Sekundärspeicher

Sekundärspeicher, often translated as secondary storage or auxiliary storage, refers to non-volatile computer memory that can store data persistently. Unlike primary storage, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), which loses its contents when power is turned off, secondary storage retains data even without a continuous power supply. This makes it essential for long-term data storage, operating systems, applications, and user files.

Common examples of secondary storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and optical media like CDs and DVDs. HDDs use spinning magnetic platters to store data, while SSDs utilize flash memory chips, offering faster access speeds and greater durability. USB drives and memory cards are portable and convenient for transferring data between devices.

The primary function of secondary storage is to hold data that is not actively being used by the CPU but needs to be readily accessible. When a program or file is required, it is loaded from secondary storage into primary memory (RAM) for processing. After the task is complete, or if changes are made, the data is saved back to secondary storage to ensure its preservation.

Secondary storage plays a crucial role in the overall functionality and usability of computing systems, providing the capacity to store vast amounts of information and ensuring that this information is not lost when the system is powered down. The performance and capacity of secondary storage significantly impact a computer's speed and its ability to handle large datasets.