What are the two types of storage that computers use?

The types of storage used by computers can be categorized effectively into two main types: volatile and non-volatile storage. Volatile storage, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), requires power to maintain the stored information and is typically used for temporary data that the computer needs to access quickly while it's running. Conversely, non-volatile storage retains data even when the power is off, encompassing hard drives, SSDs (Solid State Drives), and flash drives, which store data permanently or for an extended period.

While temporary and permanent might seem intuitive, they don't fully encapsulate the technical distinctions used in computing. Primary and secondary storage refer more specifically to the hierarchy of storage used within a computer system, where primary usually refers to fast-access memory and secondary involves larger but slower storage options. Direct and sequential, meanwhile, describe types of data access methods rather than classifications of storage types.

Thus, the distinction between volatile and non-volatile storage is critical to understanding how computers manage and store different types of data.