Component guide
Storage: SSDs and HDDs
Stores the operating system, programs and your files even when the computer is switched off. An SSD uses flash memory; an HDD uses spinning magnetic disks.
How does it work?
Storage keeps information persistently. HDDs read and write using heads over magnetic platters, while SSDs access flash memory chips electronically.
Concepts you should know
Key concepts: capacity and interface. SSDs usually access data faster than HDDs. M.2 describes a physical form factor: an M.2 drive may use SATA or PCIe/NVMe, depending on the model.
An everyday example
When you save a photograph, the file is written to the drive. When you open it again, it is read from storage and its data is loaded into memory for editing.
How it connects to the rest of the computer
Drives can connect through SATA or PCIe, depending on their type. The drive's connector and protocol must be compatible with the computer.
References and further reading
Explore these guides and resources for more detail. Links open in a new tab.