REMOVABLE STORAGE DEVICES:

A storage device is a computer hardware component that writes and reads

information or instructions to and from the storage media.
STORAGE DEVICES ARE KNOWN AS I/O DEVICES.
Some storage Output device Input device
devices have a When storage device writes When storage device reads data
built-in storage data (or programs) on the from the disk and loads it into
media such as storage medium, it performs RAM, it performs function as
hard disk drive. A its function as output device. input device.
removable
It is a writing process It is a reading process.
storage drive is
storage devices record a storage device transfers
used for storing
information from memory to information from storage medium
and transporting
a storage medium into the computer’s memory. (For
data from one
use by the operating system or
computer to
application program
another. It is not
incorporated into the computer itself. It connects to a computer through a USB
port. It is also much more portable than an entire computer

 ADVANTAGES OF REMOVABLE STORAGE DEVICES:

There are several reasons why removable storage is useful:
 Commercial software
 Making back-up copies of important information
 Transporting data between two computers
 Storing software and information that you don't need to access constantly
 Copying information to give to someone else
 Securing information that you don't want anyone else to access
 TYPES OF
REMOVABLE
STORAGE
DEVICES:
 Flash memory
 External hard disk
 CDs
 DVDs
 Smart card

TYPES OF REMOVABLE STORAGE DEVICES

 FLASH MEMORY:
Flash memory, data-storage medium used with computers and other electronic
devices. Unlike previous forms of data storage, flash memory is an EEPROM
(electronically erasable programmable read-only memory) form of computer
memory and thus does not require a power source to retain the data.  Flash memory
was named after its capability to erase a block of data in a flash. Flash-based media
is based on a silicon substrate. Also known as solid-state devices, they are widely
used in both consumer electronics an Enterprise storage data.

Flash memory is extremely durable and can withstand intense

pressure or extreme temperatures.
ADVANTAGES OF
FLASH MEMORY

It is a lot less It can be used for a It does not require

expensive than wide array of batteries for solid-
electrically erasable applications such
programmable read- state storage such
as digital cameras, as static RAM
only mobile phones,
memory (EEPROM). laptop computers,
(SRAM).
PDAs (personal
It has a higher digital assistants),
resistance to digital audio It has a very fast
kinetic shock players and solid- access time and is
compared to a state drives non-voltile.
hard disc drive. (SSDs).
  TYPES OF FLASH MEMORIES:
Different types of flash memories are available. Some common types of flash
memories are given below:
NAMES STORAGE USAGE
CAPACITY
Compact flash (CF) 512MB-100GB Used in digital cameras,
smart phones, PDAs, photo
printers, PCs etc.
Multimedia card Up to 512GB Used in digital cameras,
MP3 players
Smart Media card Up to 128MB used in digital cameras.

Secure Digital card 512MB-8GB Used in digital cameras,

(SD) smart phones, portable
media player.
Secure digital high 512-32GB Used in digital cameras
capacity (SDHCH)
Micro SD 1GB-2GB Used in game consoles,
navigation devices.
Micro SDHC 4GB-16GB Used in portable game
consoles, media players
xD Picture Card 256MB-2GB Used in digital cameras,
photo printers
Memory Stick and Up to 16GB Used as memory cards and
Memory Stick Micro in smart phones.
(M2)
  EXTERNAL HARD DISK:
An external drive is just a hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD)
connected to a computer on the outside rather than on the inside. Some external
drives draw power over their data cable, which of course comes from the
computer itself, while others may require an AC wall connection to derive power
on their own.

 About External Hard Drives

Internal hard drives can even be converted into external hard drives via what's
called a hard drive enclosure. External hard drives come in varying storage
capacities, but they all connect to a computer either

by USB, FireWire, eSATA, or wirelessly. External

hard drives are sometimes called portable hard
drives. A flash drive is one common, and very
portable, type of external hard drive.

EXTERNAL HARDDISK

Internal Drives Versus External Drives :

EXTERNL HARD DRIVE INTERNAL HARD DRIVE
Internal hard drives are External storage devices first run
connected directly to through the outside of the computer
the motherboard case, and then  directly to the
motherboard.
Operating systems and software External hard drives are used for
installation files are generally non-system files, like photos,
installed to internal drives. videos, documents of those types.
 Internal hard drives draw power External hard drives are powered
from the power supply inside a either through their data cable or
computer. via dedicated AC power.
Here the entire computer has to be Data can be compromised much
taken, or the hard drive removed easier if it's stored on an external
from the inside, before someone hard drive because they're
can have physical access to your generally located on a desk or
files. table, making them very easy to
pick up and steal

 ADVANTAGES OF EXTERNAL HARD DISK:

 Extra space
the function of an external hard drive is to provide some much-needed extra
storage space. If memory is used up or about to get saturated and replacing current
hard drive is out of the question, getting an external hard drive is a wise decision.
There will be more space to unload your computer and boost its performance

 Storage for old files

If you have files that have been sitting on computer for months (or years) but you
still cannot get around to deleting, you might find an external hard drive very
useful. With an external hard drive, old files may be transferred and memory freed
up to.

 Backup important data

Many computer users fail to back up their data. If there is no available space on
your computer then use an external hard drive to store extra copies of your files.

 Convenient and handy

External hard drives are smaller, lighter and more portable than a laptop, so these
can be detached, carried around without requiring a lot of space. These are handy
enough.

 Security
Some external hard drives allow encryption, so once files are transferred, they as
good as hieroglyphics to anyone who wishes to access them without permission.
Once data has been saved, simply turn off the external hard drive and detach it.
Even if it remains attached to your computer, no hacker will be able to access your
files from anywhere.

 COMPACT DISK(CDs):

compact disc (CD), a molded plastic disc containing digital data that is scanned

by a laser beam for the reproduction of recorded sound and other information. A
standard CD is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick. It is composed of a
clear polycarbonate plastic substrate, a reflective metallic layer, and a clear
protective coating of acrylic plastic. The
reflective metallic layer is where audio
data is read and contrasting flat
regions that are arranged in a spiral
track winding from the disc’s inner
hole to its outer edge.

COMPACT DISK (CD)

 DIGITAL VERSATILE DISK (DVD):

DVD is a type of optical disc used for data
storage and as a platform for multimedia. Its most
prominent commercial application is for playing
back recorded motion
pictures and television programs (hence
the designation “digital video disc”), though read-
only, recordable, and even erasable and rewritable
versions can be used on personal computers to store large quantities of almost any
kind of data (hence “digital versatile disc”).
DVDs