SECONDARY STORAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Secondary storage, also referred to as auxiliary storage or non-volatile memory, is a type of computer storage used to retain data for long-term or persistent storage. It is an essential component of a computer system and serves as an additional storage medium to supplement the primary storage, which primarily consists of random-access memory (RAM).
Unlike primary storage, such as RAM, which is volatile and loses its content when power is switched off, secondary storage retains data even when the computer is powered down. It is non-volatile and therefore capable of storing vast amounts of data for extended periods.
Secondary storage devices typically have larger storage capacities compared to primary storage; however, they have slower access times and are considered to be secondary, or less frequently accessed, storage locations. Popular examples of secondary storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical drives (such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs), magnetic tape drives, and USB flash drives.
Secondary storage enables users to save and access large volumes of files, applications, and programs that may not fit into the limited primary storage available in a computer system. While primary storage allows fast data access and retrieval, secondary storage offers a cost-effective and durable solution for long-term data storage, backup, and archiving purposes. It plays a crucial role in providing permanent storage for digital content, ensuring data accessibility and preservation over extended periods.
Common Misspellings for SECONDARY STORAGE
- aecondary storage
- zecondary storage
- xecondary storage
- decondary storage
- eecondary storage
- wecondary storage
- swcondary storage
- sscondary storage
- sdcondary storage
- srcondary storage
- s4condary storage
- s3condary storage
- sexondary storage
- sevondary storage
- sefondary storage
- sedondary storage
- secindary storage
- seckndary storage
- seclndary storage
Etymology of SECONDARY STORAGE
The word "secondary" commonly refers to something that is of lesser importance, subordinate, or additional. Meanwhile, "storage" is the act of keeping or preserving something for future use.
When combined, "secondary storage" refers to a type of computer storage that is used to keep data and information that is not immediately needed for processing. This includes devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), magnetic tapes, optical media (CDs, DVDs), and other external storage devices.
The etymology of the word "secondary storage" stems from the fact that primary storage (RAM, cache) is considered the primary or main storage, as it is directly accessible by the central processing unit (CPU). Secondary storage is therefore secondary in importance, as it is used for long-term storage and for storing data that is not actively being used by the computer system.
Similar spelling words for SECONDARY STORAGE
- secondary emission,
- second thought,
- secondary censorship,
- second stomach,
- secondary diagonal,
- second trimester,
- secondary education,
- secondary dentition,
- secondary syphilis,
- secondary winding,
- secondary amenorrhea,
- secondary cell,
- secondary coil,
- secondary school,
- second-hand store.
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