external storage

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external storage

A student saves a project file to an external storage device.

Definition

Noun: A data storage device that is not the main memory (RAM) of a computer. It is a peripheral device used to store data permanently or semi-permanently, separate from the computer's internal system.

Usage

"External storage" refers to any storage medium that is not built into the computer's main system unit and is typically connected via a cable or wireless connection. It is used for expanding storage capacity, backing up data, or transferring files between computers.

Examples
  • I saved all my photos on an external storage drive to free up space on my laptop.
  • For backup, it's wise to keep a copy of important documents on external storage.
  • The software requires you to install it on the internal drive; it cannot run from external storage.
Advanced Usage
  • "Network-attached storage (NAS)": While often considered a form of external storage, NAS is a specialized device connected to a network, providing data storage to multiple users.
  • In enterprise contexts, "external storage" can refer to large-scale storage systems like Storage Area Networks (SANs) or dedicated external disk arrays that are separate from the main server hardware.
Variants and Related Words
  • External drive (n): A common type of external storage, such as an external hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).
  • Peripheral storage (n): A synonym emphasizing the device's status as computer peripheral.
  • Auxiliary storage (n): Another technical synonym, also known as secondary storage.
  • Portable storage (n): A type of external storage designed for easy transport, like USB flash drives.
Synonyms
  • Secondary storage
  • Auxiliary memory
  • Peripheral storage device
Antonyms
  • Internal storage
  • Main memory (RAM)
  • Primary storage
Related Phrases
  • External storage device: The full term, specifying it is a piece of hardware.
    • An external hard drive is a common type of external storage device.
  • To connect external storage: The action of linking the device to a computer.
    • You need to connect the external storage to a USB port.
external storage

A student saves a project file to an external storage device.

Noun
  1. a data storage device that is not the main memory of a computer