COMPUTER MEMORY

MEANING OF COMPUTER MEMORY

✓ The performance of a computer primarily depends on its memory and CPU.
✓ Memory is a crucial component of computers, categorized into various types, and serves as the primary storage
for information, programs, and data.

S.No Features Description

1. Key Role in Performance ✓ Memory affects how fast a computer can complete tasks, directly
influencing its overall speed and efficiency.
2. Types of Storage ✓ Memory includes RAM for short-term storage and hard drives/SSDs
for long-term storage.
3. Storage of Instructions and Data ✓ Memory stores essential data and instructions that the CPU uses to
run applications.
4. CPU Interaction ✓ Memory and CPU work together, with the CPU accessing data from
memory to execute tasks.
5. Temporary and Permanent Storage ✓ Memory includes both temporary (RAM) and permanent (hard
drives) storage options.
6. Data Management ✓ Memory enables efficient saving and retrieving of data, supporting
the computer’s ability to perform tasks.
 MEMORY HIERARCHY
Level 0 ✓ Registers in CPU
✓ The hierarchical arrangement of storage in
current computer architecture is called the
Level 1 ✓ Cache Memory memory hierarchy.

Level 2 ✓ Main Memory

✓ The computer uses a hierarchy of memory
that is organized in a manner to enable the
Level 3 ✓ Disk Cache fastest speed and largest capacity of
memory.

Level 4 ✓ Magnetic disk

✓ The memory is characterized on the basis of

Level 5 ✓ Optical disk/Magnetic tapes
two key factors capacity and access time.
 LEVELS OF MEMORY HIERARCHY

Level 0 Registers in CPU

Increase in cost per bit

Level 1 Cache Memory
Increase in capacity
and access time

Level 2 Main Memory

Level 3 Disk Cache

Level 4 Magnetic disk

Level 5 Optical disk/Magnetic tapes

 LEVELS OF MEMORY HIERARCHY
CPU

Part of the On-Chip Registers Farther away from

CPU Data path The CPU:
ISA 16-128 Lower Cost/Bit
Registers Cache Level(S) Higher Capacity
Increased Access
One or More levels(Static RAM): Time/Latency
Level 1: On-chip 16-64K Lower Throughput/
Level 2: On-chip 256-2M Bandwidth
Main Memory
Level 3: On or Off-chip 1M-16M

Dynamic RAM(DRAM)
256M-16G
Magnetic disk
Interface:
SC SI,RAID,
IDE, 1394 Optical disk/Magnetic
80G-300G tapes
 AN EXAMPLE OF MEMORY HIERARCHY
L0: Registers ✓ CPU registers hold words retrieved
from L1 cache

Smaller,
Faster L1: L1 cache(SRAM) ✓ L1 cache holds cache lines retrieved
Costlier
Per byte
L2: L2 cache(SRAM) ✓ L2 cache holds cache lines retrieved
from main memory

L3: Main memory (DRAM) ✓ Main memory holds disk bio retrieved
from main memory

Larger,
Slower L4: Local secondary ✓ Local disks hold files retrieved from
Cheaper storage(local disks) disks on remote network servers
Per byte
L5: Remote secondary
storage (tapes,web)
 REGISTERS

✓ A processor register is a small, fast storage area within the CPU used to hold data
Meaning temporarily for quick access.

✓ Top of Memory Hierarchy: Registers are the fastest memory available to the CPU.
✓ Inbuilt Memory: Registers are integral to the CPU, storing data for immediate
Features processing.
✓ Limited Capacity: Registers hold specific data types, such as instructions or addresses

✓ Speed: Faster than cache or main memory, leading to quicker data retrieval.
✓ Deterministic: No cache misses, ensuring reliable data access.
Advantages ✓ Efficiency: Reduces memory traffic by keeping frequently accessed data close to the
CPU.

✓ Limited Size: Registers can only store small amounts of data.

✓ Context Switching: Data must be saved and restored during procedure calls.
Disadvantages ✓ Limited Addressability: Registers cannot hold addresses for pointers, limiting their
versatility
 CACHE MEMORY

✓ Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage area that temporarily holds frequently
Meaning accessed data for quick retrieval by the CPU.

