Examples of Primary and Secondary Storage Devices

Name: Geneva C.
Dela Cruz
Section: BSIT 1-2
Give at least 5 examples of Primary & Secondary storage device and their definitions.
PRIMARY STORAGE DEVICES : It is also known as internal memory and main memory. This is a section of
the CPU that holds program instructions, input data, and intermediate results. It is generally smaller in
size. RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) are examples of primary storage.
(i) RAM: It stands for Random Access Memory. It is used to store information that is used immediately or
we can say that it is a temporary memory. Computers bring the software installed on a hard disk to RAM
to process it and to be used by the user. Once, the computer is turned off, the data is deleted. With the
help of RAM, computers can perform multiple tasks like loading applications, browsing the web, editing a
spreadsheet, experiencing the newest game, etc. It allows you to modify quickly among these tasks,
remembering where you’re in one task once you switch to a different task. It is also used to load and run
applications, like your spreadsheet program, answer commands, like all edits you made within the
spreadsheet, or toggle between multiple programs, like once you left the spreadsheet to see the email.
Memory is nearly always being actively employed by your computer. It ranges from 1GB – 32GB/64GB
depending upon the specifications. There are different types of RAM, although they all serve the same
purpose, the most common ones are :
•SRAM: It stands for Static Random Access Memory. It consists of circuits that retain stored information
as long as the power supply is on. It is also known as volatile memory. It is used to build Cache memory.
The access time of SRAM is lower and it is much faster as compared to DRAM but in terms of cost, it is
costly as compared to DRAM.
•DRAM: It stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is used to store binary bits in the form of
electrical charges that are applied to capacitors. The access time of DRAM is slower as compared to
SRAM but it is cheaper than SRAM and has a high packaging density.
•SDRAM: It stands for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is faster than DRAM. It is widely
used in computers and others. After SDRAM was introduced, the upgraded version of double data rate
RAM, i.e., DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 was entered into the market and widely used in home/office
desktops and laptops.
(ii) ROM: It stands for Read-Only Memory. The data written or stored in these devices are non-volatile,
i.e, once the data is stored in the memory cannot be modified or deleted. The memory from which will
only read but cannot write it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently
during manufacture only once. ROM stores instructions that are used to start a computer. This operation
is referred to as bootstrap. It is also used in other electronic items like washers and microwaves. ROM
chips can only store few megabytes (MB) of data, which ranges between 4 and 8 MB per ROM chip.
There are two types of ROM:
•PROM: PROM is Programmable Read-Only Memory. These are ROMs that can be programmed. A
special PROM programmer is employed to enter the program on the PROM. Once the chip has been
programmed, information on the PROM can’t be altered. PROM is non-volatile, that is data is not lost
when power is switched off.
•EPROM: Another sort of memory is that the Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It is possible
to erase the info which has been previously stored on an EPROM and write new data onto the chip.
SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES: Secondary storage is a memory that is stored external to the computer.
It is mainly used for the permanent and long-term storage of programs and data. Hard Disk, CD, DVD,
Pen/Flash drive, SSD, etc, are examples of secondary storage.
(i) Floppy Disk: It is also known as a floppy diskette. It is generally used on a personal computer to store
data externally. A Floppy disk is made up of a plastic cartridge and secured with a protective case.
Nowadays floppy disk is replaced by new and effective storage devices like USB, etc.
(ii) Hard Disk: It is a storage device (HDD) that stores and retrieves data using magnetic storage. It is a
non-volatile storage device that can be modified or deleted a number of times without any problem.
Most of the computers and laptops have HDDs as their secondary storage device. It is actually a set of
stacked disks, just like phonograph records. In every hard disk, the data is recorded electromagnetically
in concentric circles or we can say track present on the hard disk, and with the help of a head just like a
phonograph arm(but fixed in a position) to read the information present on the track. The read-write
speed of HDDs is not so fast but decent. It ranges from a few GBs to a few and more TB.
(iii) Magnetic Card: It is a card in which data is stored by modifying or rearranging the magnetism of tiny
iron-based magnetic particles present on the band of the card. It is also known as a swipe card. It is used
like a passcode(to enter into a house or hotel room), credit card, identity card, etc.
(iv) Tape Cassette: It is also known as a music cassette. It is a rectangular flat container in which the data
is stored in an analog magnetic tape. It is generally used to store audio recordings.
(v) SuperDisk: It is also called LS-240 and LS-120. It is introduced by Imation corporation and it is popular
with OEM computers. It can store data up to 240 MB.

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