1.3 Illustrate the basics of computing and processin
📘CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61)
What Is Storage?
Storage is the part of a computer system that keeps data, programs, and information for later use.
Unlike memory (RAM), storage keeps data even when the computer is turned off.
Storage is used to:
- Save the operating system
- Store applications and software
- Keep user files (documents, images, databases)
- Hold configuration files and logs
- Store backups and archives
Types of Storage
1. Primary Storage (Memory – Temporary)
Although technically part of memory, the exam may mention it briefly.
- Includes RAM
- Stores data that the CPU is actively using
- Volatile (data is lost when power is off)
- Very fast
- Limited size
👉 Not used for long-term storage
2. Secondary Storage (Permanent Storage)
This is what the exam mainly means by storage.
- Non-volatile (data stays when power is off)
- Used for long-term data storage
- Slower than RAM but much larger in size
Examples:
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- Solid State Drives (SSD)
- Optical media
- Flash storage
- Network and cloud storage
Common Storage Devices
1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Uses magnetic disks to store data
- Has moving parts
- Larger capacity at lower cost
- Slower than SSD
IT usage examples:
- File servers storing shared documents
- Desktop computers with large data storage needs
2. Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Uses flash memory
- No moving parts
- Much faster than HDD
- More durable and energy efficient
- More expensive per GB than HDD
IT usage examples:
- Operating system installation
- Application servers
- Laptops and modern desktops
3. Optical Storage
- Uses laser technology
- Includes:
- CD
- DVD
- Blu-ray
- Mostly used for reading or archiving data
IT usage examples:
- Software installation media
- Archived data storage
- System recovery disks
4. Flash Storage
- Uses solid-state memory
- Portable and removable
- Examples:
- USB flash drives
- Memory cards
IT usage examples:
- Transferring files between systems
- Bootable installation media
- Firmware updates
Storage Capacity Units
The exam expects you to understand data sizes.
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Bit | Smallest unit (0 or 1) |
| Byte | 8 bits |
| KB | Kilobyte |
| MB | Megabyte |
| GB | Gigabyte |
| TB | Terabyte |
➡ Each unit is larger than the previous one.
Local Storage vs Network Storage
Local Storage
- Directly attached to a computer
- Examples:
- Internal HDD
- Internal SSD
- USB drives
Used when:
- Data is needed by one system
- Faster access is required
Network Storage
- Storage accessed over a network
- Centralized storage location
Examples:
- Network Attached Storage (NAS)
- Storage Area Network (SAN)
IT usage examples:
- Shared company files
- Centralized backups
- Multi-user access
Cloud Storage
- Data stored on remote servers
- Accessed via the internet
- Managed by cloud providers
Key features:
- Scalable storage
- Accessible from anywhere
- Often used for backup and synchronization
IT usage examples:
- Cloud backups
- Application data storage
- File synchronization services
Storage Interfaces (How Storage Connects)
The exam may test basic awareness of interfaces:
- SATA – Common for HDDs and SSDs
- NVMe – Very fast SSD interface
- USB – External storage devices
- SCSI / SAS – Used in servers
Storage Performance Factors
1. Speed
- How fast data can be read or written
- SSDs are faster than HDDs
2. Capacity
- Total amount of data that can be stored
3. Reliability
- Ability to store data safely
- SSDs have fewer physical failures due to no moving parts
File Systems (Basic Awareness)
A file system controls how data is stored and retrieved.
Common file systems:
- NTFS
- FAT32
- exFAT
The exam expects basic understanding, not deep technical details.
Storage Use in the Computing Process
Storage works with other components:
- Input provides data
- Data moves from storage to memory
- CPU processes the data
- Output is produced
- Results are saved back to storage
Storage ensures data is available even after system shutdown.
Key Exam Points to Remember
✔ Storage is non-volatile
✔ Used for long-term data retention
✔ Includes HDD, SSD, optical, flash, and cloud storage
✔ SSD is faster; HDD is cheaper per GB
✔ Storage is different from memory (RAM)
✔ Data size units are important
✔ Local, network, and cloud storage serve different needs
Simple Summary
Storage is where computers permanently keep data and programs. It allows systems to save information, load software, store files, and recover data after shutdown. Understanding storage types, devices, and basic concepts is essential for passing the CompTIA ITF+ exam.