✓ Integrated with CPU: Cache is built into the CPU, making it quickly accessible.
✓ Temporary Storage: Stores data that the CPU needs frequently, acting as a quick-
Features access buffer.
✓ Faster Access: Enables much quicker data retrieval compared to regular memory.

✓ Speed: Works much faster than regular memory, boosting overall speed.
Advantages ✓ Efficiency: Reduces CPU wait times by providing fast access to data.
✓ Improved Performance: Helps the system run more smoothly by minimizing delays.

✓ Limited Size: It doesn't hold as much data as main memory.

Disadvantages ✓ Cost: Higher price compared to standard memory.
✓ Complexity: Requires complex management to function optimally
 TYPES OF CACHE MEMORY
L1: Level 1 Cache L2: Level 2 Cache L3: Level 3 Cache

✓ First level of Cache. ✓ Second level of Cache ✓ Third level of Cache.

✓ Memory is present inside the CPU ✓ It can be present inside or outside the ✓ It is located outside the CPU.
itself. CPU.

✓ It can work as the same speed as ✓ They are slower than L1. ✓ It is slower than L1 and L2
of the CPU.

✓ Each core of CPU have its own ✓ Each core of CPU can have its own L2 ✓ It is shared by all the cores of CPU.
level 1 Cache Cache or there single L2 Cache,
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CACHE MEMORY AND VIRTUAL MEMORY
Basis for Comparison Cache Memory Virtual Memory

Basic ✓ It extends the capacity of main memory ✓ It fastens the data accessing speed of CPU.
for the user.

Nature ✓ It is technique ✓ It is a storage unit

Function ✓ It allows execution of the program that is ✓ It stores the copies of original data that has
larger than the main memory been recently used.

Memory Management ✓ It is managed by operating system ✓ It is managed by the hardware

Size ✓ It is far larger than Cache memory ✓ It has bounded size

Mapping ✓ It requires mapping structure to map ✓ No mapping structures are required in a

virtual address to physical address cache memory.
 PRIMARY MEMORY

✓ Primary memory stores the data and instructions that the computer is currently
Meaning using.

✓ Temporary Storage: Stores data only while the computer is powered on.
Features ✓ Limited Capacity: Can only hold a certain amount of data.
✓ Immediate Access: Data is readily accessible by the CPU for processing

✓ Speed: Provides fast access to data, speeding up processing.

Advantages ✓ Direct Access: Data can be directly accessed by the CPU without delays.
✓ Essential for Operation: Critical for running programs and processes

✓ Volatility: Data is lost when the power is turned off.

Disadvantages ✓ Limited Storage: Cannot store large amounts of data permanently.
✓ Dependency on Power: Requires continuous power to maintain data.
 PRIMARY MEMORY

Primary Memory

RAM ROM

DRAM SPRAM

PROM EPROM EEPROM

 RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)

✓ RAM is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions
Meaning needed by the CPU for immediate tasks.

✓ Volatile Memory: Loses data when the computer is powered off.

Features ✓ Read/Write Capability: Allows both reading and writing of data quickly.
✓ Temporary Storage: Holds data that the CPU needs in real-time.

✓ Speed: Provides fast access to data, improving overall system performance.

Advantages ✓ Efficiency: Enhances multitasking by allowing quick data retrieval and storage.
✓ Flexibility: Can be upgraded to increase system performance.

✓ Volatility: Data is lost when the computer is turned off.

Disadvantages ✓ Limited Capacity: Comparatively smaller storage space than hard drives.
✓ Cost: Can be expensive, especially high-capacity modules.
 SRAM (STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)

✓ SRAM is a type of volatile memory that uses flip-flops to store data, offering faster
Meaning access speeds.

✓ Volatile Memory: Data is lost when power is off.

Features ✓ No Refresh Needed: Unlike DRAM, it doesn’t need to be periodically refreshed.
✓ High Speed: Faster access times compared to DRAM.

✓ Speed: Much faster than DRAM.

