Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, is a technology

consisting of computer components and recording media used to retain digital data. It is a core function and fundamental component of computers. In contemporary usage, memory is usually semiconductor storage readwrite random-access memory, typically DRAM (Dynamic-RAM) or other forms of fast but temporary storage. Storage consists of storage devices and their media not directly accessible by the CPU, (secondary or tertiary storage), typically hard disk drives, optical disc drives, and other devices slower than RAM but are nonvolatile (retaining contents when powered down).[1] Historically, memory has been calledcore, main memory, real storage or internal memory while storage devices have been referred to as secondary storage, external memory or auxiliary/peripheral storage.

Diskettes

You can use the diskette to store small amounts of information. According to Mediastoragedevices.com, a widely used diskette has a capacity of 1.44 Mb. It records data as magnetized spots on tracks on its surface. Diskettes are portable, allowing you to move data from one computer to another. You have to ensure that you do not store data on the diskette for long periods, because as the magnetic field weakens, you risk losing your stored data

External Hard Disk Drive

You can store large data sets on an external hard disk. An external hard drive is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that is magnetized to represent data. You can access information on the hard disk drive by connecting it to the computer through the USB port. It is not only very fast in accessing files, but it is also more convenient as it has a large capacity to store data for future use.

Optical Disk Storage

A compact disc is an example of an optical disk storage, which offers a good capacity to store information. It has a high laser beam for reading or writing information. It can be classified according to its write or read capability, and it enables you to choose what suits your needs. The CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) has information recorded by the manufacturer, such as applications software. These CDs can be read but not rewritten. The CD- RW (Compact Disk Rewritable) allows you to create your own CD through its write-once-read-many feature. CD-ROM/CD-RW offers you a convenient, safe and inexpensive way to store large data sets given the memory of about 800 megabytes.

USB Flash Drives

The convenience of storing and transferring data in a device that is portable and has a large capacity comes with the USB flash drive. You only have to connect it to the computer through the USB port and transfer data from the computer to the flash drive and vice versa. It comes in various sizes (usually in gigabytes) to suit your usage needs and you can carry it in your pocket or wallet or on your key chain. Apart from being fast in uploading data, it also gives you the option of modifying the stored data by either erasing or rewriting according to your requirements.

USB Drives
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A USB flash drive, usually portable and rewritable, is a type of flash memory storage device that plugs into a computer's USB port. Flash drives are more expensive than hard drives with the same storage capacity.

Floppy Disks
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Floppy disks are a storage medium made of a thin magnetic disk. They were widely used from the 1970s to the early 2000s. On the 3 12-inch microfloppy, common from the late 1980s onward, storage capabilities ranged from the standard 1.44 MB to 200 MB on some versions.

CD-R
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A CD-R, a type of recordable CD, is an optical secondary storage device invented by Sony and Philips. It is also known as a WORM -- write once read many -- medium.

DVD-R
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A DVD-R, a type of recordable DVD, has a storage capacity of usually 4.1 GB. There is also an 8.54-GB dual-layer version, called DVD-R DL.

Magnetic Tape
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Magnetic tape has been in use for more than 50 years. Modern magnetic tape is packaged in cartridges or cassettes and is used for storing data backups, particularly in corporate settings. The average amount of storage is 5 MB to 140 MB for every standard-length reel, which is 2,400 feet.