Storage Secondary Storage
Computer Storage Computers have two kinds of storage: Primary Storage Secondary Storage Primary storage is also called memory. Secondary storage is often called storage. Individuals often do not distinguish between these two types of computer storage.
Secondary Storage Unlike memory storage is NOT volatile, so its contents last even when the power is turned off.
Storage Technology Magnetic Optical Integrated Circuit (IC) Hard drives, floppy drives Optical CD/DVD drives/burners Integrated Circuit (IC) Flash memory (USB sticks) Flash memory (SD,CF, etc [camera memory] SSD (solid state drive) modern hard drives for some notebook computers which can also be used in desktop computers.
Magnetic Storage Hard (Fixed) disk is the most common kind. Virtually every computer has a hard disk. External hard disks are also available. Platters/Surfaces Tracks Sectors Disk blocks/clusters Approximate Costs: Internal 1000GB = $80 ( 8cents / gb) External 1000GB = $90 (USB only)
Optical Storage One spiraling track from center to outside. Compatible with standard CDs and DVDs. Currently CD only drives are scarce but DVD drives are compatible with CD drives. Blu-ray drives are downward compatible but are not as popular because of DRM concerns. Approximate Costs: Internal Drive ~ $20/ Internal burner ~ $25 External Drive ~$35 /External burner ~ $40-50 Internal Blu Drive ~$60-75 / Burner ~ $100 External Blu: $100 / Burner ~ $150 or so
IC storage No moving parts Therefore speed is faster than either optical or magnetic Breaks down after lots of use (normally measured in the 100s of thousands of times. Approximate Costs: USB stick: SD card: $1-2 per gb for medium sizes 8gb=12, 32gb= 50, 64gb= 150 128gb=1100 SSD drive: about $2/gb