Storage

An area where things are kept for future use, somewhat similar to a closet or cabinet. A computer works as a processor of data. It accepts data and instructions (programs), processes data according to instructions and then outputs the results. It does not, however, remember instructions or data (especially if unit is turned off). A storage area offers the user the ability to enter data and instructions with minimal repetition. In order to do this, the data, instructions, and output files are stored on media known as a disk. There are many different storage devices: Hard Disk Drives, CD-R & CD-RW drives, DVD-RAM drives, Memory Cards (ie. CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MMC, SD), and other electronic storage devices (too many to list). Appliances can have areas to store the power cord or, in a vacuum cleaner, a place to store the dirt that has been picked up. A VCR stores recordings on a vcideocassette. A TiVo or Replay personal video recorder stores programming on a hard drive designed to function directly with your TV