A data storage device is a is a device that is used to record or store electronic data. A typical data storage device that is used with a computer can be removable or non-removable. Data storage devices that are used with a computer typically include the hard disk drive and a CD/DVD writer. Other types of data storage devices include a flash drive, a floppy drive and a tape drive.
Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive is the main storage device that is used with a computer. The hard disk drive is used to store data as well as the computer's operating system. A hard disk drive can come with various amounts of storage, which can include 100 gigabytes up to 500 gigabytes and even 1 terabyte. A hard disk drive uses a magnetic disk or platter to store data.
CD/DVD Writers
A CD/DVD writer is a storage device that uses a CD or DVD disk to store data. A typical CD can store up to 700 megabytes of data. A DVD disk can store more than 4 gigabytes of data. A CD writer and DVD writer are available as separate components or available in one unit that is referred to as a combo drive. A CD/DVD writer requires computer software to write data to the disk.
Flash Drive
A flash drive is known as a portable storage device. This is because a flash drive is connected to a computer through the USB port. A flash drive is small and compact and can store from 1 gigabyte up to 16 gigabytes or more of data. A flash drive is typically plug-and-play compatible, which means that it is available to use immediately after connecting it to a computer.
Floppy Drive
A floppy drive is an older type of storage device that was used with a computer system. Floppy drives progressed from a 5 ¼ drive to a 3 ½ inch drive. A 5 ¼ inch drive used a magnetic disk that was encased in vinyl and could store up to 1.2 megabyte of data. A 3 ½ inch floppy drive used a magnetic disk that was encased in plastic that could store up to 1.44 megabytes of data. The most common type of floppy drive used with a computer was the 3 1/2-inch floppy drive.
Tape Drive
A tape drive is a device that uses a magnetic tape or cartridge to store data. Tape drives are primarily used to backup data because the seek times are considerably slower than other types of storage. A tape drive can range from several hundred megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes of data storage depending on the size of the cartridge. Most tape drives connect to a computer by a USB cable.
Tags: device that, storage device, hard disk, that used, used with
