Sequential access memory - Wikipedia Sequential access memory In computing, sequential access memory ( SAM ) is a class of data storage devices that read stored data in a sequence. This is in contrast to random access memory ( RAM ) where data can be accessed in any order. Sequential access devices are usually a form of magnetic storage. While sequential access memory is read in sequence, arbitrary locations can still be accessed by `` seeking '' to the requested location. This operation, however, is often relatively inefficient ( see seek time, rotational latency ). Magnetic sequential access memory is typically used for secondary storage in general - purpose computers due to their higher density at lower cost compared to RAM, as well as resistance to wear and non-volatility. Magnetic tape is the only type of sequential access memory still in use ; historically, drum memory has also been used. See also Computing portal Sequential access Basic sequential access method ( BSAM ) Queued sequential access method ( QSAM ) Secondary storage Magnetic storage Hard disk Magnetic tape Drum memory Locality of reference Streaming media References Jump up ^ difference between sequential and random access operations Jump up ^ Turing machine model of computation sequential access memory This computer - storage - related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sequential_access_memory&oldid=782800089 '' Categories : Computer memory Computer storage stubs Talk About Wikipedia Български Español 한국어 Italiano 日本 語 සිංහල Slovenčina Edit links This page was last edited on 29 May 2017, at 07 : 52. About Wikipedia

Question: difference between random access drive and sequential access drive
Answer: sequential access memory (SAM) is a class of data storage devices that read stored data in a sequence. This is in contrast to random access memory (RAM) where data can be accessed in any order.