Difference between revisions of "Computer data storage"
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Revision as of 05:59, 7 September 2015
Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, is a technology consisting of computer components and recording media used to retain digital data.
It is a core function and fundamental component of computers.
Contents
Central processing unit (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is what manipulates data by performing computations.
In practice, almost all computers use a storage hierarchy, which puts fast but expensive and small storage options close to the CPU and slower but larger and cheaper options farther away.
Memory and storage
Often the fast volatile technologies (which lose data when powered off) are referred to as "memory", while slower persistent technologies are referred to as "storage"
However, "memory" is sometimes also used when referring to persistent storage.
Von Neumann architecture
In the Von Neumann architecture, the CPU consists of two main parts:
- Control unit
- controls the flow of data between the CPU and memory
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
- Performs arithmetic and logical operations on data
