Out of all the components in a computer, one of the most important is the data storage device. With more and more data being generated, there is an increasing demand for better data storage devices.
Data storage technology has improved in leaps and bounds over the last decade. Firstly, there has been a dramatic increase in the capacity of storage devices such as DVD, CD and even Floppy disks. Secondly, numerous new storage devices have been introduced, some of them completely solid state (no moving parts) like CD, DVD, flash drives, zip drives and memory cards. Thirdly, the technology has moved from a mere magnetic storage to optical and magneto-optical drives.
Even the hard disk which traditionally meant a stationary or fixed storage device is becoming removable. The storage devices are coming in many forms: traditional discs of varying sizes from 5 to even 0.3, key chain devices (flash drives) and stamp size memory cards.
They are no longer used with PCs alone but also with cameras, mobile handsets, PDAs, MP3 devices, Auto PCs and GPS devices.
The information stored is not just programmes or data. It includes songs, movie clippings, video clippings, photographs or maps. Also, with medical imaging equipment going digital, very soon the content could be ultrasound, X- ray, MRI or CT scan images.
The personal storage technology has improved out of the need to provide faster, larger and better storage facility. There are four goals leading this phenomenal growth. First is to push the limits of packaging density so that one can store more data in less space. Second tries to make them more reliable with long life. The third goal is to consume less and less electrical power and the fourth, of course, is to make the devices more affordable.
Data storage memory is primarily of two types. The primary memory is the volatile memory and is erasable. The secondary memory is non-volatile and is of a more permanent nature. Basically, when talking about the data storage devices, it is generally assumed to be about the secondary memory.
Secondary memory is used to store data permanently in the computer. The secondary storage devices are usually as follows:
Hard Disk Drive: This is the most common type and is used in almost all computers. The others include the floppy disk drive, the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and the flash memory (USB data card).
Out of these, the USB flash drive is playing an important role in the market. The high points of a USB flash drive are its size and capacity. It actually behaves like a portable hard drive. It can be used for transferring the data and also for the backup or archiving of small but essential data.
Each USB drive is made up of a case of tough plastic or metal containing a printed circuit board that contains NAND flash memory to store digital data. The entire assembly has a single USB connector which is inserted into a USB port when in use. USB drive offers solid state memory.
