Computer data storage

Computer data storage is a technology that consists of computer components and recording media that is used to store digital data. Computer data storage is a subset of information technology. There are many different types of computers, but the most important is the personal computer (PC).

Data manipulation and calculation are carried out by the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. A storage hierarchy ( 468–473) is used by practically all computers in reality. This hierarchy places fast but costly storage alternatives near the CPU and slower but less expensive and bigger storage options further away from the CPU. On a basic level, quick volatile technology (which lose data when current is shut off) are referred to as "memory," while slower persistent technologies are referred to as "storage."

Early computer designs, such Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and Percy Ludgate's Analytical Machine, made a clear distinction between processing and storage. When it comes to the Von Neumann architecture, the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit are two of the primary components of the central processing unit (CPU) (ALU). ASICs are divided into two types: those that manage data flow between the CPU and memory and those that conduct arithmetic and logical operations on data (also known as processors).