Someone thinks this is very simple information, do they really need additional explanations? But there are people who ask the question “Permanent storage device serves what?”, And this is not uncommon, so I would like to introduce a little clarity regarding this topic.
What is read only memory?
Permanent storage device is used to store data presented in electronic form. There is another wording more understandable to the average user. Permanent storage device is used to store programs that are used on electronic devices. Often it is made in the form of a rectangle, inside which there is the necessary hardware that can provide storage of a limited amount of data in conditions when a constant electric voltage is not supplied. In other words, the ROMs have an energy-independent memory in which the necessary data is stored. If a person reads these words, then we can conclude that he is already using ROM, since he is using the corresponding device. If you want to see the device with your own eyes, then this can be done. How - depends on the device from which this article is read. If from a computer, then you need to remove the protective panel from the system unit and look at the front of the computer. There you can see a rather small device measuring 20 * 10 * 4 centimeters or so (attention, now we are talking about the system unit of the computer, and not about the laptop, do not confuse). The ROM looks like a piece of black plastic, bound on the sides with iron plates.
So, we can say that the permanent storage device serves to store answers to all possible questions, because it is there that all the information that the user saves on his computer is saved. But storage media will be considered in more detail below.
What are they like?
By the features of their use, two types of ROM can be distinguished:
- Wearable. This may include those permanent storage devices that are convenient to use when carrying from one computer or electrical device to another. These include electronic storage books, flash drives and many other similar devices in terms of functionality.
- Stationary These devices are designed to be installed once and used for years. That ROM that is installed in the computer belongs to this type.
What is the difference between read-only memory devices?
Until recently, the main and most significant difference between the two was the amount of information that could be recorded. So, the main carriers were magnetic tapes and their derivatives - floppy disks, which had hundreds and thousands of times less memory than computer hard drives. But time passed, and now portable ROMs are not inferior to stationary ones in the amount of memory, sometimes being computer hard drives modified for transfer. But even now, a tangible difference has remained:
- The size. As a rule, portable storage devices are nevertheless designed for a smaller amount of memory, therefore it is quite natural that they are smaller in size.
- Various types of connections to the computer itself, as well as connection points: external and internal (outside the system unit and inside it).
- Speed of interaction. This is probably noticed by many readers. If transferring files between folders on the computer itself takes seconds, then transferring from an external device to the computer’s memory will take minutes.
Portable storage devices
Portable storage devices include the following electronics:
- Electronic funded books. This read-only memory is used to store huge amounts of data. So, these books are similar in size to ordinary books made of paper, but the amount of data that can be placed on them is impressive: it is up to 10 Terabytes (there are such copies on sale at the time of writing).
- Discs based on laser technology (CD, DVD, etc.). Probably, many can find small collections of such media on which there were games or films, and some even now, in the era of the Internet and free access to information, buy them for a home collection.
- Devices on magnetic tape (floppy disks are now practically not used).
- Reusable electronic storage media created using flash technology (popularly known as flash drives). A small permanent storage device is used to store data up to several units or tens of gigabytes in size.
Stationary storage devices
These include:
- Hard drives that are installed on computers.
- Entire information storage systems that can be seen in huge data storage centers.
Tips for choosing a ROM
And now, knowing in general and in general what permanent storage devices are intended for, it will not be out of place to find out which device to choose. But in order to avoid unpleasant disappointment, you must first understand the system of calculating data. The fact is that such devices work on a binary system, for which the number 1024 is important. It just so happened that 1 gigabyte has 1024 megabytes, 1 megabyte has 1024 kilobytes, etc. (this is a topic for a separate article). And media manufacturers sometimes act dishonestly and take the number 1000 as a basis, rounding off the value. You can buy a flash drive for 16,000 megabytes and they will tell you that it is 16 gigabytes, but in reality there will be only 14.9 GB. And now for the tips:
- When buying, always check whether the indicated face value on the drive matches the real situation. Ask the seller to check on the computer installed in the store. In stores that value customers, such a procedure is provided for by the regulation, so you can not worry and feel free to ask.
- Inspect the permanent storage device for external damage. The performance test from point 1 here will also be useful.
- Check the quality of the nests. If damage is visible, select another item.
- And always remember about the rights of the buyer in case of purchase of defective goods.
And finally, let's repeat: read-only memory serves to store what? Data submitted in electronic form. We hope that after reading this article, any reader will be able to answer this question without any hitch.