Secondary Storage Devices

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A computer's secondary storage devices can permanently store data, even when the computer is not in use.

These devices include:

cloud storage
solid-state drives
hard drives
USB flash drives
memory cards
some types of optical storage.

Internal hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are the main storage components present in most modern computers.

SSDs use flash memory and do not have any moving parts, which makes them faster, quieter, and more dependable than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), which store data on spinning magnetic disks (platters).

To increase storage capacity or store backups, external hard drives and SSDs are used.

A USB port, or occasionally a USB-C or Thunderbolt port for faster transfer speeds, is used to connect these devices to your computer. They can store hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes of data and are available in desktop and portable versions.

USB flash drives are tiny, portable devices that fit into a USB port. They are also known as thumb drives, jump drives, or pen drives. Current models have storage capacities ranging from 8 gigabytes to 2 terabytes. These are frequently used for temporary backups or file transfers.

MicroSD cards and other memory cards are frequently found in gaming consoles, cameras, tablets, and smartphones. Certain high-capacity memory cards have a maximum storage capacity of 2 terabytes, contingent on the device support and format.

Online file storage via cloud storage is a common choice. Users can upload, view, and share files from any internet-connected device with services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud. Most platforms charge for more storage after providing a few gigabytes for free.

Secondary Storage Capacity

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A wide range of storage devices are used by contemporary computers.

Hard disk drives (HDDs) can store large amounts of data, usually more than 4 terabytes, while some external drives, especially for business use, can hold more than 30 terabytes.

Solid-state drives (SSDs), which usually have smaller capacities, are becoming more and more common in computers because of their speed and dependability.

Most USB flash drive models are small and lightweight, with capacities that can exceed a terabyte.