introduction
A file structure allow applications to read , write and modify data. It might also support finding the data that matches some search criteria or reading through the data in some particular order
Primary storage refers to the computer’s memory, which connects directly to the computer’s CPU. which known as random access memory (RAM) which is a volatile form of storage.
Volatile storage means that you totally lose data when you switch the system off.
Aside from the RAM, two other primary storage areas can be found; these are on the CPU itself; the Processor registers and the Processor cache.
The Processor register is some form of small storage which resides on the CPU and can contain data which can be accessed quickly.
The processor registers are measured by the amount of data the can hold, that is either, 8 bit, 32 bit or 64 bit.
Processor cache on the other hand is used by the CPU for reducing the time it takes to access the main memory.
It stores data coming from the most frequently used applications of the CPU.
During normal operations, the CPU checks the processor cache before checking the main memory, making the processing time faster.
Secondary storage devices are external in nature and non-volatile as compared to primary storage devices.
Secondary storage devices do not lose data even when they are turned off. Hence, they are the ideal back-up and data storage devices.
Examples of secondary storage devices include; Hard disk, CD and DVD , flash memory , floppy disks , magnetic tape , RAM disks , also called SSDs , ZIP drives , and punch cards.
Since secondary storage devices are not attached to the computer’s CPU, it takes a longer time for the CPU to access them.
Secondary storage devices need to be formatted before they can store data.
Secondary storage devices are formatted based on a filesystem format and data are organized into files and directories.
It also includes other pertinent information about the data, which is described in what is called the metadata.
This type of computer storage device is not as popular as the other two storage device types.
Its main use is for storing data at a very large-scale. This includes optical jukeboxes and tape libraries.
Tertiary storage devices require a database to organize the data that are stored in them, and the computer needs to go through the database to access those data.
It is not directly connected to the computer and is used as a transfer medium only.
Offline storage devices are remotely located and accessed as per need only.
This storage device also needs human intervention to be read properly by the main computer system.