash Drives, on the other hand, are types of non-volatile memory and will keep your data safe even when not powered. These devices are used for long term storage and although they use slightly different technologies they all serve the same purpose – Storing Binary data.

What are the main types of computer storage?

Internal hard drives are a necessity to ensure that you have adequate space to work or play games on your computer. However, many are opting to store data on external storage devices such as external hard drives as a means of protecting, backing up or transferring data.

Internal

Internally the main types of storage are HDD’s and SSD’s which come in a variety of physical dimensions and capacities from 3.5” and 2.5” SATA Hard Drives to SSD’s and the various different form factors including 2.5” SATA, mSATA, M.2, PCIe and Optane.

External

There is a huge variety of external storage mediums that cater to every eventuality and device. For backing up large amounts of data, external HDD’s and NAS drives are generally the preferred methods whereas for portability external HDD’S / SSD’s, USB Flash Drives and Memory Cards are generally utilized.

If you want to access data on a drive that you may already own or simply want to hot-swap internal drives quickly there are specially designed docking stations, enclosures and hot-swap rack mounts designed to enable this.

DVD’s and CD’s are no longer the preferred methods of external computer storage due to the emergence of more reliable, high capacity technologies. With that said they are great for archiving data or using for media such and videos and music that you may wish to use in your home DVD player or car stereo.