Advantages ✓ Power Efficiency: Consumes less power when active.
✓ Reliability: No need for refresh cycles, which increases reliability.

✓ Cost: More expensive due to its complex structure.

Disadvantages ✓ Lower Density: Larger cell size results in lower storage capacity.
✓ Complexity: Requires more transistors, leading to higher costs and complexity.
 DRAM (DYNAMIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)

✓ DRAM is a type of volatile memory that stores each bit of data in a capacitor, which
Meaning requires periodic refreshing.

✓ Volatile Memory: Data is lost when power is off.

Features ✓ Needs Refreshing: Capacitors leak charge, requiring frequent refreshing.
✓ Simple Structure: Uses one transistor and one capacitor per bit.

✓ High Density: Offers higher storage capacity compared to SRAM.

Advantages ✓ Cost-effective: Cheaper to produce than SRAM.
✓ Widespread Use: Commonly used in the main memory of computers.

✓ Speed: Slower than SRAM due to the need for refreshing.

Disadvantages ✓ Power Consumption: Requires continuous power to refresh.
✓ Complexity in Design: The refresh mechanism adds complexity to the system design.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SRAM AND DRAM
Basis for Comparison SRAM DRAM

Full Form ✓ Static Random Access Memory ✓ Dynamic Random Access Memory

Read & Write ✓ Faster ✓ Slower than SRAM

Storage Component ✓ Uses transistor to store single bit of ✓ Uses separate capacitor to store each bit of
information. data.

Price ✓ Expensive than DRAM ✓ Economical than SRAM

Power Consumption ✓ More ✓ Less

Refresh ✓ No need to refresh for maintaining data. ✓ Needs to be refreshed thousands of time
every second.

Used in ✓ Cache Memory ✓ Main Memory

Internal Structure ✓ Complex ✓ Simpler than SRAM

Density ✓ Less dense ✓ Highly dense

Storage per bit ✓ Can store many bits per chip ✓ Cannot store many bits per chip
 RDRAM (RAMBUS DYNAMIC RAM)

✓ Is a high-speed memory subsystem specifically engineered to transfer data at faster

Meaning rates, making it ideal for performance-intensive applications.

✓ High-Speed Transfer: Optimized for quicker data transfer.

Features ✓ Integration: Links RAM directly to processors with a dedicated bus.
✓ Usage: Preferred in gaming consoles for high-speed data needs.

✓ Fast Performance: Enhances overall system speed.

Advantages ✓ Effective for Gaming: Suited for high-performance gaming.
✓ High Density: Offers higher storage capacity options

✓ Costly: Priced higher than standard DRAM.

Disadvantages ✓ Heat Generation: Requires better cooling due to excess heat.
✓ Compatibility: Works with fewer motherboards and components.
 ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY)

✓ Non-volatile memory that stores permanent data essential for computer startup and
Meaning operation.

✓ Permanent Storage: Stores essential instructions that do not change over time.
Features ✓ Non-volatile: Retains data even when the computer is powered off.
✓ Read-Only: Data can only be read, not modified by the user.

✓ Reliability: As it is non-volatile, it provides consistent and reliable performance.

Advantages ✓ Cost-Effective: Typically less costly than RAM.
✓ No Refresh Required: Does not need refreshing, unlike some types of RAM.

✓ Limited Flexibility: Cannot be modified or updated by the user.

Disadvantages ✓ Slow Access: Access speed is generally slower compared to RAM.
✓ Limited Use: Primarily used for firmware and not suitable for general data storage.
 ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY) TYPES
ROM Types Full Form Description

ROM Read-Only Memory Chips ✓ Information is written to a ROM chip when it is manufactured.
✓ A ROM chip cannot be erased or re-written and cab become
obsolete.

PROM Programmable Read-Only ✓ Information is written to a PROM chip after it is manufactured.

Memory ✓ A PROM chip cannot be erased or re-written.

EPROM Erasable Programmable ✓ Information is written to a EPROM chip after it is manufactured.

Read-Only Memory ✓ An EPROM chip can be erased with exposure to UV light.
✓ Special equipment is required.

