Levi Garner

Topics  Computer Storage Devices  Storage Media and Storage Devices  Memory and Storage

Understanding Computer Storage  Objectives

 Explain the need for storage devices  Distinguish memory and storage  Distinguish storage devices and media.

Computer Storage Devices  Storage devices  Components that retain data.  Without storage devices you would re-create data every time you wanted to use it.

Files  File  A collection of related information or codes.  Document  The most common file people use.

System Startup  Computer storage devices are a key part of a computer’s start-up process.  Basic Input/Output System or BIOS  Set of programs that tell the computer equipment how to start up.

Memory and Storage  Memory  A set of chips that acts as a temporary work space in the computer.  ROM  Stores contents permanently even if computer is turned off.  RAM  Only stores contents temporarily, if the computer shuts off all contents are lost.

Storage Versus Memory  Storage uses many different methods to store data, so it isn’t lost when the power is shut down.

Storage Media  In terms of storage, a medium is an object that physically holds data or program instructions.  Examples  Floppy Disks  Magnetic Tapes  Compact Disks

Storage Devices  Storage Device- is a piece of hardware that holds the storage medium, sends data to the medium, and retrieves data from the medium.  Examples  Floppy Disks  CD-ROM  DVD ROM  Tape Drives