GLOSSARY

8 bits.

The smallest unit of stored data on a computer. It can only take one of two values. For simplicity, these values are assigned the numbers 1 or 0. It is similar to a lightbulb that can only be in one of two states: on or off. Bits can be stored in many different ways. Many years ago, computers stored data on paper punch cards. In each location, there would either be a hole punched in the paper or there would be no hole. In hard disk drives, the spinning disks are divided into millions of locations. Each location can either be magnetized or not. In RAM, there are millions of locations where electricity can be stored. Each of these locations can exist in 2 states: either they hold electricity or they don’t.

A type of storage medium that stores its data on computer chips. Unlike RAM, the data on an SSD remains even after the power is shut off. An SSD is faster than an HDD and less fragile, due to having no moving parts. SSDs are more expensive than HDDs.

1. The main permanent storage device in a person’s computer. Data can be read from (retrieved from) or written to (added to) the hard drive.
2. (Also Hard Disk Drive or HDD) A device that stores computer data on spinning magnetic disks. The disks need to spin extremely fast so that data can be accessed quickly. HDDs are known for their low cost and ability to store very large amounts of data. They are also more fragile and slower than other forms of storage that contain no moving parts, such as the SSD (a type of drive that stores data on computer chips).

A device that stores data. Also can refer to a device that retrieves data (such as from a CD or DVD). Examples are: USB drives, CD Drives, Hard Drives.

A type of storage made up of computer chips that is able to move data extremely quickly. It is much faster than other forms of storing data. However, it is more expensive and it loses all of the information stored within it when electricity stops being supplied (when the computer is turned off). RAM is used to store information on whatever the computer is working on right now, that it needs access to immediately. To provide an analogy, imagine that you have a filing cabinet filled with documents and other things you need. The filing cabinet would be like a permanent storage medium.  When you are working on something, you take it out from the filing cabinet and put it on your desk. All of the things that you are currently working on, stay on your desk. Your desk is like RAM in this analogy because its easier to access the things that are on it.

Memory refers to any device which can be used to store data. It can also be used to refer to the capacity of data storage. In common language, memory typically refers to a particular type of storage called Random Access Memory (RAM).

Any device that a computer can use to hold data. As long as the storage is connected to the computer, the computer can refer back to or use any data on the storage. Examples are a USB stick, a hard drive, and a CD.