EEPROM Electrically Erasable ✓ Information is written to an EEPROM chip after it is

Programmable Read-Only manufactured.
Memory ✓ EEPROM chips are also called flash ROMs.
✓ An EEPROM chip can be erased and rewritten without having to
remove the chip from the computer
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROM, EPROM AND EEPROM
Basis for Comparison PROM EPROM EEPROM

Modification ✓ A Read Only Memory ✓ A programmable ROM that ✓ A user-modified ROM that can
(ROM) that can be can be erased and reused. be erased and reprogrammed
modified only by a users repeatedly through a normal
electrical voltage.

Full Form ✓ Stands for Programmable ✓ Stands for Erasable ✓ Stands for Electrically Erasable
Read Only Memory Programmable Read Only Programmable Read Only
Memory Memory

Developed By ✓ Developed by Wen Tsing ✓ Developed by Dov ✓ Developed by George Perlegos

Chow in 1956 Frohman in 1971 in 1978

Reprogrammable ✓ Reprogrammable Only ✓ Can be reprogrammed ✓ Can be reprogrammed using

once using ultraviolet light electrical charge
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAM AND ROM
Basis for Comparison RAM ROM

Full Form ✓ It is a read-write memory. ✓ It is read only memory.

Use ✓ Used to store the data that has to be currently ✓ It stores the instructions required during
processed by CPU temporarily. bootstrap of the computer.

Volatility ✓ It is a volatile memory. ✓ It is a non-volatile memory.

Modification ✓ Data in RAM can be modified. ✓ Data in ROM can not be modified.

Capacity ✓ RAM sizes from 64 MB to 4GB. ✓ ROM is comparatively smaller than RAM

Accessibility ✓ RAM can be directly accessed by the processor. ✓ ROM can’t be directly accessed by the processor
since t is transferred to RAM

Storage ✓ RAM is used to store the temporary ✓ ROM is used to store permanent information
information for limited time which can’t be deleted

Hardware Structure ✓ RAM is in form of chip ✓ ROM is made of magnetic tape

Cost ✓ Costlier than ROM ✓ Cheaper than RAM

 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VOLATILE AND NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
Basis for Comparison Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

Definition ✓ Volatile memory is the type of memory ✓ Non-volatile memory is a type of memory
where data is lost when power is turned where the data is not lost when a computer
off is switched off

Stored in ✓ Data temporarily stored in volatile ✓ Data permanently stored in non-volatile

memory memory

Speed ✓ It is faster than non-volatile memory ✓ It is slower than volatile memory

Storage Capacity ✓ It has less storage capacity ✓ It has more storage capacity than volatile
memory

Transferred ✓ Data can be easily transferred ✓ Data cannot be easily transferred

 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VOLATILE AND NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
Basis for Comparison Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

Economical ✓ It is more costly per unit size ✓ It is less costly per unit size.

Data Access ✓ CPU has direct access to data ✓ CPU has no direct access to data

Impact ✓ It has a high impact on the system’s ✓ It has a high impact on system’s storage
performance. capacity.

Data Stored in ✓ Data and program that are currently fetch ✓ Any kind of data and programs are stored
by CPU are stored in volatile memory. in non-volatile memory.

Process ✓ Process can read and write ✓ Process can only read

Example ✓ Example: RAM and Cache memory ✓ Example: ROM and HDD
 SECONDARY STORAGE

✓ Type of non-volatile memory that retains data permanently, even when the power is
Meaning turned off, making it essential for long-term data storage.

✓ Non-Volatile: Retains data even when power is off.

Features ✓ Large Capacity: Can store data in terabytes.
✓ Cost-Effective: Cheaper than primary memory.

✓ Permanent Storage: Safeguards data for long-term use.

Advantages ✓ Cost-Efficient: Provides large storage at a lower cost.
✓ Variety: Available in various forms like HDDs, SSDs, and USB drives.

✓ Slower Access: Access speed is slower compared to primary memory.

