What Is Considered Secondary Memory on a Computer?
- Secondary memory is the slowest form of memory. It cannot be processed directly by the central processing unit (CPU) and must first be copied into the primary storage (RAM).
- Devices that can be considered secondary memory include hard drives, USB flash drives, CD-ROMs, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks and magnetic tapes--anywhere computer data can be stored away from the primary memory.
- Secondary memory is generally the least expensive form of memory.