Disk space
Encyclopedia
The term "disk space" is an amount of computer storage space on random-access memory
devices, such as on a hard drive, floppy
or USB flash drive
. Disk space units are commonly measured in large numbers of bytes, such as kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes, with each unit 1024x times larger than the previous unit. The term originated in the 1950s, for the storage area on a hard disk drive, which internally had disk-shaped platters to rotate quickly. As storage devices have been created in other shapes, the term "disk space" has still been used to refer to areas of permanent storage on various storage devices. The total disk space can span multiple devices, such as areas on an array of disk drives.
The broader term "storage space" is so widely used that it can be mistaken for property storage, as with items stored in a closet
or storage bin. Hence, the term "disk space" has remained in use, even when the storage devices are no longer shaped as disks. When storage of data is not permanent, then the common term "memory space" is often used instead.
Random-access memory
Random access memory is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order with a worst case performance of constant time. Strictly speaking, modern types of DRAM are therefore not random access, as data is read in...
devices, such as on a hard drive, floppy
Floppy
Floppy may refer to:* Floppy disk or floppy disk drive* Floppy disk controller* The Floppy Show* Mr. Floppy from the Sitcom Unhappily Ever After* Mr Floppy Australian rock band* Floppy a character from The Magic Key...
or USB flash drive
USB flash drive
A flash drive is a data storage device that consists of flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus interface. flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than a floppy disk. Most weigh less than 30 g...
. Disk space units are commonly measured in large numbers of bytes, such as kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes, with each unit 1024x times larger than the previous unit. The term originated in the 1950s, for the storage area on a hard disk drive, which internally had disk-shaped platters to rotate quickly. As storage devices have been created in other shapes, the term "disk space" has still been used to refer to areas of permanent storage on various storage devices. The total disk space can span multiple devices, such as areas on an array of disk drives.
The broader term "storage space" is so widely used that it can be mistaken for property storage, as with items stored in a closet
Closet
A closet is a small and enclosed space, a cabinet, or a cupboard in a house or building used for general storage or hanging clothes. A closet for food storage is usually referred to as a pantry...
or storage bin. Hence, the term "disk space" has remained in use, even when the storage devices are no longer shaped as disks. When storage of data is not permanent, then the common term "memory space" is often used instead.