Removable storage, in computing terms, is any form of data storage that is not built into the computer itself. In addition to providing a form of backup by removing data from a centralized computer system, it is also much more portable than an entire computer, allowing people to easily transport data from a wide variety of locations.
CDs are a type of removable storage.
In the early days of the computer, punch cards and magnetic tape were the operating methods of removable storage. Punched cards have been used to store data for centuries, but they were particularly well suited to computing because they lent themselves well to storing data in binary format. Magnetic tape was the next step up from punch cards, allowing computer users to store more data on faster recording media. Ironically, punched cards are actually a more stable form of removable storage than magnetic tape, which can be easily corrupted.
Flash drives are a form of removable storage.
As computers became more widespread, floppy disks and compact discs (CDs) became a more widely used form of removable storage. Both had larger capacities than previous methods, and companies were constantly scrambling to make larger capacity discs as computers generated ever-increasing file sizes. While earlier compact storage was measured in kilobytes, later forms were capable of storing much larger files: most CDs, for example, can store data measured in megabytes.
Floppy disks were a widely used form of removable storage.
Another form of compact storage takes the form of removable hard drives and flash drives. Flash drives are also known as memory cards or USB sticks. Both types of removable storage can store gigabytes of data and can be written quickly through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Some manufacturers make removable hard drives that can be connected to FireWire, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), or parallel ports, although most take advantage of USB technology.
USB cables are used to connect devices, such as external hard drives, to computers.
The wide range of options in the field of removable storage allows users to select the technology that works best for them. Disks are very useful for temporary storage or shipping of data to other locations, and are often used by graphic designers to literally ship large files rather than attempting to transfer very large files over an Internet connection. Many companies also use disks for backup, although this practice has been questioned due to the long-term instability of these storage methods. Many consumers prefer removable hard drives or flash drives for fast data exchange between multiple computers and ease of portability—many flash drives, for example, can fit on a keychain.
SD card is a type of flash memory card that can be used with computers, digital cameras, and other devices.
Backing up data using removable storage devices protects against data loss in the event of a hard drive malfunction.
