Computer Memory And Storage Devices

A computer is an electronic machine. it works in the following way:

• It takes on data and instructions which you feed into it, using input devices.
• It stores and processes the data according to the instructions you feed into it.
• It gives the result using output devices.

The data and instructions are into the computer system through input devices and stored inside the computer in some storage media. this storage media is known as memory.

The memory is made up of chips, the processing is done by the processor with the help of the memory . the final output is given through the output devices. thus, the memory/storage media’s is very important in the functioning of the computer. in this chapter, you will learn more about storage media.

The Computer Memory

In a computer memory, data is stored in the form of ‘bits’ and ‘bytes’. bit means binary digits, i.e. 0 and 1. a bit is the smallest unit of information which a computer can process. byte is the combination of 8 bits. a byte is the basic storage unit in the computer memory.

One byte is one character. a character can be one alphabet, one number or one symbol. A character can be one alphabet, one number or one symbol. One byte is a very small unit of memory and consists of 8 bits. other bigger units of memory are kilo byte, mega, byte, Giga byte, etc.

8 bits = 1 byte
1024 bytes = 1 kilo byte(KB)
1024 KBs = 1 mega byte (MB)
1024 MBs = 1 Giga byte (GB)
1024 GBs = 1 Tera byte (TB)

Types Of Memory

This device stores instructions received from input devices. It is also called the computer’s memory. Just as humans have a brain to remember certain things, computers have memory to store data.

This memory is an integral part of the CPU and is also called the computer’s main memory, internal memory, or primary memory. A computer’s memory is of two types- internal memory and external memory.
Memory- internal memory:- RAM, ROM
External Memory:- CD, DVD, HARD DISK, USB DRIVE

Internal Memory:

Internal Memory is the Memory that is kept inside the computer. it is in the form of silicon chips. it is also called primary or main memory. RAM: RAM stands for Random Access Memory. it is a volatile memory. the information stored in it is kept as long as the power supply is ‘ON’. as you switch off power, its contents get erased. ROM: ROM stands for Read Only Memory.

It keeps the data permanently. this memory is non- volatile in nature. data remains as it is even when the computer is switched off. it consist of programs which check the working of computer parts.

External Memory:

External Memory is used to store the information for a longer period. it is needed because the internal storage of computer is insufficient to store a large amount of data. the hard disk, compact disc, DVD, pen drive and other storage devices of a computer from its external memory.

let us now learn about the various storage devises which make up the external memory of the computer.
Storage Device: Storage devices used to store data and information for a long time.

these are permanent or non-volatile storage devices. secondary storage devices are mainly external. these include:

• CD
• DVD
• Pen drive
• Hard disk
  CD: CD stands for ‘ compact disk’. it is an optical storage device. it is a thin- circular disk with a hole in the center. a CD has a reflective metal coating. it has a diameter of 4.7 inches. CDs can hold text, graphics, sound, images and videos. CDs can be used for backup of data and software. CDs have main two variations:
• CD-ROM: it stands for compact disk-read only memory. in this type of CD, data once written cannot be changed or deleted.
• CD-RW: it stands for Compact Disk-Rewritable. in this type of CD, data can be erased or rewritten.

DVD

A ‘DVD’ is also an optical storage device that looks similar to a CD in shape and size but can store a much large amount of data. it is used to store and record movies with high video and sound quality. DVD stands for digital video disk or digital versatile disk.

Pen Drive
A ‘pen drive’ is also known as a USB drive or flash drive. it is a data storage device with a USB ( Universal Serial Bus) connector and is used for copying and moving data from one computer to another.

Hard Disk
‘Hard Disk’ is main storage medium for computers. it is fixed inside the CPU box and contains all the software and data. a hard disk is made up of multiple disks, and is also called hard plotters of metal. data is recorded on both sides of the disks.

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