Data Storage

Definition of Data Storage

In general the term  data storage is used for anything with information recorded on it.

Using this broad definition, a hardback volume of an encyclopedia, an audio cassette of a pop song, and even a piece of paper with random words written on it would all be considered examples. 

Today we limit this definition to the storage of information in a way, that a  computer or a similar device can use it.

Computer data storage can be divided into two main categories: 

1. Primary storage: Information that the computer can access directly by his CPU. We call it memory.It is stored on integrated circuits - mainly on RAM ( Random Access Memory ).
2. Secondary storage: Each is important, but the secondary type is usually what people think of when they use the expression Data Storage.

There are so many types of secondary storage,that the 2nd category was divided in three areas:

1. On-site storage : remains with the computer: hard disks, solid state drives
2. Removable : CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, USB flash drives, portable hard disks.
3. Off-site Data storage : most recent, information is stored away from the computer at a distant location: on line file hosting, cloude computi