Magnetic Storage Devices

MAGNETIC STORAGE DEVICES

In general, memory units are the devices used to store the information (Input and output) in the forms of bits [ 8 bit = 1 Byte ].

The memory units are mainly classified into two categories.

1. Main Memory (Primary) (or) Internal Memory

2. Auxillary Memory (Secondary) (or) External Memory

Main Memory: The memory unit of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is called as main memory. We can compare a black board to main memory. Here we can write so many datas on the memories and finally can be erased, if we need to erase it.

Examples: RAM, ROM, EPROM, etc.

Auxillary memory: Since the storage capacity of the primary memories are not sufficient, Secondary (or) auxillary memory units are developed to store the large volume of data, separately and hence called as extra (or) additional (or) external memory.

This type of memory is also referred to as back-up storages because, it is used to store large volume of data on a permanent basis.

The datas in auxillary memory can also be transferred to primary memory (i.e.,) to computer partially, when required for processing. This can be compared to a book, from which we can access (or) take copies as we need.

Examples

1. Magnetic tapes (Cassettes)

2. Magnetic disk (Floppy and Hard disc)

3. Magnetic Bubble memories

4. Magnetic Hard Disk Drive (HDD)