Storage

Storage device

A storage device is a hardware device capable of storing information. There are two storage devices used in computers; a primary storage device such as computer RAM and a secondary storage device such as a computer hard disk drive. In the picture to the right, is an example of a Drobo external secondary storage device.

Primary storage device

Alternatively referred to as internal memory and main memory, primary storage is a storage location that holds memory for short periods of times while the computer is on. For example, computer RAM and cache are both examples of a primary storage device. This storage is the fastest memory in your computer and is used to store data while it's being used. For example, when you open a program data is moved from the secondary storage into the primary storage.

Secondary storage device

Alternatively referred to as external memory and auxiliary storage, secondary storage is a storage medium that holds information until it is deleted or overwritten regardless if the computer has power. For example, a floppy disk drive and hard disk drive are both good examples of secondary storage devices. As can be seen by the below picture there are three different storage on a computer, although primary storage is accessed much faster than secondary storage because of the price and size limitations secondary storage is used with today's computers to store all your programs and your personal data.

Off-line storage

Term used to describe any storage that is removable and cannot be accessed by the computer once removed. A good example of off-line storage is a floppy disk. Off-line storage allows a user to store information that will not be affected by computer viruses or hardware failure.

Sources from http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/stordevi.htm