subject: A solid state drive or a solid state disk [print this page] A solid state drive or a solid state disk
Computer memory refers to the way in which data is arranged on a machine or a computer in a system which is designed to store such information in a similar way to our own brains, which explains the term "computer memory." Basically, computer memory denotes the physical devices used to store programs or data either permanently, in which case the information is stored on computer memory, or on a temporary basis, on storage devices such as a memory cards or a solid state disk.
Storage devices such a solid state disk or memory cards are used for slower physical systems, whereas computer memory is used for information which is quick to access. Storage denotes permanent data in computing, and computer memory refers temporary state devices.
A solid state drive or a solid state disk (SSD) is a data storage device. This uses solid state memory to hold persistent data data which would be lost if the computer were to shut down. Traditional hard disk drives, otherwise known as HDD, make use of electromechanical devices like spinning disks or movable read/write heads. A solid state disk or drive does not have any moving parts, but instead uses a non volatile memory chip or a micro chip.
A solid state disk or drive has many advantageous features in comparison to traditional hard disk drives. They are quieter, with lower access time, latency, and they are also less prone to physical shock. They can also be used on the same interface as a hard disk drive, making it easy to switch from a hard disk drive over to a solid state disk drive in most applications.
A method of storing data on a solid disk drive is by using memory cards. Memory cards, or flash cards, are electronic flash computer memory storage devices which can be used for storing information. Memory cards are often used for electronic devices such as digital cameras, laptops, mobile phones, games consoles and MP3 players. Memory cards are small and over time have been able to decrease in size over time as technology has become more advanced. They are also re-recordable and can hold information without power. Memory cards allow information to be transferred from one computer to another with ease, and their portability makes them easy to take to work, university or school. Memory cards also hold much more data than a traditional format such as a floppy disk. The disadvantages are that memory cards can be expensive when purchasing memory cards with the intention to store a large amount of data on them, and they can also transfer viruses from one computer to another. The advantage of their small size can also become a disadvantage in that the smaller that memory cards become, the easier they are to lose.
