Computer data storage, often described storage or memory, refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that keep hold of digital data used for computing for some interval of time. Computer data storage make available one of the core functions of the best computer, that of information retention. It is one of the essential components of all best computers, and coupled with a central processing unit (CPU, a processor), implements the fundamental computer model used since the 1940s.

 

In contemporary usage, memory usually refers to a form of semiconductor storage acknowledged as random access memory (RAM) and sometimes other type of fast but temporary storage. Similarly, storage today more normally refers to mass storage - optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, and other types slower than RAM, but of a more permanent nature. Historically, memory and storage were respectively called primary storage and secondary storage.


The contemporary dissimilarities are helpful, because they are also fundamental to the architecture of computers in general. As well, they replicate a considerable and significant technical difference between memory and mass storage devices, which has been blurred by the historical usage of the term storage. Nevertheless, this article uses the traditional categorization.

 

 

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