10+ Characteristics of Secondary Storage Devices in Computer System

Introduction of Characteristics of Secondary Storage Devices

The computer is an electronic device being used and utilized globally due to some of the fantastic Characteristics of Secondary Storage Devices like permanent storage, data access speed, reliability, and efficiency.

There are two types of memory in the computer system

1. Primary Memory or Primary Storage Devices.
2. Secondary Memory or Secondary Storage Devices.

10+ Characteristics of Secondary Storage Devices in Tabular Form

Important Characteristics of Secondary Storage Devices With Image

Explain and Discuss What are Secondary Storage Devices

The secondary storage devices are computer memory capable of storing gigantic amounts of data and information permanently.

The secondary storage devices are also referred to as “External Storage Devices” or “External Memory”.

They are non-volatile memory, as the data and information are not erased automatically, even if there is a power failure.

They can store data until and unless someone intentionally deletes or erases it.

Unlike primary memory, secondary memory doesn’t directly access the data through the CPU.

The data and information stored in the secondary computer memory are firstly loaded in RAM {Random Access Memory} called “Primary Memory“ and later passes to the primary memory processor to read and access the information.

They are used in backups and in creating copies of important information.

Different Types of Secondary Storage Devices

Secondary memory can be categorized into two types.

1. Fixed Storage Devices.
2. Removable Storage Devices.

Fixed Storage Devices

These devices are installed inside the computer case, like computer hard disk and SSD. They are attached to the computer using screws drilled inside the computer chassis.

The fixed storage devices can be removed and replaced if found corrupted or damaged.

Removable Storage Devices.

The removable storage devices can be detached from the computer easily. They are usually connected with the help of a USB [Universal Serial Bus].

Pen Drives are one of the prime examples of removable storage devices.

1. Hard Disk.
2. SSD [Solid State Drive].
3. Pen Drives.
4. Memory Cards.
5. DVDs and CDs.

Hard Disk Drives

Hard disk drives are also HDD, fixed disk, and hard disk. They are permanent storage devices that can store massive amounts of data and information.

They are non-volatile memory; hence data is not lost when the computer is turned off.

The capacity of any hard disk drive is measured in GB [Giga Byte] and TB [Tera Byte]

Famous HDD manufacturers are.

1. Seagate.
2. Samsung.
3. Western Digital.

SSD [Solid State Drives].

Solid State Drives are an advanced version of hard disk drives. They are more powerful and speedy compared to standard computer hard disks.

The time required to access data and information is considerably less than HDDs.

SSD can be used as an internal and external hard disk.

Famous SSD manufacturers are

1. Silicon Power.
2. Seagate.
3. Samsung.

Pen Drives

Pen drives are one of the most used secondary storage devices. They are used and utilized extensively due to their exceptional features and characteristics.

They are compact and portable and can be carried from one place to another.

They are small in size and can be kept in a pocket. They are light-weighted and can hold and store massive amounts of data and information.

Famous SSD manufacturers are:

1. HP [Hewlet Packard].
2. Samsung.
3. SanDisk.

Memory Cards.

Memory cards are also referred to as “flash drives”. They are small chips that are inserted into mobile phones. They can also be attached to computers, laptops and tablets.

The memory card reader is used and utilized to read data and information. The data is stored permanently in the memory card.

Famous Memory Card Manufacturer.

1. Strontium Nitro.
2. HP.
3. SanDisk.

DVDs and CDs.

DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disk, and CD stands for Compact Disk. 

They are also extensively used and used secondary storage devices as they can store massive amounts of data.

Famous CD and DVD Manufacturer.

1. Sony.
2. LG.
3. Moser bear.

10 Examples of Secondary Storage Devices of Computer Systems

• Hard Disk
• Solid-State Drive
• Pen Drive
• Blu Ray Disk
• SD Card
• CD Drive
• DVD Drive
• Memory Cards
• Floppy Disks
• Disk Packs
• Paper Storage (Punched Tapes, Punched Cards)
• Magnetic Tapes

List 5 Uses of Secondary Storage Devices

1. Secondary storage devices are used to install an operating system on them.
2. They can store data and information permanently; users can retrieve their data anytime they request.
3. They can transfer data from one computer to another in a computer network.
4. The data and information are secure in secondary storage devices using password protection.
5. They can access data with enormous speed.

Mention 10 Companies that Manufacture Secondary Memory

5 Advantages of Secondary Storage Devices

There are various advantages of secondary storage devices; some are listed below.

1. Secondary storage devices are used to store massive amounts of data and information almost permanently.
2. They are non-volatile memory, which means the data and information are not lost when there is a power failure.
3. They are also instrumental in taking data backups.
4. They are capable of storing huge applications and software.
5. They are compact and portable and can be transferred from one location to another.

Difference Between Primary Storage and Secondary Storage

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