Essential Guide to Computer Data Storage: From Floppy to DVD, The

Introduction

Memory is the place where a computer can store data and programs and execute them. PC Main memory is a random access solid-state memory (RAM), which enables the computer's CPU (central processing unit) to access instructions and data at a high speed. The reason for the CPU to keep all the important information in RAM is that solid-state memory is much faster than all other computer data storage technologies, such as the hard disk drive, CD-ROM, DVD, and so on.

As was mentioned in Chapter 1, people sometimes confuse the terms storage and memory, since both of them are used to describe computer devices that store information.

One difference here is that storage is designed for less frequently used data or data that could be accessed ...