IV STORAGE DEVICES

Components used to store data such as Floppy, ZIP etc.
1. BIOS Stands for “Basic Input Output Set” which is inbuilt on the motherboard, and stores the basic information
about the components installed in the computer, to guide the computer when it is switched on, before the operating
system takes over.
2. Hard Disk, When Power to the PC is switched OFF contents of the memory are lost. It is the Hard Disk which
serves as a bulk, non volatile medium for storage of user files or data or applications. Today a standard Hard Disk is
about 40 GB. Popular models are IBM, Seagate, Quantum etc.
3. Magnetic Disk/Tapes Flash ROMs CD ROMs
These all are different technologies of non-volatile storage mediums used in computers, to store all kinds of data. All
of these basically use a common magnetic medium, either, plastic, vinyl, or tape to store data. Please find below a
comparative analysis of the different media to know more about their function and utility.
4. Unit Measurement: Storage is measured bytes, or the unit for storage is bytes. Typically
1 byte = 8 bits (Each bit represents 0, or 1) There are 256 combinations of bits in 1 Byte for example 00110011,
10101010, 01010101, all represent individual bytes)
1 Kilobyte (Kb) = 1024 bytes
1 Megabyte (Mb) = 1000 Kb or 1,024,000 bytes
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1000 Mb, or 1,000,000 Kb, or 1,024,000,000 bytes
The chart shows different kinds of Storage and their respective comparative analysis based on the attributes that help us
understand their function and utilization.