Computer Storage Devices Taylor Howell Computer Storage Devices History and importance

How Do Computers Remember Things? Computer Storage Devices are the memory for computers. Without storage, computers wouldn't exist. Without computer storage: You wouldn't be able to do multiple tasks. You wouldn't be able to save your settings of preferences and personalization.

Different Types of Computer Storage There are two types of computer storage devices: primary and secondary. An example of primary is RAM (Random Access Memory). Secondary storage can be internal or external, and can be removable. A good example of removable storage is a thumb drive. Computer Storage Primary Secondary http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/stordevi.htm

History of Computer Storage In 1928, German engineer, Fritz Pfleumer, invented the magnetic tape: the first computer storage device. This device was first used to record sound, and wasn’t used to record data until the 1950s. During the 1940s, the first ever Random Access Memory was invented by Fredrick C. Williams. http://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Basis/tape.html http://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Basis/images/magnetophon.jpg http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa060998.htm

History of Computer Storage (continued) In the 1950s, the Magnetic Core and the Hard Disk was invented. The Magnetic Core is composed of small magnetic rings made of ceramic, and the hard disk is a flat magnetic surface. Both devices are used to store digital information using magnetics. During the 1960s, Philips invented the audio cassette tape. The audio cassette tape became wildly popular for music purposes. In the same decade, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and Twistor Memory was invented. DRAM are memory cells that contain one transistor, and Twistor Memory conducts an electric current by wrapping magnetic tape around a wire. http://www.zetta.net/history-of-computer-storage/

History of Computer Storage (continued) In the 1970s, IBM introduced 8” floppy disk. Floppy disks were magnetic with plastic casing and were used to store data at a better speed than any removable device. In the latter half of the 1970s, a 5.25” floppy disk was invented by Allan Shugart. This smaller floppy was created to be even faster than the larger 8” one. http://www.zetta.net/history-of-computer-storage/ http://www.talktoanit.com/A+/aplus-website/lessons-storage.html http://webapps.library.gsu.edu/blogs/library/2011/02/21/valuable-vestige-usable-5-25-inch-floppy-drive/

History of Computer Storage (continued) In 1980, the Compact Disc was created. Invented by James Russel, the CD “used light to record and replay music.” One year later, the floppy disk was minimized yet again to 3.5”, and was redesigned to protect the magnetic film inside. http://www.zetta.net/history-of-computer-storage/ http://www.nunet.com.mx/nunet/uploads/cds.png http://www.wired.it/gadget/computer/2014/02/14/nascita-ibm/

Recent Advancements More recent storage device advancements from the 1980s- present: CD Rom (Read Only Memory), DAT (Digital Audio Tape), DDS (Digital Data Storage), DVDs, DLT (Digital Linear Tape), CompactFlash, Zip Drive, Smart Media (memory card), CD-RW (rewritable version of CD-ROM), USB Flash Drive, Blu Ray, SD Card, and Holographic memory. http://www.zetta.net/history-of-computer-storage/

Compatibility Many computer storage devices are specifically made for other devices, not just computers. An example of this would be an SD card for digital cameras; they’re compatible for both computers and cameras, but are made as the storage unit of cameras. http://www.raspberrypi-spy.co.uk/2012/03/raspberry-pi-initial-hardware-setup/ http://www.bestedigitalefotocamera.nl/

Preloaded Devices Many storage devices come preloaded with media content, and aren’t intended for storing additional data. An example of this would be DVDs sold as movies for entertainment purposes instead of storage.

What’s Next? Storage devices have evolved tremendously over the years, but there is still more to come. The “Cloud” is the next big thing. The Cloud is a virtual storage device which is stored on the internet. There have been a few issues with the Cloud, but the future of computer storage devices is heading in that direction. http://osarena.net/faqs/toses-cloud-ipiresies-pos-na-tis-organoso.html