Storage Devices
When you finish drawing or writing on the computer, you save it. Storage devices keep that saved work safe. Without storage, the computer forgets everything the moment you switch it off.
💾 Types of Storage Devices
| Device | Icon | Where It Stores | Portable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Disk (HDD) | 🖴 | Inside the computer | No |
| USB Drive | 🔌 | Plugs into USB port | Yes |
| CD / DVD | 💿 | Disc tray in computer | Yes |
| Memory Card (SD) | 🗂️ | Card slot in device | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | ☁️ | On the internet | Access anywhere |
Internal vs Portable Storage
Internal storage stays inside the computer. Portable storage you carry from place to place.
📦 Internal vs Portable
🖴
INTERNAL STORAGE
● Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
● Solid State Drive (SSD)
● Solid State Drive (SSD)
Lives inside the computer — cannot be removed easily.
🔌
PORTABLE STORAGE
● USB Drive
● CD / DVD
● Memory Card
● CD / DVD
● Memory Card
Carry it from one computer to another.
How to Use a USB Drive Safely
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Push the USB drive into the USB port |
| 2 | Wait — a new drive icon appears on screen |
| 3 | Double-click the icon to open it |
| 4 | Copy or move your files into it |
| 5 | Click "Safely Remove" before pulling it out |
Example: The hard disk is your bedroom shelf — it holds everything at home. A USB drive is like your school bag — you put in only what you need for that day.
✏️ Exercise
| # | Question |
|---|---|
| 1 | Name one portable storage device. |
| 2 | Where does cloud storage keep files? |
| 3 | What must you click before removing a USB drive? |
| 4 | Which storage device is inside the computer? |
| 1. | USB Drive / CD / DVD / Memory Card |
| 2. | On the internet |
| 3. | Safely Remove |
| 4. | Hard Disk (HDD or SSD) |
Quick Review
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why do we need storage devices? | To save work so it is not lost when power goes off |
| Which stays inside the computer? | Hard Disk (HDD / SSD) |
| What makes a USB drive useful? | You carry it from one computer to another |