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What is Removable Storage?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Removable storage, in computing terms, is any form of data storage which is not incorporated into the computer itself. In addition to providing a form of backup by removing data from a centralized computer system, it is also much more portable than an entire computer, allowing people to easily carry data back and forth from a wide variety of locations.

In earlier days of computer, punch cards and magnetic tape were the operating methods of removable storage. Punch cards have been used to store data for centuries, but were especially well suited to computing because they lent themselves well to storing data in a binary form. Magnetic tape was the next step from punch cards, allowing computer users to store more data on a more quickly written medium. Ironically, punch cards are actually a more stable form of removable storage than magnetic tape, which can easily be corrupted.

CDs are a type of removable storage.
CDs are a type of removable storage.

As computers became more widespread, floppy disks and compact discs (CDs) became a more widely used form of removable storage. Both had larger capacities than earlier methods, and companies constantly struggled to manufacture disks with a larger capacity as computers generated files of ever greater size. While earlier compact storage was measured in kilobytes, later forms were able to store much larger files: most CDs, for example, can store data measured in megabytes.

Flash drives are a form of removable storage.
Flash drives are a form of removable storage.

Another form of compact storage takes the form of removable hard drives and flash drives. Flash drives are also known as memory sticks or USB sticks. Both types of removable storage can store gigabytes of data, and can be written to very quickly through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Some manufacturers make removable hard drives which can connect to FireWire, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), or parallel ports, although the majority take advantage of USB technology.

Floppy disks were a widely used form of removable storage.
Floppy disks were a widely used form of removable storage.

The wide range of options in the field of removable storage allows users to select the technology which works best for them. Disks are very useful for temporary storage, or sending data to other locations, and are frequently used by graphic designers to literally mail large files, rather than attempt to transfer very large files over an Internet connection. Many companies also use disks for backup, although this practice has been called into question due to the long-term instability of these storage methods. Many consumers prefer removable hard drives or flash drives for the rapid exchange of data between multiple computers, and the easy portability: many flash drives, for example, can fit on a keychain.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Authordor
As of January 2014, the largest removable storage device currently available in a flash drive can store between 512GB (Gigabytes) and 1TB (Terabyte) of data. The largest external hard drive can reach up to 6TB. As a quick reference, 6TB would hold approximately 1200 DVD movies. It is a *ton* of data. Most people do not currently recommend the highest storage capacity drives for everyday use. It brings to mind the old axiom of "never placing all your eggs in one basket". The danger of crippling data loss is too high.
StarBanobo

What is the largest removable storage currently available?

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    • CDs are a type of removable storage.
      By: Furan
      CDs are a type of removable storage.
    • Flash drives are a form of removable storage.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Flash drives are a form of removable storage.
    • Floppy disks were a widely used form of removable storage.
      By: Iakov Kalinin
      Floppy disks were a widely used form of removable storage.
    • USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as external hard drives -- to computers.
      By: macbrianmun
      USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as external hard drives -- to computers.
    • The SD card is a type of flash memory card that can be used with computers, digital cameras and other devices.
      By: stocksolutions
      The SD card is a type of flash memory card that can be used with computers, digital cameras and other devices.
    • Performing a data backup using removable storage guards against losing information in the event of a hard drive malfunction.
      By: NatUlrich
      Performing a data backup using removable storage guards against losing information in the event of a hard drive malfunction.