Also known as external memory, auxiliary storage or backing storage
Secondary Storage
Where all programs and files are held permanently until they are overwritten or deleted
Secondary Storage
Refers to non-volatile storage device that is internal or external to a computer
Examples of secondary storage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Pendrive (USB flash drive)
Memory Card (Flash Memory Card)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Magnetic storage device that consists of one or more platters to which data is written using a magnetic head
Used inside desktop and laptop computers
Provides very fast read/write access
Has a very large storage capacity and can store the operating system as well as application programs and other files
The capacity of a hard disk is measured in GB or TB
An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer through a USB port
Has high storage capacities and are often used to backupcomputers
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Has a vast storage capacity that can be measured in GB or TB
Does not have mechanical moving parts and performs faster than traditional hard disk drives
Is more expensive
Can be installed inside a computer or purchased in a portable (external) format which can be connected to a computer through a USB port (external hard disk)
Used in smart phones and tablet PCs
Pendrive (USB flash drive)
Uses solid state technology
Connects to the computer through a USB port
Is very small and suitable for transferring files between computers
Can be used as back-up device
Has a storage capacity of 4 to 64 GB
Memory Card (Flash Memory Card)
Is a small flat flash drive
Used in digital cameras, mobile phones, music players and game consoles
Has a very high storage capacity
As it is small, it can be misplaced or lost easily