Disadvantages ✓ Physical Damage: Susceptible to physical wear and tear.
✓ Portability: Larger drives are less portable compared to flash drives.
 CLASSIFICATION OF SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES
Secondary Storage Devices

Sequential Access Device Direct Access Device

Magnetic Tape
Magnetic Disks Optical Disks Memory Storage Devices

CD WORM Blu-Ray
Floppy Disks Hard Disks CD-RW DVD
ROM CD-R Disk

Winchester
Zip Disk Disk Pack Flash Drive Memory Card
Disk
 MAGNETIC TAPE

✓ Magnetic tape is a serial access storage medium used to store large volumes of data
Meaning at low costs.

✓ Serial Access: Data is accessed in a sequence, not randomly.

Features ✓ Large Storage Capacity: Tapes can hold up to 3600 feet of data.
✓ Mylar Plastic Tape: The tape is made of Mylar plastic coated with magnetic material.

✓ Cost-Effective: The cheapest form of data storage per megabyte.

Advantages ✓ High Capacity: Can store up to 1 terabyte per cartridge.
✓ Automated Backup: Suitable for overnight or weekend backups.

✓ Slow Access: Serial access can be slow compared to other storage types.
Disadvantages ✓ Special Equipment Required: Needs specific devices to read and write data.
✓ Data Corruption Risk: Susceptible to magnetic fields, which can corrupt data.
 MAGNETIC DISK

✓ Magnetic disks are storage devices made of rigid metals or synthetic materials, used
Meaning for direct access data storage.

✓ Material: Made of rigid metal or plastic, coated with magnetic material.

✓ Dual-Sided Storage: Both sides of the disk platter can store data.
Features ✓ Direct Access: Allows direct access to data, suitable for small and large computer
systems

✓ Durability: More durable than other storage forms like magnetic tapes.
Advantages ✓ Capacity: Offers higher storage capacity compared to older storage methods.
✓ Speed: Provides faster data retrieval through direct access.

✓ Mechanical Failure: Susceptible to mechanical issues due to moving parts.

Disadvantages ✓ Data Loss: Data can be lost if the disk is damaged.
✓ Higher Cost: More expensive than some other storage options like magnetic tapes.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEQUENTIAL AND DIRECT ACCESS DEVICE
Basis for Comparison Sequential Access Device Direct Access Device

Access Methods ✓ Data is accessed in a linear, sequential ✓ Data is accessed directly by specifying the
manner. address or location.

Data Retrieval ✓ Specific data is retrieved by scanning ✓ Specific data is retrieved instantly without
through all preceding data. scanning preceding data.

Efficiency ✓ Efficient for reading large volumes of ✓ Efficient for random access and quick data
data sequentially. retrieval.

Storage Media ✓ Commonly used in tape drives and ✓ Commonly used in HDDs, SSDs, and
streaming media. magnetic disks.

Use Cases ✓ Suitable for batch processing tasks, ✓ Ideal for interactive applications, databases,
backups, and archival purposes. and file systems.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAGNETIC TAPE AND MAGNETIC DISK
Basis for Comparison Magnetic Tape Magnetic Disk

Basic ✓ Used for backup, and storage of less ✓ Used as a secondary storage.
frequently used information.

Physical ✓ Plastic thin, long, narrow strip coated ✓ Several platters arranged above each other
with magnetic material. to form a cylinder, each platter has a read-
write head.

Use ✓ Idle for sequential access. ✓ Idle for random access.

Access ✓ Slower in data accessing. ✓ Fast in data accessing.

Update ✓ Once data is fed, it can't be updated. ✓ Data can be updated.

 FLOPPY DISK

✓ A floppy disk is a small, portable storage device used to transfer up to 1.4 MB of data,
Meaning enclosed in a plastic jacket, and was once popular for file transfer between computers.

✓ Flexible Disk: A plastic, magnetic-coated disk for data storage.

Features ✓ Plastic Jacket: Protective cover, stores up to 1.4 MB.
✓ Limited Lifespan: Requires recycling every 3-4 years.

✓ Portable: Easy to carry and transfer small amounts of data.

Advantages ✓ Affordable: Low-cost storage solution for small files.
✓ Simple to Use: Easily readable by compatible floppy drives.

