Dictionary · Certification Terminology
Storage Drive
Storage · Beginner
Persistent storage that keeps data after power is removed. Hard-disk drives use spinning platters, and solid-state drives use flash memory.
This is where the operating system, applications, and files live. It is slower than working memory and much larger. Failure or encryption of this device is why backups exist.
Example: A solid-state drive replaces a spinning disk and shortens boot time because there is no platter to spin up.
Common misconception
- A full drive is not the same problem as full working memory, even though both make a computer feel slow.