Computer data storage refers to computer components, recording media and external storage devices that retain digital data used for computing. Memory also refers to a form of temporary storage known as random access memory (RAM). Temporary storage is mainly used for the operational aspect of computing. You can choose between optical discs, hard disks and USB flash drives for storage. Memory and storage once were respectively called primary and secondary storage. The constant advances made in technology have made mass storage devices smaller and smarter.  

Different Storage Devices
Storage devices come in different formats, shapes and sizes. Below listed are the popular storage mediums:  

Floppy
Floppy disks are among the first few storage devices invented decades back and enjoyed years of ubiquitous popularity. They are still used for taking backup and restoring data files in computers. Since floppy disks have less storage space as compared to other storage mediums, it is best used for storing small documents and files. A floppy can also be a good option if you intend to boot a machine externally. You can use floppy disks from Pengo Technologies.  

Hard Drives
A hard drive (HDD), also referred to as a hard disk or a fixed disk drive, stores digitally encoded data on rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. The HDD takes care of all your computing storage requirements. Computing devices use hard drives for all permanent storage requirements. Since hard drives are available in varying storage sizes, you can use it to save music, pictures, installation files, data etc. One very popular manufacturer of hard disks is Samsung.  

CD-ROM
CD-ROM discs took over from where the floppy left in terms of external storage abilities. You can save up to 700 MB of data, music or files on a CD-ROM disc manufactured by MAM-A. However, do not forget that you would need a CD writer to store data onto to the CD–ROM.  

DVD-ROM
The DVD is the next generation CD-ROM. A DVD-ROM disc is about the same physical size but has a higher data and track density. With the help of DVD-ROM, you can save up to seven times the amount of date that a standard 650MB CD-ROM can store. The current capacity of the DVD-ROM is 4.7 GB, while a double-sided disc can store up to 9.4 GB of data. Both are also permanent storage options unless the disc is of the Re-Writable (RW) format. To save several movies, pictures and music files, you can use DVD-ROM discs manufactured by LITE-ON IT Corporation.  

USB Flash Drive
A USB flash drive is a temporary memory device that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed. It is the latest and easiest form of storage and can store data up to 4 GB. You can also use these flash drives to transfer data between computers and digital devices. To be completely assured of the security of your data even under extreme conditions, you need to use USB flash drives. One of the best places from where you can procure custom USB flash drives is USBSMG.  

The usefulness of storage devices in our day to day lives is well recognised. CD ROMs, DVD ROMs or USB flash drives have made data transfer not just fast but relatively simple.