Sekundärförvaring

Sekundärförvaring, also known as secondary storage or backing storage, refers to a type of computer storage that is not directly accessed by the central processing unit (CPU). Unlike primary storage, such as RAM, which provides fast access to data for immediate processing, secondary storage is slower but offers greater capacity and persistence. This means that data stored on secondary storage remains even when the computer is turned off.

Common examples of secondary storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, memory cards, and optical discs like CDs and DVDs. These devices are used for long-term storage of operating systems, applications, documents, and other files. Data is transferred between primary and secondary storage as needed. When a program or file is required, it is loaded from secondary storage into primary storage (RAM) for the CPU to work with.

The main advantages of secondary storage are its large capacity and non-volatility, making it essential for storing vast amounts of data and ensuring its availability over time. However, its slower access speeds compared to primary storage are a trade-off for these benefits. The choice of secondary storage technology often depends on factors such as required speed, storage capacity, cost, and durability.