What is the difference between primary storage and secondary storage? What is an operating system?

Primary storage: it is simply primary memory which is volatile in nature such as the RAM and it tends to lose data as soon as the computer reboots or loses power. It holds data or information that can be directly accessed by the central processing unit. It’s a high-speed data storage medium allowing active programs to interact with the processor. However, it stores data or applications for a short period of time while the computer is running. Another example of primary storage is ROM which represents both the primary memory of the computer and a non-volatile storage because it’s able to retain data and applications even if the device loses power.

Secondary storage: it is a memory used to store data or information on the long term basis, they are non-volatile memory and also referred as external memory that are not directly accessed by the central processing unit. They are relatively slower than primary storage devices when it comes to data access Because they are not directly accessed by the I/O channels. It capable of storing applications and programs permanently. Unlike RAM, it’s a long-term storage solution that expands the data storage capability. Hard disk drives (HDD) is a high-capacity secondary storage device and the most common data storage device, used to store and retrieve digital information.

Operating System: is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. It also schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, printing, and other resources.