Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Memory) - SS2 ICT Lesson Note
Secondary memory is a type of memory that provides long-term storage for data and programs. It is not directly accessible by the CPU and is used to store data that is not currently being actively processed. There are various types of secondary memory:
i) Flash Drive:
A flash drive, also known as a USB drive or thumb drive, is a portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is removable, lightweight, and can be easily connected to computers through USB ports. Flash drives are commonly used for transferring files and creating backups.
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ii) Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
A hard disk drive is a magnetic storage device that uses rapidly rotating disks coated with magnetic material to store data. HDDs offer large storage capacities at relatively lower costs. They are commonly found in desktop computers and servers, providing both primary and secondary storage options.
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iii) Compact Disk (CD):
A compact disk is an optical storage medium that uses laser technology to read and write data. CDs are used for storing music, software, and various types of data. There are different types of CDs, such as CD-ROM (Read-Only Memory), CD-R (Recordable), and CD-RW (Rewritable).
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iv) Digital Video Disk (DVD):
Similar to CDs, DVDs are also optical storage media, but they offer higher storage capacities. DVDs are used to store larger amounts of data, including videos, movies, and software. Like CDs, there are different types of DVDs, such as DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD-RW.
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In summary, secondary memory (flash drives, HDDs, CDs, DVDs) offers larger storage capacities for long-term data retention and backups.