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Memory

Primary memory is the computer's main memory used for temporary data storage that the CPU can directly access, while secondary memory is external, permanent storage that the CPU cannot access directly. Primary memory is volatile and includes RAM and ROM, whereas secondary memory is non-volatile and includes devices like hard drives and CDs. The key differences include speed, volatility, and the ability to access data directly.

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5 views3 pages

Memory

Primary memory is the computer's main memory used for temporary data storage that the CPU can directly access, while secondary memory is external, permanent storage that the CPU cannot access directly. Primary memory is volatile and includes RAM and ROM, whereas secondary memory is non-volatile and includes devices like hard drives and CDs. The key differences include speed, volatility, and the ability to access data directly.

Uploaded by

2smdymqgtx
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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STORAGE AND MEMORY

Difference between Primary and Secondary Memory – Comparison Table


Primary memory is used for temporarily storing data that is actively being used by the
computer's CPU, while secondary memory (storage) is used for long-term data storage, such
as files and programs that are not currently in use. Listed below are some other primary and
secondary memory differences.

Comparasion
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
parameters
Primary memory is the main
Storage Secondary memory is the external memory and
memory and stores data
validity stores data permanently.
temporarily.
The CPU can directly access the
Access The CPU cannot directly access the data.
data.
Primary memory is volatile. It
Secondary memory is non-volatile; data is stored
Volatility loses data in case of a power
even during a power failure.
outage.
Data is stored inside costly Data is stored on external hardware devices like
Storage
semiconductor chips. hard drives, floppy disks, etc.
They do not have such a classification. Secondary
It can be divided into RAM and
Division memories are permanent storage devices like
ROM
CDs, DVDs, etc.
Speed Faster Slower
It saves the data that the computer It can save various types of data in various
Stored data
is currently using. formats and huge sizes.
What is Primary Memory?
Primary memory is a computer system's internal memory. It stores and retrieves data,
instructions, and information. The CPU directly and randomly accesses primary memory, also
called Random Access Memory (RAM). Primary memory is volatile 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. Information saved in primary memory will be lost when the computer or laptop's power
supply turns off. Simply put, RAM is a primary memory from which you can only read
information.

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. The computer manufacturer determines ROM
information. It is permanently stored at the time of manufacture so that the user cannot
overwrite it.

Primary Memory Characteristics


 The computer cannot function without primary memory.
 Primary memory is also known as the main memory.
 You may lose data in case the power is off
 Also known as volatile memory
 It is the working memory of the computer.
 It is faster as compared to secondary memory.
 Examples: RAM, ROM, cache, PROM, EPROM, registers, etc.
What is Secondary Memory?
Secondary memory is a permanent storage device that the CPU cannot access directly.
The CPU accesses these devices through an input/output channel. Data is first transferred to
primary from secondary storage before its assessment. Modern computers often use hard drives
and optical storage devices (CDs, DVDs) as secondary storage devices
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 keeps less used data temporarily 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 disks that
consume dramatically and significantly less physical space.
Types of Secondary Memory
 Solid-state storage devices, such as USB memory sticks.

 Optical storage devices, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.


 Examples: Magnetic storage devices include zip, floppy, and hard disk drives.
Secondary Memory Characteristics
 These are magnetic and optical memories.

 It is a type of non-volatile memory.


 Data is permanently stored even when the computer is turned off
 It helps store data on a computer
 The computer can function without secondary memory
 Slower than primary memory
 Examples: magnetic tapes, optical discs, floppy disks, flash memory [USB drives], paper
tape, punched cards, etc.

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.
 Secondary memory is non-volatile, while primary memory is volatile.
 Primary memory is stored on semiconductor chips, while secondary memory is stored on
external devices.
 Primary memory is classified into cache and random access memory, while secondary
memory has no such categories.
 Secondary memory can save data in various formats that can be accessed anytime, while
primary memory uses the computer’s current data.
 Primary memory is faster.

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