Primary Vs. Secondary Storage

Primary vs. Secondary Storage

• Every computer needs a way to store data. Storage is where information, programs, and files are kept so that the CPU can use them when needed.

Primary vs. Secondary Storage

• There are two main types of storage in a computer: primary storage and secondary storage. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

Primary Storage

• also called main memory because it is directly connected to the CPU.

Primary Storage

• It stores data and instructions that are currently being used by the computer.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY

• Very fast in speed.

• Usually volatile, meaning data is lost when the power is turned off.

• Small in size compared to secondary storage.

• More expensive per gigabytee.

Examples of Primary Storage

1. RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary memory that holds running programs and data.

2. Cache Memory – A small but very fast memory located close to the CPU.

3. ROM (Read-Only Memory) – A non-volatile memory that stores the firmware used to start up the computer.

Primary Storage

• Think like your short-term memory: it works fast but can not hold information for long

Secondary Storage

• Is also called auxiliary storage or permanent storage.

Secondary Storage

• It stores data for the long term, even when the computer is turned off.

Characteristics of Secondaty Storage

• Non-volatile, so it keeps data even without power.

• Much larger capacity than RAM.

• Slower to access compared to primary storage.

• Cheaper pergigabytee.

Examples of Secondary Storage

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Stores large amounts of data using magnetic disks.

2. Solid-State Drive (SSD) – Faster than HDD, uses flash memory.

3. Optical Discs – CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

4. USB Flash Drive and Memory Cards – Portable storage devices.

5. Cloud Storage - Online storage through the internet.

Secondary Storage

• Think like your long-term memory: it holds information permanently until you delete it.

A computer can not work properly with only one type of storage.

1. Primary storage - gives the CPU a fast workspace to handle tasks quickly.

2. Secondary storage - saves files, programs, and data permanently.

Primary vs. Secondary

• For example, when you type a document, the text is first stored in RAM. If you don’t save it and the power goes out, your work is lost. When you press “Save,” the document is written to your hard drive or SSD, where it stays until you need it again.