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Memory

The document discusses different types of computer memory including primary memory, secondary memory, and cache memory. Primary memory is the internal memory of a computer system that directly stores and retrieves data and instructions for the CPU. It includes RAM and ROM. Secondary memory is external storage that cannot be directly accessed by the CPU, and includes hard drives and optical disks.

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8 views

Memory

The document discusses different types of computer memory including primary memory, secondary memory, and cache memory. Primary memory is the internal memory of a computer system that directly stores and retrieves data and instructions for the CPU. It includes RAM and ROM. Secondary memory is external storage that cannot be directly accessed by the CPU, and includes hard drives and optical disks.

Uploaded by

glnit2016
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Memory

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data


and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in the
computer, where data is to be processed and instructions
required for processing are stored. The memory is divided into
large number of small parts called cells. Each location or cell
has a unique address, which varies from zero to memory size
minus one. For example, if the computer has 64k words, then
this memory unit has 64 * 1024 = 65536 memory locations.
The address of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.

Memory is primarily of three types −


1. Primary Memory/Main Memory
2. Secondary Memory
3. Cache Memory
What is Primary Memory?
Primary memory is the internal memory of a computer system. It stores and
retrieves data, instructions, and information. The CPU directly and randomly
accesses primary memory; hence primary memory is also referred to as Random
Access Memory or RAM. It is a volatile memory and loses data and instructions
when the power turns off.

Types of Primary Memory:


RAM (Random Access Memory)
Random Access Memory or RAM is usually provided as the computer system’s
main memory. It is also regarded as temporary or cache memory constantly
being written to and read. You will lose information saved in primary memory
when the power supply of the computer or laptop turns off. Simply put, RAM is
a primary memory from which information can only be read.

Must Read – What is Operating System?


ROM (Read-Only Memory)
ROM is a non-volatile memory containing data that we cannot change. In this
case, information is not lost when the power supply is turned off. ROM
information is determined by the computer manufacturer and is permanently
stored at the time of manufacture so that the user cannot overwrite it.

What Is Secondary Memory?


Secondary memory is a storage device that cannot be accessed directly by the
CPU. It is used as a permanent storage device.
The CPU accesses these devices through an input/output channel, and data is
first transferred to primary memory from secondary memory before being
accessed. Hard drives and optical storage devices (CDs, DVDs) are often used
as secondary storage devices in modern computers.

Related – Memory Management Techniques in Operating System


A secondary storage device organizes data into files and directories based on a
file system. It also allows the user to access or use additional information like
access permissions, owner, last access time, etc. Also, secondary memory is
used temporarily to keep less used data when primary memory gets full.
Secondary memory devices are less expensive and can store vast amounts of
data, audio, video, and multimedia files. Organizations can store the equivalent
of a roomful of data on sets of disks that consume dramatically and significantly
less physical space.
Also explore: What is Operating System (OS) – Types, Functions, and
Examples
Types of Secondary Memory
 Solid-state storage devices, such as USB memory sticks.
 Optical storage devices, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
 Magnetic storage devices include zip disks, floppy disks, and hard disk drives.

Comparison Between Primary And Secondary Memories


 Primary memory is the computer’s main memory and stores data temporarily.
 Secondary memory is external memory and saves data permanently.
 Data stored in primary memory can be directly accessed by the CPU, which
cannot be accessed in secondary memory.
 Primary memory is lost during a power outage, while secondary memory
saves the data.
 Primary memory is volatile, while secondary memory is non-volatile.
 Primary memory is stored on semiconductor chips, while secondary memory
is stored on external hardware devices.
 Primary memory is classified into cache and random access memory, while
secondary memory has no such categories.
 Primary memory is faster.
 Primary memory uses the computer’s current data, while secondary memory
can save data in various formats that can be accessed at any time.

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