Hardware components of the PC
Storage devices

Computer hardware consists of two types of storage devices, primary and secondary. The primary storage is the main memory or RAM, and this storage is temporary, as all data is lost when power is removed. The secondary storage is where software is loaded and stored on a more permanent basis. The standard secondary storage devices that are main components in most PCs include floppy drives, hard drives, CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Additional storage devices can be added and are covered in Unit 5, Service and Support for PC Peripherals.

• Floppy drives
• How information is stored on a magnetic spinning disk
• Hard drives
• Hard drive dimensions
• The Compact Disc (CD)
• How information is stored on the compact disc
• The Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)