What is Computer Data Storage?

Computer data storage, computer memory, and often casual storage or memory refer to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time.

Computer data storage provides one of the core functions of the modern computer, that of information retention. It is one of the fundamental components of all modern computers and is coupled with a central processing unit (CPU, a processor).

In contemporary usage, memory usually refers to a form of semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM) and sometimes other forms of fast but temporary storage.

Similarly, storage today more commonly refers to mass storage – optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, and other types slower than RAM, but of a more permanent nature.