CHAPTER SEVEN

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS- STORAGE DEVICES

Performance Objectives.

By the end of this unit the students should be able to:

a. Lists storage devices

b. Define primary storage devices

c.Define secondary storage devices

 

UNIT ONE: STORAGE DEVICES

7.1. STORAGE DEVICES

Storage devices are the places where computer materials are stored. These devices can be inside the computer system or external. Based on the location storage devices are classified into two namely:

7.1.1.. Primary storage devices

7.1.2. Secondary storage devices

7.1.1. . PRIMARY STORAGE DEVICES

 Primary storage devices are those devices inside the computer. Some of  examples primary storage devices are:

7.1.1.1. RAM

7.1.1.2. ROM

7.1.1.1. RAM

RAM referred to as RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY. Items or data/information stored in RAM are volatile- they can escape if not saved. For instance, if you are typing on Microsoft words, the data is saved on RAM. If you didn't save it the data you are typing will be lost after switching off the computer. Below is a picture of RAM.

7.1.1.2. ROM

ROM is a referred to as READ ONLY MEMORY. It is found inside the computer system. You can only read what is stored in ROM- you cannot write delete or alter what has been stored in ROM.

7.1.2. SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES

 Secondary storage devices are the internal, external or peripheral devices used for storing data or information outside the computer. The most relevant storage devices are:-

7.1.2.1. Hard disc
7.1.2.2. Magnetic tapes
7.1.2.3. Magnetic disc
7.1.2.4. Floppy drive
7.1.2.5. Compact disc
7.1.2.6. Flash drive
7.1.2.7. Memory card
7.1.2.8. External Hard Drive

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