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Computer Memory

The document discusses different types of computer memory including RAM, ROM, virtual memory and cache memory. It describes what computer memory is, why it is important, and classifications such as RAM, ROM, virtual memory and their characteristics.

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24 views

Computer Memory

The document discusses different types of computer memory including RAM, ROM, virtual memory and cache memory. It describes what computer memory is, why it is important, and classifications such as RAM, ROM, virtual memory and their characteristics.

Uploaded by

nasironlineshoping001
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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9/24/2023

Computer Memory
Lecture# 03

Session 2023-2027
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Dr. Shahzad Ashraf

Introduction to computer memory


 Computer memory is an internal or external system that stores data and
instructions on a device.
 It is a kind of primary storage and refers primary or the main memory too.
 It consists of several cells, called memory cells, that each have a unique
identification number.
 It is the electronic holding place for the instructions and data a computer
needs to reach quickly.
 Central processing unit (CPU), reads and executes instructions, selects
specific cells to read or write data.
 Usually, term computer memory is referred as primary memory called
Random Access Memory (RAM) which locates on microchips that are
physically close to a computer's microprocessor.

Why is computer memory important?


o It is one of the most important components in determining the system’s performance.
o Speed of the system directly correlate to the amount of the memory installed.
o It is important because devices cannot process tasks without it.
o Memory ensures a device turns on and functions properly.
o It keeps computer running quickly and allows to use multiple applications at once.
9/24/2023

Classification of computer memory

Classification of computer memory


Random access memory (RAM)
o It is the primary internal memory of the system and electronic device uses it for
storing temporary data.
o All RAM's used in computers today have a synchronous interface meaning they wait
for a clock signal before it can respond to clock signals.
o It is volatile, which means it does not store data permanently. As a result, everything
inside the RAM will be erased or deleted when the system turns off.
o The contents of RAM can be randomly accessed, and the contents can not only be
read but also be written.
o There are variations of RAM which include: Single inline memory module (SIMM),
Rambus inline memory module (RIMM) (RIMM are discussed in details in coming
slide), Dual inline memory module (DIMM), SRAM and DRAM.
9/24/2023

Classification of computer memory


Read Only Memory (ROM)
It is a nonvolatile memory , the contents can only be read and cannot be
changed when ROM is being used by the computer. ROM is also known as
firmware. It is not only found in computers but also with other electronic
devices such as microwaves, cell phones etc.
Types of ROM
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
The data can be written only once. Once a program has been written onto a
PROM, it remains there forever. To write data onto a PROM chip a special
device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner is needed.
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
Its contents can be erased using ultra-violet light, then its contents be
reprogrammed. The ultraviolet light clears its contents, making it possible to
reprogram the memory. To write to and erase an EPROM, need a special
device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.

Classification of computer memory


Types of ROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
It is a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical
charge. EEPROM is not as fast as RAM.
USB Flash memory Drive
It is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated
Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. It is known as a solid state storage
device, b/c there are no moving parts , everything is electronic instead of
mechanical. It is a type of EEPROM.
9/24/2023

Classification of computer memory


Virtual Memory
 In fact, it is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be
used as if it were a part of the main memory.
 Virtual memory is a common technique used in a computer's operating system
(OS).
 Virtual memory uses both hardware and software to enable a computer to
compensate for physical memory shortages, temporarily transferring data from
random access memory (RAM) to disk storage.
 Mapping chunks of memory to disk files enables a computer to treat secondary
memory as though it were main memory.
 Most personal computers (PCs) come with at least 8 GB of RAM. But,
sometimes, this is not enough to run several programs at one time. This is where
virtual memory comes in.
 Virtual memory frees up RAM by swapping data that has not been used recently
over to a storage device, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD).
 Virtual memory is important for improving system performance, multitasking and
using large programs.
 However, users should not overly rely on virtual memory, since it is considerably
slower than RAM.
 If the OS has to swap data between virtual memory and RAM too often, the
computer will begin to slow down -- this is called thrashing.

Classification of computer memory

This memory MAP illustrate that how primary, secondary and cache memory
relate to each other in terms of size and speed
9/24/2023

The End

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