✓ Low Storage Capacity: Only holds up to 1.4 MB of data.

Disadvantages ✓ Limited Durability: Prone to damage and data degradation over time.
✓ Obsolete Technology: Largely replaced by modern storage devices.
 HARD DISK DRIVE (HDD)

✓ A primary storage device used in computers to store large amounts of data

Meaning permanently.

✓ Series of Platters: Disks coated with magnetic material, stacked around a spindle.
Features ✓ High-Speed Rotation: Platters spin quickly at 5400 to 7200 RPM for fast data access.
✓ Large Capacity: Stores large amounts of data, from GBs to TBs.

✓ High Capacity: Stores large amounts of data, up to several terabytes.

Advantages ✓ Reliable: Durable for long-term data storage.
✓ Cost-Effective: Provides large storage at a relatively low cost per GB.

✓ Physical Size: Larger and heavier compared to solid-state drives (SSDs).

Disadvantages ✓ Mechanical Parts: More prone to failure due to moving components.
✓ Slower Access Speed: Not as fast as SSDs in data retrieval and transfer.
 HARD DISK DRIVE

Zip Disk Disk Pack

✓ Popularity: Gaining popularity in secondary ✓ Structure: Consists of multiple hard disk platters
storage due to its higher capacity. mounted on a single central shaft, rotating
✓ Capacity: A single ZIP disk can store 100 MB, together.
equivalent to 70 floppy disks. ✓ Read/Write: Each disk in the pack has its own
✓ Convenience: Allows for easy storage and read/write head, except for the top and bottom
transport of larger files that are too big for surfaces.
floppies. ✓ Removable: Disk packs are removable and
✓ Versatility: Available in both portable and fixed interchangeable, allowing them to be mounted or
types, catering to different user needs. kept offline.
✓ Usage: Ideal for users needing to store and ✓ Flexibility: Different disk packs can be mounted
transfer medium-sized data conveniently. on the same drive at different times, offering
flexibility.
✓ Storage: Provides virtually unlimited storage
capacity by allowing multiple disk packs to be
used.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD DISK DRIVE AND FLOPPY DISK
Basis for Comparison Hard Disk Drive Floppy Disk

Location ✓ Can be inserted in and removed from a disk ✓ It is not removable like the floppy disk, but
drive. It can also be transferred between permanently housed in a disc unit inside the
computers. computer.

Made of ✓ Made of a flexible plastic and can bend ✓ Made of a metal and is usually rigid/firm.
easily.

Consists ✓ Consists of a single platter/disk ✓ Consist of more than 1 platter arranged one
on top of the other to form a disk pack

Economical ✓ Cheaper ✓ Relatively expensive than floppy disks

Nature ✓ Floppy disk drive only begin rotating when ✓ Hard disk drive spin continuously i.e., they
they are required to read & write data start rotating when a computer is switched on

Function ✓ Have a spindle hole ✓ Have a rotating spindle that holds the disk
plates together in a disk pack & is used to
rotate the disk pack when reading or writing
onto the disk.
 OPTICAL DISKS

✓ Storage devices that use light reflection to store data in the form of bit values,
Meaning providing a durable and standardized medium for storing and accessing information.

✓ High Area Density: Provides greater storage capacity than magnetic storage.
Features ✓ Standardized: Widely used and compatible with various devices.
✓ Longer Data Life: More durable than magnetic storage.

✓ Cost-effective: Relatively inexpensive compared to other storage media.

Advantages ✓ Portability: Easy to transport and store.
✓ Versatile: Suitable for various applications, including audio, video, and data storage.

