Editing Computer data storage (section)

=== Semiconductor ===
{{Main|Semiconductor memory}}

[[Semiconductor memory]] uses [[semiconductor]]-based [[integrated circuit]] (IC) chips to store information. Data are typically stored in [[metal–oxide–semiconductor]] (MOS) [[memory cell (computing)|memory cells]]. A semiconductor memory chip may contain millions of memory cells, consisting of tiny [[MOSFET|MOS field-effect transistors]] (MOSFETs) and/or [[MOSFET#MOS capacitor|MOS capacitors]]. Both ''volatile'' and ''non-volatile'' forms of semiconductor memory exist, the former using standard MOSFETs and the latter using [[floating-gate MOSFET]]s.

In modern computers, primary storage almost exclusively consists of dynamic volatile semiconductor [[random-access memory]] (RAM), particularly [[dynamic random-access memory]] (DRAM). Since the turn of the century, a type of non-volatile [[floating-gate]] semiconductor memory known as [[flash memory]] has steadily gained share as off-line storage for home computers. Non-volatile semiconductor memory is also used for secondary storage in various advanced electronic devices and specialized computers that are designed for them.

As early as 2006, [[Laptop|notebook]] and [[desktop computer]] manufacturers started using flash-based [[solid-state drive]]s (SSDs) as default configuration options for the secondary storage either in addition to or instead of the more traditional HDD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1966644,00.asp|title=New Samsung notebook replaces hard drive with flash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230081543/http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1966644,00.asp|archive-date=30 December 2010|website=Extreme tech|date=23 May 2006|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/60700.html?wlc=1308338527|title=Toshiba tosses hat into notebook flash storage ring|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318100815/http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/60700.html?wlc=1308338527|archive-date=18 March 2012|website=technewsworld.com|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/macpro/features/storage.html|url-status=dead|title=Mac Pro – Storage and RAID options for your Mac Pro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606070652/http://www.apple.com/macpro/features/storage.html|archive-date=6 June 2013|publisher=Apple|date=27 July 2006|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/macbookair/design.html|url-status=dead|title=MacBook Air – The best of iPad meets the best of Mac|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527205906/http://www.apple.com/macbookair/design.html|archive-date=27 May 2013|publisher=Apple|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.inventhelp.com/Articles/Computer/Inventions/apple-macbook-air-12512.aspx|url-status=dead|title=MacBook Air replaces the standard notebook hard disk for solid state flash storage|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823052120/http://news.inventhelp.com/Articles/Computer/Inventions/apple-macbook-air-12512.aspx|archive-date=23 August 2011|website=news.inventhelp.com|date=15 November 2010|access-date=18 June 2011}}</ref>