Memory

Computers play a significant role in our lives today. Therefore, whenever the digital era makes strides, so does the computers. And the more they get improved, the more we require data storage. Of course, all the computers come with a memory of their own. But, it is a fact that not all information can be stored on a single computer. That’s why it is essential to have some external memory storage devices. Now, this is where the USBs, Pendrive and memory cards step in.

The term ”memory” is used for anything in a computer that stores data, even temporarily. In other words, anything to which a computer can write information and later read it back counts as a memory storage device. The hard disks, RAM, flash storage, tape drivers, and CD/DVD ROM are all part of this. We know that most of you have, at some point in your lives, using an external memory storage device. Though you can find them in all sizes and shapes today, they too had their humble beginnings. From huge fridge-sized storage cards to flash drives, today the memory storage devices are much smaller. They have now become part and parcel of our modern lives. Therefore, it is no harm in understanding what these memory storage devices are capable of. In this article, you get to know the various types of computer memory storage devices and a few tips for a smart purchase.

Understanding computer memory storage devices

If you were a child of the 90s, you would probably remember putting your school projects in a floppy. They were lightweight, slim and portable too. Though they couldn’t hold large amounts of information, they were perfect for transporting or storing small amounts of data. However, gone are those days of CDs and floppy discs. Today, with the advent of more powerful and smart storage devices, such as a USB, Pendrive, and a memory card, storing data has become hassle-free. It is easy to plug them in, move data onto them and take it with you. If you look at them, you’ll see that there are a wide range of storage devices that come in various styles and shapes nowadays. We’ve here enlisted some of the most popular ones that you can consider while buying a storage device for yourself.

Storing information onto SD card/Micro SD cards

From high-end cameras to trendy smartphones, you’ll find memory cards everywhere these days. As you all know, the SD memory card is a kind of small storage medium. But, their storage capacity is boundless. Today memory card offers you storage capacity from as low as 8 GB to a 32 GB memory card, a 64GB and as high as 128 GB. And the best part, the sizes of all these remain small. Moreover, they are cost-effective too. For example, a smartphone with high storage capacity may cost you more than buying an SD card with high storage facility. Besides that, their incredibly small size makes them highly portable and ensure an easy removable process. Yet, it doesn’t mean that these storage devices aren’t flawless. First of all, like any other storage device, they can break easily. Apart from that, they have limited read cycles too.

The difference between a flash drive and a USB memory stick

USB sticks and flash drives are two paramount things in the world of computers. Both of them are similar in many ways. But, you’ll still find significant differences between the two if you have a deeper understanding. In other words, inside the plastic case, a 32 GB Pendrive looks similar to its USB stick counterpart. Moreover, both use Nand flash technology. However, it is the compatibility factor that’ll be the deciding factor for you when you head to purchase such type of storage devices. For instance, you can use flash drives with anything that has a USB port. However, USB sticks are device-specific. They are not directly readable by a standard personal computer. You require a separate memory card reader for it. Well, to put it simply, memory sticks are fighting to survive while the flash drives are on the boom.

Exploring the various facets of memory adapters

Memory card adapters or readers are one of the most important devices when it comes to storage devices. Typically, an adapter converts a specific type of memory card into another format or size as required to read the data. Moreover, you’ll find a range of these adapters out there. One of the most common types or formats of the adapter is SD or Secure Digital. However, there are times when some of the available readers may not read the storage cards like micro SDs. In such cases, you’ll require an adapter to convert it into a bigger size so that you can insert them into a memory card reader. Also, you can easily connect the memory card adapter to any USB port on a computer. In other words, a USB adapter functions just like a flash drive.