Common Types of Storage

In the previous section, we talked about what secondary storage is, but common types of storage can be grouped in a number of different ways.

memory stick in laptop port - common types of storage

We know that memory is always internal to the computer, but storage can be either internal or external.

There is a need to have internal storage for the computer, however having the ability to remove storage easily from the system makes it easier to transport and backup data.

When looking at internal and external storage, we can compare examples by looking at their purpose. For example:

A hard disk drive is internal storage – its purpose is to store programs and data that are used on the computer system including the operating system whilst the system is shut down. If this was external, it would need to be reconnected and identified every time the system was booted up.

A memory stick is external storage – its purpose is to store files and programs and transport them to other computer systems. Because of this, it is light and durable.

Consider the following different types of secondary storage. What purpose might they be used for? Are they internal or external? (hover over the images for the answer)

USB Memory Stick

USB Memory Stick

External Storage

USB sticks are generally used to transport smaller files between devices or locations. Although they are portable, this makes them they are easy to lose, they are not suitable for backups
Hard Disk Drive

Hard Disk Drive

Internal Storage

HDDs are internal to the computer system as they are used to store the programs and files that are not currently in use.
External HDDs are now rare having been replaced by SSDs.
floppy disk

Floppy Disk

External Storage

These are rarely used now due to their very small capacity. Flopp disks were used in the same way that USB memory sticks and CDs are used today to transfer files between devices.
CD Disc

CDs & DVDs

External Storage

CDs and DVDs are external storage that are cheap to purchase, so are used to distribute files on a physical format such as music, films, or games.

Test your knowledge further with the quick Common Types of Storage Quiz or log in below for the full quiz.

Found this page helpful? Please consider sharing!

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on reddit
Share on tumblr

Looking for more?

Lesson Plan

Presentation

Homework

Students

Not a member yet? Sign Up Here

Or Sign In below

Scribbl.it Notes

The Common Types of Storage Scribbl.it Notes provide a structured way for students to revise the areas covered in class in a visual way. Students should be encouraged to colour and add to the notes page being as creative as possible.

There are known benefits to using Scribbl.it Notes (whether structured like these, or independently created):

  • Increased Attention
  • Reduction of stress levels
  • Increased memory for content
  • Deeper learning

** Scroll down to download **

Test your knowledge with the Common types of Storage – Full quiz!

Click the next button to start the quiz. Questions are shown one at a time.

1. Which of the below represents magnetic storage?

2. What type of storage is similar to a Flash Drive is used by many digital cameras?

3. What does RAM stand for?
4. Which of the following represent volatile types of storage?
5. Flash Memory stores Binary as:
6. Which of the following is an external storage device?
7. Which of the following is a form of Solid State Storage (SSD)?
8. Magnetic disks are organised into:
9. Which of these is an example of Cloud Storage?

10. Very large computers used for backup storage are called:

Enter your name and email below to be sent a copy of your results.

Your data will only be used for the purposes of sending your quiz results – for more information about the privacy of your data, please read our GDPR policy.



Coming soon!

Revise With Alexa

  • Click here to install the Skill (once only)
  • then say “Alexa, open Secondary Storage Cards”

Revise With Google Assistant

  • No need to install, just say “Ok Google, talk to Secondary Storage”