Massamuistijärjestelmää

Massamuistijärjestelmää refers to a mass memory system. This is a type of computer storage designed to hold very large amounts of data. Unlike primary memory (like RAM) which is fast but volatile and has limited capacity, mass memory is characterized by its high capacity and lower cost per bit. It is typically non-volatile, meaning data is retained even when the power is off.

The primary function of a mass memory system is to store data that is not actively being used by the CPU but needs to be accessible. This includes operating systems, applications, user files, and databases. When a program or data is needed, it is loaded from the mass memory into primary memory for processing.

Common examples of mass memory technologies include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), magnetic tapes, and optical disks like CDs and DVDs. In modern computing, SSDs are increasingly replacing HDDs due to their speed and durability, though HDDs still offer a lower cost for very high capacities. Magnetic tapes are often used for long-term archival storage and backups due to their low cost and longevity. Mass memory systems are crucial components of any computing device, from personal computers to large-scale data centers, enabling the storage and retrieval of the vast amounts of information generated and used today.