<P> In contemporary usage , `` memory '' is usually semiconductor storage read - write random - access memory , typically DRAM ( dynamic RAM ) or other forms of fast but temporary storage . `` Storage '' consists of storage devices and their media not directly accessible by the CPU ( secondary or tertiary storage ) , typically hard disk drives , optical disc drives , and other devices slower than RAM but non-volatile ( retaining contents when powered down ) . </P>
<P> In contemporary usage , `` memory '' is usually semiconductor storage read - write random - access memory , typically DRAM ( dynamic RAM ) or other forms of fast but temporary storage . `` Storage '' consists of storage devices and their media not directly accessible by the CPU ( secondary or tertiary storage ) , typically hard disk drives , optical disc drives , and other devices slower than RAM but non-volatile ( retaining contents when powered down ) . </P>
where is the data stored in a computer
where is the data stored in a computer
hard disk drives
hard disk drives