# computer storage media

> storage of digital data readable by computers

**Wikidata**: [Q66221](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q66221)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_data_storage)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/computer-storage-media

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **computer storage media**:

---

## Summary  
Computer storage media refers to physical or digital devices used to store data readable by computers. It includes a wide range of technologies, from magnetic tapes and hard disks to modern USB flash drives and DNA-based storage. These media enable persistent or temporary data retention for processing and retrieval.

## Key Facts  
- **Parent classes**: Computer hardware, data storage medium, machine-readable medium.  
- **Subclasses**: Hard disk, USB flash drive, compact disc, floppy disk, magnetic storage, DNA digital data storage.  
- **Inception dates**: Magnetic storage (1878), floppy disk (1964), compact disc (1979), USB flash drive (1996).  
- **Sitelink count**: 66 (Wikidata), with notable subclasses like hard disk (132) and USB flash drive (86).  
- **Aliases**: Storage, memory, data storage, computer storage device.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the difference between computer storage media and computer memory?  
A: Storage media (e.g., hard disks) retain data long-term, while memory (e.g., RAM) provides temporary, fast-access storage for active processing.  

### Q: What are common types of computer storage media?  
A: Examples include hard disks, USB flash drives, compact discs, and magnetic tapes, each differing in speed, capacity, and permanence.  

### Q: How has computer storage media evolved?  
A: Early forms like magnetic tapes (1960s) gave way to optical discs (1970s) and solid-state drives (1990s), with ongoing research into DNA-based storage.  

## Why It Matters  
Computer storage media is foundational to modern computing, enabling data persistence, retrieval, and processing across industries. From personal files to enterprise databases, it supports everything from everyday tasks to advanced scientific research. Innovations like solid-state drives (SSDs) and cloud storage have revolutionized speed and accessibility, while emerging technologies like DNA storage promise unprecedented density and longevity. Without storage media, digital systems would lack the ability to retain information beyond active use.  

## Notable For  
- **Diverse technologies**: Spans magnetic, optical, solid-state, and biological (DNA) storage methods.  
- **Historical significance**: Includes pioneering formats like the floppy disk (1964) and compact disc (1979).  
- **Scalability**: Ranges from microSD cards to enterprise-grade disk arrays.  

## Body  
### Types of Computer Storage Media  
- **Magnetic storage**: Uses magnetized surfaces (e.g., hard disks, tapes). Inception: 1878.  
- **Optical storage**: Uses lasers (e.g., compact discs). Inception: 1979.  
- **Solid-state storage**: No moving parts (e.g., USB flash drives). Inception: 1996.  

### Technical Classifications  
- **Primary memory**: Fast, volatile (e.g., RAM).  
- **Secondary memory**: Non-volatile (e.g., hard disks).  
- **Tertiary memory**: Archival (e.g., tape libraries).  

### Emerging Technologies  
- **DNA digital storage**: Encodes data in synthetic DNA. Sitelink count: 11.  
- **Superman memory crystal**: High-density optical storage. Sitelink count: 12.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "computer storage media",
  "description": "Storage of digital data readable by computers.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q166142",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_data_storage"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Computer hardware"
}
```

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. Quora
4. KBpedia
5. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)