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Computer users are always looking for some form of memory to save and transport documents, photographs, programs, and other types of data files. Luckily, they have many to choose from. Memory comes in several different forms. Some memory is “volatile,” meaning it can be written over and reused. Some memory is “permanent,” meaning that once the data is recorded, it cannot be removed or recorded over. Memory comes in different sizes with different levels of portability.

CDs and DVDs are two forms of permanent memory. Some versions are semi-permanent, meaning that the data can be written over, but usually when something goes on a CD or DVD it is there to stay. These disks always come in the same size, with CDs holding 700 MB of data and DVDs holding 4.7 MB of data. CDs are usually used to hold music files, as they can be played in compact disk players. DVDs are usually used to hold movies in digital format, as they can be played in DVD players. Both CDs and DVDs can be used to store and transport other file types, such as documents, pictures, or programs. They can also be stored almost indefinitely to protect important data.

USB thumb drives have taken over the portable memory world. For a low price, you can purchase drives that hold anywhere from one to 32 GB of data. These drives are extremely portable, often coming with a keychain connector or lanyard to wear around your neck. The thumb drives can be plugged easily into any standard USB port and will usually “plug and play” without any action from the user. These drives are so prevalent that they are often given away as marketing gimmicks at tradeshows and business functions.

Zip drives were created prior to the explosion of USB thumb drives. Zip drives require a special drive to accommodate the disk. Zip disks come in 100 MB, 250 MB and 750 MB sizes. The disks are portable and can be written over, but are expensive and only work in computers with Zip drives.

External hard drives are becoming an inexpensive source of secure, portable memory. External hard drives are identical to the internal hard drive found in any computer, but are not seated in the case. These hard drives usually plug in through a USB port and require a secondary power source to turn on. The drives range from 100 GB to 1 TB, with many steps in between. These drives are secure and stable, usually able to handle a more rugged environment than the USB thumb drives. These drives can handle a lot of data in any format, and are great for storing sensitive files that must be kept.

The world of computer memory is constantly evolving. USB thumb drives and external hard drives will likely continue to increase in memory capacity before they become obsolete formats. CDs will likely be used less and less. Blu-Ray DVD format will take over the standard DVD format, allowing you to store even more data on a recordable DVD.