✓ Lower Speed: Slower read/write speeds compared to other modern storage options.
✓ Limited Reusability: Some formats are read-only or have limited rewrites.
Disadvantages ✓ Physical Fragility: Susceptible to scratches and physical damage, which can render
them unusable.
 TYPES OF OPTICAL DISKS
Types of Optical Disks Meaning Features
CD-ROM ✓ A read-only compact disk where data ✓ 1. Stores up to 700 MB of data.
is pre-recorded and cannot be ✓ 2. Commonly used for software and media distribution.
altered. ✓ 3. Data is written during manufacturing.
WORM ✓ Write-Once, Read-Many optical disk ✓ 1. Permanent data storage.
where data can be written once but ✓ 2. Ideal for archiving.
read many times. ✓ 3. Data cannot be modified after recording.
CD-R ✓ A recordable CD that allows users to ✓ 1. Can be written once by the user.
write data once; the data cannot be ✓ 2. Stores up to 700 MB of data.
changed or erased. ✓ 3. Used for backup and data transfer

CD-RW ✓ A rewritable CD that allows users to ✓ 1. Can be erased and rewritten.

write and erase data multiple times. ✓ 2. Typically stores up to 700 MB of data.
✓ 3. Used for temporary storage or data transfer.
DVD ✓ A digital versatile disk with a higher ✓ 1. Stores up to 4.7 GB per layer.
storage capacity than CDs, often ✓ 2. Can be single or dual-layer.
used for video and data storage. ✓ 3. Used for movies, software, and data backup.

Blu-Ray Disk ✓ A high-density optical disk designed ✓ 1. Stores up to 25 GB per layer.

to store high-definition video and ✓ 2. Uses a blue laser for greater storage density.
large amounts of data. ✓ 3. Available in read-only, recordable, and rewritable formats.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CD AND DVD
Basis for Comparison CD DVD

Expands to ✓ Compact disk ✓ Digital Versatile Disk

Acquired size ✓ 700 MB ✓ 4.7 to 17 GB

Usage ✓ Less as compared to DVDs. ✓ More

Metal layer (recording layer) ✓ Top ✓ Middle of the disk.

position on the disk

Layers of the pits ✓ Single ✓ Double (two-sided)

Spacing between the loops of ✓ 1.6 micrometre ✓ 0.74 micrometre

the spiral

Spacing between the pits ✓ 0.834 micrometre ✓ 0.4 micrometre

Error correction codes ✓ CIRC and EFMP ✓ RS-PC and EFM plus
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DVD AND BLU-RAY DISC
Basis for Comparison DVD Blu-Ray Disk

Storage Capacity ✓ Typically holds around 4.7GB (single-layer) ✓ Offers higher capacity, ranging from 25GB
or 8.5GB (dual-layer) of data. (single-layer) to 50GB (dual-layer).

Data Density ✓ Lower data density, limiting high-definition ✓ Higher data density, enabling storage of full HD
content and data quality. and 4K content with better quality.

Laser Technology ✓ Uses red laser (650nm wavelength) for ✓ Utilizes blue-violet laser (405nm wavelength),
reading/writing data. allowing for greater precision and increased
storage.

Playback Quality ✓ Limited to standard definition (SD) and ✓ Supports high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-
lower-quality video. definition (UHD) video for superior visual
experience.

Compatibility ✓ Compatible with most older DVD players ✓ Requires specialized Blu-ray players and drives,
and drives. not backward-compatible with DVD players.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLASH DRIVE AND MEMORY CARD
Basis for Comparison Flash Drive Memory Card

Physical Form ✓ Compact USB stick with a built-in USB ✓ Small, portable card often used in cameras,
connector for direct computer connection. smartphones, and other devices.

Usage ✓ Used mainly for data storage and transfer ✓ Typically employed as storage in devices like
between computers. cameras and phones

Connectivity ✓ Plugs directly into USB ports on computers ✓ Requires a card reader or device with a card
and other devices. slot for data access.

Variants ✓ Usually comes in standard USB-A or newer ✓ Various formats like SD, micro SD, CF, etc., with
USB-C formats. different capacities.

