Data Storage

Primary & Secondary Memory
(Data Storage)

ICT/CompSci

1. Primary storage
2. Secondary storage

There are two main types of storage that exist in a computer:

Primary Storage

is computer storage that is accessed directly by the CPU.

In most cases, primary memory refers to RAM & ROM.

Examples of Primary Storage (memory)

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Multiple Choice

what is meant by primary memory?

• Refers to storage devices, fixed or removable

• Computer memory that is accessed directly by the CPU.

Difference characteristic between RAM & ROM

​Characteristic of RAM	​Characteristic of ROM
​Volatile storage/temporary storage, means it required power to store data, if the computer turned off the data are lost.	​Non-volatile/permanent storage, means if the power off the data in ROM are retained.
​Stores data and programs that are currently in use by computer.	​Stores data that initially boot the computer, such as the BIOS
​The contents are constantly being changed as data processed by the CPU.	​The contents in ROM are fixed and do not normally change.
​It is possible to increase the amount of RAM a computer has by adding further RAM components.	It is not easy to alter the ROM available in a computer (on board/fixed)

Multiple Choice

Which one is the example of primary memory?

• Hard disk

• USB

• Blu-ray

• ROM

• Floppy Disk

Multiple Choice

What does RAM stands for?

• Random Area Memory

• Random Asia Manager

• Random Access Memory

• Read Only Memory

Secondary Memory

Refers to storage devices, fixed or removable


The memory where data is stored on a long-term basis.

There are 3 main types of secondary storage:
1. Magnetic
2. Optical
3. Solid-state storage

1. Magnetic storage: a type of secondary storage that uses the properties of magnetism to store data.

2. Optical storage: a type of secondary storage that uses laser to store data.

3. Solid-state storage: a type of secondary storage that uses transistor to store data.

Other Examples of Secondary Memory (Storage)

• Virtual memory

• Hard Disk (HDD)

• Solid State Drive (SSD)

• External Hard Disk

• CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray

• Flash Drive / USB (Universal Serial Bus)

• Online Storage / Cloud Storage

Multiple Choice

What is meant by secondary memory?

• Refers to storage devices, fixed or removable

• Computer memory that is accessed directly by the CPU. In most cases, primary memory refers to system RAM.

Open Ended

Please mention 3 types of secondary storage

Fill in the Blanks

What does USB stands for?

Multiple Select

Please choose 2 Examples of secondary memory

• DVD

• ROM

• RAM

• External Hard Disk

THANK YOU