Computer storage refers to the various types of devices and media that are used to store and retain digital information within a computer system. This can include both primary storage, which is used to temporarily store data that the computer is currently using or processing, and secondary storage, which is used to store data for longer periods of time.
Primary storage, also known as internal memory or main memory, is typically made up of volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and cache memory. These types of memory are fast and easily accessible by the computer's central processing unit (CPU), but the data stored in them is lost when the computer is powered off.
Secondary storage, also known as external memory or auxiliary storage, includes non-volatile memory such as hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and removable storage devices such as USB drives and memory cards. These types of storage are slower and less accessible than primary storage, but they retain data even when the computer is powered off.
There are also other forms of storage that can be used for backup and archiving, such as cloud storage and tape storage. Cloud storage refers to the storage of data on remote servers that can be accessed over the internet, while tape storage refers to the storage of data on magnetic tapes.
In summary, computer storage refers to the various types of devices and media that are used to store and retain digital information within a computer system. It includes both primary and secondary storage, which are used to store data for different periods of time, and backup and archiving storage, which are used to store data for long-term preservation.