Data storage is a typical process for many people, primarily if they handle sensitive and essential data. The data can be accessed and edited on different devices or computers, and you can transfer them from one platform to another. While we live in a world with advanced technology, you need to learn and know more about data storage. With that, here is the information you need to know.
What’s Data Storage?
Data storage means retaining data digitally or electromagnetic using computers or other technological devices. Any information will be stored in digital format, and that information can be accessed and retrieved anytime you want. The technologies and methods that we can use to keep data are countless, ranging from traditional ones such as hard drive data storage to cloud storage.
Some data can be stored temporarily, and some can be stored for a very long time. Most of our data remain inside a device or a computer, while some are portable, which we can use on different devices or stores in other locations.
Storage Hierarchy
Primary Storage
Primary storage is the platform that houses the memory, and you can classify it as non-volatile or volatile. It’s also called as primary memory, internal memory, and central storage. This storage holds the applications and programs currently used temporarily. It gives direct and fast access to your CPU, enabling active programs to provide efficient and optimal performance.
The best example is the RAM because it’s volatile memory. The RAM unloads data immediately after the power of a device or computer is turned off. While a flash memory in SSDs is non-volatile, the data stays even there’s no power in a device.
Secondary Storage
A storage phase that’s non-volatile media or device not continuously accessed by the computer system. It’s also called as auxiliary storage, external memory, and secondary memory. It permanently holds data until it’s deleted or overwritten.
Examples include CDs, DVDs, external HDD, and flash drives. These devices and media should be plugged in or inserted into your computer so that the system can access them. They are used for data back up since they’re not frequently connected to a computer.
Tertiary Storage
Tertiary memory commonly involves the robotic mechanism. Depending on the system’s demand, it will dismount and mount extractable mass storage media to the storage device. The data is frequently copied to the secondary storage before using it.
Magnetic tapes, optical tapes, and optical disks are included in the tertiary storage. Those devices are made of removable media units and fixed storage drives. If there’s a media unit in your storage drive, the system will eject the former media, and the system drive will load the new one.
Offline Storage
This storage type is non-volatile and should be inserted in the system physically to edit or access data. The data stored stays permanently in your device, even if it’s unplugged or disconnected from a computer. Offline storage is either external or internal storage.
The best examples are floppy disks, compact disks, thumb drives, and USB. This type of storage doesn’t directly interact with your CPU, making it ideal for backup and data transport.
Takeaway
Data storage is necessary because there are times that we lose or damage any essential data, and storing them can help you retrieve and reaccess them. It’s required to back up anything important in your computer or other devices to avoid the hassle.
