A data storage drive is a device that is used to store computer data. Computer users are now able to choose from a variety of computer storage devices. Storage devices that store data readable by a computer are known as 'mass storage.' Each storage drive has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a storage drive for your computer, below is a list of the different types of storage drives available for computers:

Flash Drives: Because of their small size, flash drives are also referred to as 'thumb drives.' They are also known as USB drives because they connect to a USB port. Flash drives consist of a USB connector, flash memory chips, small circuit board, and a plastic casing. Flash drives vary in how much data they can hold. The data capacity ranges from 64 megabytes to 64 gigabytes so they may not be helpful if you have to store a lot of data. Flash drives have pretty much replaced floppy disks and optical discs.

External Hard Drives: External hard drives are exactly the same as the internal hard drive in a computer except they are located outside of the computer. To use it, you have to connect it to the computer. Like flash drives, they are normally connected to a USB Port. The storage capacity ranges up to 700 gigabytes so they are beneficial if you have to store a lot of data. You can use them for both desktop computers and laptops. They also have enclosures which permits them to be handled without being damaged. External hard drives are designed to be portable.

Solid-State Drives (SSDs): These drives are much like a regular hard drive because they use the same interface and connections. However, instead of a spinning magnetic disk, solid state memory is used. Solid-state drives are designed to replace the hard drive. Solid-state drives have very fast read and write times and are very reliable because there are no components that will wear out.

Smart Cards: These devices are also called memory cards. Once smart cards were not that helpful when storing data, but now they have been developed to hold more data and they are used for a number of devices such as PDAs, cell phones, and laptops.

Online Storage: This method of data storage is referrer to as a 'remote back up' There are online storage sites that permit computer users to store their data on their servers for a fee. The more storage space you require, the more you pay.

Tape Drive: This type of drive uses a magnetic tape or cartridge to store data. They are mostly used to backup data because the seek times are much considerably slower compared to other methods of storage. Most tape drives connect to a computer by a USB cable. Storage capacity can range from a few hundred megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes.

There are many ways to store computer data. Manufacturers have developed different types of External Hard drive devices to keep up with technological developments and meet consumer demands for a safe way to store their information. The type of storage drive you choose will depend on the computer device you use and the storage capacity that will meet your particular storage needs. As technology continues to develop, storage drives for computers are likely to evolve.