Primary and Secondary storage

Primary and Secondary storage

1. primary storage typically refers to random access memory RAM

2. secondary storage refers to the computer's internal hard drive RAM commonly called memory

3. Primary storage also known as main storage or memory is the area in a computer in which data is stored for quick access

4. Difference between Primary storage and secondary storage. Primary memory is the main memory (Hard disk, RAM) where the operating system resides. Secondary memory can be external devices like CD, floppy magnetic discs etc. secondary storage cannot be directly accessed by the CPU and is also external memory storage.

5. Secondary storage therefore needed because it is non-volatile, meaning it retains its contents without the need for a power supply. It also has the large storage capacity needed to store the operating system and all the programs and files needed by a modern computer system. Secondary storage therefore needed because it is non-volatile, meaning it retains its contents without the need for a power supply. It also has the large storage capacity needed to store the operating system and all the programs and files needed by a modern computer system.