Hard DisksA hard disk is a device that is used to store large amounts of
data in a computer system. Hard disks differ from other memory because they are non-volatile, they retain the data even when they do not have power. Hard disks store data in small chunks we call 'Sectors'. The surface of the disk inside is divided into rings, like the rings around Saturn. Each chunk of rock/ice holds a fixed amount of data, such as 512 bytes. What DEFRAGMENTING does is it will collect the data, and place it in areas close together (Large clusters) so that it's easier to access in the future, therefore improving accessing speed significantly. The type of file system being used: FAT, FAT32 or NTFS. Cluster size: Larger clusters in general mean better performance for large files. |
Flash Memory CardsA flash memory card is a memory data storage device
used for holding onto information. They are one of the most common memory storage. They are small, re-recordable, and able to retain data without power. Today’s Flash storage devices have an in-built feature called the Flash Memory Controller. This reads and writes the Flash chips on the Flash storage device. If the computer itself is capable of supporting faster data transfer speeds, the use of optimized Flash controllers can result in significant time savings when reading or writing data into the Flash Memory. The computer itself also has limits, and that can affect the perfomance greatly. For example, if the computer only supports USB 2.0 while the Flash Drive is USB 3.0, the storage device won't be able to deliver the high performance. Also, the computer needs to be configured properly to support these fast transfers. |
USB Flash DriveA USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash
memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than an optical disc. The storage, and how much memory your USB can carry. Fragmentation affects performance by a great deal. |
Primary MemoryIt is also called the main memory or the
central memory. This memory is attached on the motherboard. There are two types of primary memory:- ROM (Read Only Memory):-It is permanently in built into the computer at the time of its production. It stores a set of instruction and instructs the computer how to work. The user cannot change these instructions. ROM is non-volatile, that is, when computer goes off the instruction is not lost. RAM (Random Access Memory): - It is short-term memory of volatile memory. That is, when the computer is switched ON, the memory, which available to use is RAM, but when the computer is switched OFF, all the information disappears. RAM is temporary whereas ROM is permanent memory. It is read/write, memory i.e. user can either write on to this memory or read from it. The amount of RAM memory The speed and generation of your CPU (the system clock) |
Secondary MemoryThe secondary memory is the external memory, or the secondary storage device, such as the floppy drive, hard disk, or CD
The size of the Register on your CPU The amount of Cache memory affects the performance for this type of memory |
Tertiary Memoryit is removable media drive such as;
(1) Pen drive (2) IPod The Bus type and speed affect the performance for this type of memory. Also, the |