subject: Memory Cards Are Also Known As Flash Cards [print this page] Data or information is stored and categorised on a computer or machine in a manner similar to the way information is stored in our minds, which offers an explanation for the term computer memory. Essentially, this refers to the physical devices which store data or programs on either a temporary or permanent basis. If the information is stored permanently, it is likely to be stored on the computer memory, however if it is to be temporarily saved, it is likely to be stored on a storage device such as a solid state disk.
These temporary storage devices are generally implemented for the purpose of slower physical systems. The memory of a computer on the other hand, is used to store quick-to-access information. The word storage refers to wherever permanent data is used in computing, while computer memory denotes temporary state devices.
A solid state drive such as a solid state disk or SSD is a data storage device which utilises solid state memory in order to save information which would be lost in the event that the computer lost power. This is referred to as persistent data. Standard HDD or hard disk drives are drives which involve moving mechanical parts such as read/write heads and spinning disks. This is not true for SDDs, as these make use of a microchip or a non-volatile memory chip.
SSDs have many benefits in comparison to using traditional HDDs, mainly due to the fact they are smaller (Therefore portable) and less likely to break if exposed to physical shock. They also have lower access time and latency and are generally quieter than most HDDs (Consider the grinding noise a floppy disc tends to make). They are also versatile, as they can be used on the same interface as a standard hard disk drive. This also means that it is easier to switch from a hard disk drive to a solid state disk drive in most instances.
Memory cards are a type of solid disk drive which can be used to store information. Also known as flash cards, memory cards are commonly used to store information such as imaging on cameras, multiple tracks on MP3 players, pictures and video on mobile phones, saved games on games consoles, and many different forms of information on a PC or laptop. Memory cards are small, but as they have decreased in size over time, this also means they have become easier to lose. Another disadvantage is that they can carry viruses from one computer to another and can be expensive depending on how much memory or storage space they have. Despite this, they are highly portable, re-recordable, and can store much more information than traditional hard disk drives, making them one of the most popular methods of storing data.
