How memory functions in Computer.

Computer Memory & Functions

Memory & Storage
How Computer uses memory
Caching & Virtual Memory
ROM-Read Only Memory
Volatile & Non-Volatile Memory
Firmware
Linear Memory Model
Computer memory is technically any type of electronic storage. Without it and without
access to it, a computer is just a useless box. From startup to shutdown, and all
processes in between, a computer relies on several types of memory in order to
function.
Nevertheless, if you had the memory of a computer, you would have a large capacity
for forgetting information! That is because most computers make use of what is called
random access memory (RAM). This memory is used only when the computer is
completing a task.
What is memory?
Memory, also known as random access memory (RAM), is a PC component that stores
data while the computer runs. This data can be anything from a Word document to a
website you're browsing right now. When your computer needs to access this data, it
does so quickly and easily from its memory.
The more memory you have, the more files your computer can store and access at
once. This is why it's important to have enough memory if you plan to multitask, run
resource-intensive programs like AutoCAD® and certain games, or if you have a large
number of files on your computer.
What is storage?
Storage is where data is permanently kept on your computer. When you install a
program, for example, your computer copies the program's files from the installation
disc or downloaded install file to your storage.
Your computer also uses storage to save your documents, photos, music, and videos.
Your storage capacity determines how many files you can save on your computer.
Once the computer is turned on, the computer accesses read-
only memory (ROM) and makes a quick test of the pieces of
memory to ensure there are no errors. Next, the computer
starts the basic input/output (BIOS) from the ROM. The
operating system is started after the BIOS makes it through the
startup routine; the operating system is loaded into RAM. This
gives the CPU quick access to the operating system, improving
performance and functionality. The CPU accesses this in a
continuous cycle--and it happens millions of times per second!
The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), however, is a
more contemporary version of BIOS. It boots up faster, has
more graphics, and includes additional security features.
When a user runs an application, such as Microsoft Word, it is
loaded into RAM; once it is running, any files (from internal or
external storage) are also loaded into RAM for the program's
use. Once the file is saved and closed, the information is written
to storage, and then wiped out from RAM.
There are two additional components that make up memory usage in computers:
Memory cache and virtual memory.
Cache
CPUs are incredibly fast: They process much faster than it takes the data to get from
memory. Therefore, caching is used: The data is then made instantly available, creating
small pieces of memory called Level 1 cache. It is usually a very small amount of
memory.
Level 2 cache connects directly to the CPU (it sits on the memory card) and has a large
size. About 95% of the time, the CPU is using this cache, which reduces the wait time for
data from main memory.
There are two additional components that make up memory usage in computers:
Memory cache and virtual memory.

Virtual Memory
Virtual memory basically tells the computer to think that it has more memory than it
really does. It helps the computer run huge programs that won't fit into RAM. The
computer is then able to support multitasking: without this, we could not use a
spreadsheet, Twitter, a document editor, and the calculator simultaneously. Computers
are able to create virtual memory and swap it out across programs (in fact the memory
files are called swap files, and the pieces of memory being swapped are called pages.)
However, if the virtual memory amount is set too high, the disk has to work harder to
swap memory, which can drastically slow down performance.
ROM, or read-only memory, is the memory within electronics that holds the
Information necessary to run software and programs on a device and update firmware.
In a personal computer (PC), ROM is stored in a BIOS, usually within a chip on the
motherboard. Because ROM is essential for launching applications on various devices
like computers, phones, tablets, video game systems, stop lights, and other pieces of
technology, it cannot be easily modified. This is why it is referred to as "read-only."
ROM comes in four different types, one of which has two sub-types. Each type has a
specific purpose and usage. Examples of ROM are:
Masked Read-Only Memory (MROM) - This is the original ROM type, and it is not able
to be altered at all. This is the type stored on a chip in a computer.
Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) - This is similar to MROM, but it is
manufactured without data, and it is programmed afterward.
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) - This can be erased and
reprogrammed, but all data must be erased. This is done with a specific UV light.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) - This is erasable
using electrical current, and it can be done selectively. There are two
subtypes: electrically alterable read-only memory (EAROM) and flash memory.
Volatile memory, sometimes referred to as CACHE or random access memory (RAM), is
temporary memory that requires power to be accessed.
• It runs at high processing speeds to quickly gather and store information.
• When the power is turned off to the machine, the volatile memory is lost.
• This type of memory is accessed quickly by the processor.
• Volatile memory is more expensive to make.
• It is usually stored in a memory chip within the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
• Volatile memory is both writable and readable, and greatly impacts how the system
performs.
Non-volatile memory remains within the system, even when the device is powered
down. ROM is one type of non-volatile memory.
• It is used because of its ability to store larger amounts of readable information.
• This type of memory cannot be easily altered, so it is not generally considered
writable.
• It requires more storage than volatile memory.
• This information is stored on a memory chip that is located within the motherboard.
• It is not erased when the computer is turned off.
• The price to produce non-volatile memory is less than volatile memory, but the
information takes longer to access, and it is hard to transfer.
Firmware combines data storage, memory, and code, and it is found in many electronic
devices from cellular phones to digital cameras and watches to appliances.
There are several types of firmware, which is software that is embedded into a device
or PC to ensure the hardware operates properly. It provides instruction that allows
communication within and between devices.
• BIOS - Basic Input/Output System
• EFI - Extensible Firmware Interface, launched in 1998 as part of the "Intel® Boot
Initiative" (IBI), this interface contains data tables that allow boot-up applications to
run device operating systems.
• UEFI - Unified Extensible Firmware Interface - In 2005, upgrades were made to EFI by
Intel® to advance Information Architecture (IA) for the growing advances of
technology.
A linear memory model, also known as the flat memory model refers to a memory
addressing technique in which memory is organized in a single contiguous address
space. This means that the processing unit can access these memory locations directly
as well as linearly.
To better understand a linear memory model, we should understand two basic
components: address and data. Address is a hexadecimal number which is used to
denote the exact place of a memory chunk. Data is the value stored in that memory. In a
linear memory model, the entire memory space is linear, sequential and contiguous.
In a single-tasking application, where no complex memory
management scheme is needed, a flat memory model is
perfect. This provides a very simple interface to directly
access all memory locations with no complexity of designs.
It also provides greater flexibility and minimum hardware
requirement for CPU. Since the addressing is linear, the
execution speed is also comparatively higher than other
memory models. However, this memory model is not
applicable for multitasking OS. Often, when enhanced with
memory management and protection mechanisms, flat
memory models can be well suited for modern processors
as well. A figure showing the detailed description of a basic
flat memory model:
Although linear memory model can be used with different
memory management techniques, it has the following
disadvantages over other memory management models :
• It's not suitable for multitasking and general computing
• Resource protection, paging, and allocation is not
suitable for this type of memory model
• This model is not ideal for virtual memory allocation
• It's not suitable for systems that need advance memory
management and high memory capacity
That is all!