What is external storage?

External storage refers specifically to a storage device that is connected to a computer from the outside, as opposed to being built into the computer itself. These devices can include external hard drives, USB flash drives, and other types of removable media. The primary advantage of external storage is that it allows users to easily add storage capacity or transfer files between different computers without needing to open up the computer system.

The distinction between external storage and built-in storage is important because built-in storage, such as internal hard drives or SSDs, is integrated into the computer and not meant for easy removal or transport. Additionally, external storage can be useful for data backup, file sharing, and increasing data portability. In contrast, storage that is not usable would not be accessible for saving or retrieving data, and software for data backup is a different concept altogether as it pertains to applications rather than physical storage media.