Portability ✓ Easier to carry and use due to integrated ✓ Compact but may need a card reader for
design. broader use.
 COMPARISON CHART
Basis for Floppy Disk Hard Disk Magnetic Tape Optical Disk
Comparison

Cost ✓ Low ✓ Highest ✓ Lowest ✓ Relatively Low

Capacity ✓ Low ✓ Very High ✓ High ✓ High

Access Mode ✓ Direct Access ✓ Direct Access ✓ Sequential Access ✓ Direct Access

Access Speed ✓ Slow ✓ Fastest ✓ Slowest ✓ Fast

Typical Use ✓ Store data files ✓ Store programs and ✓ Backup programs ✓ Reference material
data and data
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEMORY
Basis for Comparison Primary Memory Secondary Memory

Also Known as ✓ Also known as Primary memory or active ✓ Also known as additional memory or back
memory or internal memory memory or external memory

Nature ✓ Categorized as volatile and non volatile ✓ Always categorized as non volatile
memories, RAM is volatile memory
Whereas ROM is non volatile memory

Economical ✓ Expensive ✓ Cheaper

Accessed by ✓ Directly accessed by the CPU ✓ Indirectly accessed by the CPU

Data Access ✓ Faster data access ✓ Slower data access

Storage ✓ Temporary storage ✓ Used for storing Large size

 SECONDARY MEMORY DEVICE AND ITS STORAGE CAPACITY
Secondary Memory Device Maximum Capacity Storage Component

Floppy 1.44 MB Magnetic

CD-R (or) CD-RW 700 MB Optical

Magneto Optical Disk 5.2 GB Magnetic

DVD 4.7 GB – 17GB Optical

Blu-Ray Disk 25 GB Optical

SD Memory Cards 1GB to 512 GB Flash

Pen drive 1GB to 512 GB Solid State

External Hard Disk Up to 16 TB Magnetic

Hard Disk Up to 100 TB Magnetic/Solid State

Magnetic Tape Up to 185 TB Magnetic

 DVD DRIVE
DVD discs type Description Capacity Compatibility

DVD-ROM Known as read-only disc, usually used to 4.7 GB Highly compatible most computers and devices
store commercial program and data. You
can’t add or delete information on a
DVD-ROM.

DVD-RW You can burn files to these DVD disc types 4.7 GB You don’t need to close the session to read this
more than once. Also it allows deleting disc in another computer. Compatible with many
DVD+RW unwanted files from the disc to provide 4.7 GB computers and some devices.
space and add additional files. So it can be As the DVD-RW you don’t need to close the
DVD-RAM burned and erased many times. 2.6 GB session to read this disc in another computer.
4.7 GB Compatible with many computers and some
5.2 GB devices.
DVD-RAM discs can generally be used only in
DVD-RAM drives. It might not be readable by
DVD players and other devices.

Blue-Ray You can burn files to a BD-R once, but you 25 GB You must close the session to read this disc in
can’t delete files different computers. Compatible with computers
From the disc. Each burn is permanent running windows 7.
SECONDARY MEMORY DEVICE AND THEIR STORAGE METHOD & CAPACITY
Secondary Memory Device Storage Capacity

Floppy Disk (5.25 inches) ✓ Magnetic ✓ 1.2 MB

Floppy Disk (3.5 inches) ✓ Magnetic ✓ 1.44 MB

Floppy Disk (3.55 inches) ✓ Magnetic ✓ 80 KB to 242 KB

Hard Disk ✓ Magnetic ✓ upto 1 TB

CD-ROM ✓ Optical ✓ 640 MB to 680 MB

DVD-ROM ✓ Optical ✓ 4.7 GB to 17 GB

Pen-Drive ✓ Solid State ✓ 1 GB to 512 GB

Magnetic tape ✓ Magnetic ✓ Upto 1 TB

 MEMORY MEASUREMENT
Name Size
1 bit Single digit 0 or 1
1 nibble 4 bits
1 byte 8 bits
1 Kilobyte(KB) 1024 Bytes
1 Megabyte(MB) 1024 KB
1 Gigabyte(GB) 1,024 MB
1 Terabyte(TB) 1,024 GB
1 Petabyte (PB) 1,024 TB
1 Exabyte (EB) 1,024 PB
1 Zetta byte (ZB) 1,024 EB
1 Yotta Byte (YB) 1,024 ZB
1 Bronto Byte 1,024 YB
1 Geop Byte 1,024 Bronto Byte