What Is A Primary Storage? The Force Behind Every Speedy PC!

It was about a few years ago that I first came across the word ” Primary Storage ”. Just like any other curious creature, I was keenly interested to inquire about it. But the more I tried to dig into it, the more I got trapped. Can you guess why? I know you can’t. It’s because the information out on the internet was specifically for the ones who had a bit of a clue about the PCs.

I tried to swallow the mumbo jumbo definitions but everything passed over my head.

Table Of Contents

What Is A Primary Storage?
Why Is Primary Storage Needed?
Types Of Primary Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap Up

This posed a problem for a beginner like me to understand the different mediums of Storage and their usefulness in PCs. Long story short, I somehow managed to solve the case of Primary Storage. You must be wondering what’s the point here?

Well, It’s one of the reasons I convert complex information into an understandable medium to help my audience have a pain-free learning experience. Today is the Primary Storage Day at ErrorBook.Com. Hence, I am penning this article to cover everything you need to know about Primary Storage. Are you ready for an easy lesson about Primary Storage without feeling bored? I am sure you are! So, let’s get started!

What Is A Primary Storage?

Inarguably, today’s post is incomplete without addressing this question. The Primary Storage of the computer is responsible for storing the data and programs that are currently in use. It is the nearest facility for the CPU to store the data and access it to maintain a speedy performance. It comprises four types of data storage facilities that act as data fetching sources for the computer to run multiple applications without compromising on speed.

With no Primary Storage, the computer wouldn’t even remember its name, lol. No Primary Storage means no instructions to follow. In such a situation, the computer would go blank. Let’s make it no more complicated than that. In short, every time you come across the word Primary Storage, just think about the data storage facilities of the computer that assist it in running the applications or programs currently in use.

Why Is Primary Storage Needed?

A computer needs Primary Storage as much as a human needs neurons to remember things. Without Primary Storage, the computer can’t even function at all. Since humans can’t do things without storing instructions in the brain, computers can’t too. Every computer requires a set of instructions to follow.

This set of instructions is stored in the Primary Storage facility. Every time the computer has to make a move, it locates the instructions in the Primary Storage and acts accordingly.

Now, let’s come towards the less complex side of Primary Storage. The computer saves all the data of currently running programs and applications in Primary Storage to access it instantly whenever required. This instant access allows the computer to take less time to complete the operations ultimately enhancing the user experience.

Types Of Primary Storage

There are four different types of Primary Storage with each and every one of them crucial to the functioning of the computer. You take a type of Primary Storage away from the computer and it would come up with several issues. Let’s know about these four types of Primary Storage through the following table.

RAM	When the computer runs one or more applications, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM to access it instantly until the application runs. So, whenever the computer needs instant access to the data, it gets it from the RAM
ROM	It is a non-volatile data storage facility that contains start-up codes of the computer system
Cache Memory	This type of Primary Storage stores the data of some applications and programs to ensure that, later on, they can be accessed instantly
Flash Memory	It is a non-volatile data storage source that can be reprogrammed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Primary Storage faster than secondary storage?

While others may count you millions of unrelated reasons, let me get straight to the point. Primary Storage comes internally installed in a computer and remains in direct contact with the CPU which allows the latter to access it for data on a priority basis. And unlike a non-volatile storage medium that saves the data despite the shutdown, a Primary Storage medium saves no data. Hence, the Primary Storage doesn’t have to load the previous data and only processes the data currently in use. This way, Primary Storage works faster and more productively than Secondary Storage.

Why are Primary Storage devices more expensive than secondary storage devices?

Primary Storage comprises small-sized yet complex structure devices like Random Access Memory which is thought to be the fastest of all types of memory mediums. As compared to Secondary Storage devices, a Random Access Memory is less prone to heat or other kinds of damage. In addition to that, Primary Storage devices respond quicker and more efficiently than Secondary Storage devices. All these super productive traits of Primary Storage Devices make them more expensive than their rivals.

How does Primary Storage differ from secondary storage?

Primary Storage differs from secondary storage in many ways. The key difference between the two is that Primary Storage directly interacts with the CPU which allows the latter to perform tasks quickly. Primary Storage offers quick access to the CPU to get the data and process it in a timely manner. Moreover, unlike secondary storage which allows the CPU to get the stored data even after the shutdown, Primary Storage doesn’t allow the CPU to do so. When it comes to secondary storage, it interacts with the CPU indirectly. This makes it a bit harder for the CPU to access the data through the secondary storage medium.

Wrap Up

When it comes to getting a deep understanding of Primary Storage, you don’t need to have it. Too much and that too complex information is going to make you crazy. At least, it is something you don’t need at this stage of learning. A deep understanding of any specific tech-related topic is only for tech enthusiasts.

As we are going towards the end of the post, I must confess that I intended to provide my audience with the information in the simplest possible way. This is to avoid any sort of complexity and ensure everyone gets a chance to better understand the concept of Primary Storage. If you have any questions concerning the topic, you can feel free to make a comment below.

What Is A Primary Storage?

Why Is Primary Storage Needed?

Types Of Primary Storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap Up

Bilal Khan