Memory

Pen Drive

Another term for a USB memory stick.

Virtual Memory

Computers can be configured so part of the hard disk behaves like main memory. The access speed on a hard disk is much slower than the speed of RAM so this isn’t ideal.

Non-Volatile

Dmemory that does not lose its contents when the power is turned off.

Secondary memory

Long term, non-volatile storage media such as CDs, memory sticks, etc.

Secondary Storage

Main memory is also known as Primary Memory or Immediate Access Store. Memory is all about storage so, strictly speaking, storage devices such as hard disks are also a type of memory. These long-term, non-volatile types of storage are also called Secondary Memory.

Virtual Memory

Part of the hard disk that is configured to behave as an extension to main memory.

Volatility

RAM is described as volatile, it loses its contents if there is no power. The hard disk is designed for long term storage of files and is non-volatile memory.

Ram

RAM is the type of memory used in the computer's main memory. The main purpose of RAM is to act as temporary storage for programs and data, just for the duration of that program.

Rom

ROM is Read Only Memory; you cannot write over the contents once it has been created. It is also non-volatile; you can leave the computer switched off for months and it will still start up as soon as it has power again.

Magnetic Media

Secondary storage such as hard disks, tape, and floppy disks.

Solid State/Flash Memory

Secondary storage that has no moving parts. Used in memory sticks, cameras, etc.

Optical Media

Secondary storage that is read using lasers such as CDs and DVDs.