C O M P U T E R M E M O RY

A computer is an electronic device and that accepts data, processes on that data, and gives the
desired output. It performs programmed computation with accuracy and speed. Or in other
words, the computer takes data as input and stores the data/instructions in the memory. After
processes the data, it converts into information. Finally, gives the output.

Here, input refers to the raw data that we want the machine to process and return to us as a result,
output refers to the response that the machine provides in response to the raw data entered and
the processing of data may involve analyzing, searching, distributing, storing data, etc.
Thus, we can also call a computer data processing system

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What is Computer Memory?
Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information and
instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be
processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the
input and output can be stored here.

Characteristics of Computer Memory

• It is faster computer memory as compared to secondary memory.
• It is semiconductor memories.
• It is usually a volatile memory, and main memory of the computer.
• A computer system cannot run without primary memory.

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How Does Computer Memory Work?
When you open a program, it is loaded from secondary memory into primary memory.
Because there are various types of memory and storage, an example would be
moving a program from a solid-state drive (SSD) to RAM. Because primary storage is
accessed more quickly, the opened software can connect with the computer’s
processor more quickly. The primary memory is readily accessible from temporary
memory slots or other storage sites.
Memory is volatile, which means that data is only kept temporarily in memory. Data
saved in volatile memory is automatically destroyed when a computing device is
turned off. When you save a file, it is sent to secondary memory for storage.
There are various kinds of memory accessible. It’s operation will depend upon the type
of primary memory used. but normally, semiconductor-based memory is more
related with memory. Semiconductor memory made up of IC (integrated circuits) with
silicon-based metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors.

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Types of Computer Memory
1. Primary memory
2. Secondary memory
3. Cache memory

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Primary Memory
It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data and
programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor technology and hence
is commonly called semiconductor memory.

Primary memory is of two types:

1. RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. Volatile memory stores information based
on the power supply. If the power supply fails/ interrupted/stopped, all the data and information on
this memory will be lost. RAM is used for booting up or start the computer. It temporarily stores
programs/data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two types:
• S RAM (Static RAM): S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this memory are capable of
retaining their state as long as the power is applied. This memory consists of the number of flip
flops with each flip flop storing 1 bit. It has less access time and hence, it is faster.
• D RAM (Dynamic RAM): D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and stores the data as a charge
on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells. It needs refreshing of charge on
capacitor after a few milliseconds. This memory is slower than S RAM.

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2. ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores information even
when there is a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is used to store information that is used to
operate the system. As its name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the programs and data that is
stored on it. It contains some electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of specific information. The
information stored in the ROM in binary format. It is also known as permanent memory. ROM is of four types:
• MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed collection of data or instructions
were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of low-cost ROM that works in this way.
• PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is modifiable once by the user.
The user purchases a blank PROM and uses a PROM program to put the required contents into the
PROM. Its content can’t be erased once written.
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): EPROM is an extension to PROM where
you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Here the written contents
can be erased electrically. You can delete and reprogramme EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and
programming take very little time, i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be
wiped and programmed selectively.

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Secondary Memory
It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory. It is a non-volatile memory and
used to store a large amount of data or information. The data or information stored in
secondary memory is permanent, and it is slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot access
secondary memory directly. The data/information from the auxiliary memory is first transferred
to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
• It is a slow memory but reusable.
• It is a reliable and non-volatile memory.
• It is cheaper than primary memory.
• The storage capacity of secondary memory is large.
• A computer system can run without secondary memory.
• In secondary memory, data is stored permanently even when the power is off.

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Types of Secondary Memory
• 1. Magnetic Tapes:Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of plastic film with a thin, magnetic
coating on it that is used for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as magnetic
patches called RECORDS that run along many tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded
concurrently. Each track has one read/write head, which allows data to be recorded and read as
a sequence of characters. It can be stopped, started moving forward or backward, or rewound.
• 2. Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disk is a circular metal or a plastic plate and these plates are
coated with magnetic material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in magnetized
surfaces in locations called tracks that run in concentric rings. Sectors are typically used to
break tracks into pieces.

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3. Optical Disks: It’s a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and read. It is
reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the computer by
occasional users.

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Types of Optical Disks
CD – ROM
• It’s called compact disk. Only read from memory.
• Information is written to the disc by using a controlled laser beam to burn pits on the disc
surface.
• It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually aluminium.
• The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
• 16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
• The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector storing 2048 bytes of data.
• The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new access time is around 80 milliseconds.

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WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY)
• A user can only write data once.
• The information is written on the disc using a laser beam.
• It is possible to read the written data as many times as desired.
• They keep lasting records of information but access time is high.
• It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another part of the disc.
• Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
• Usual size – 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
• The usual capacity of 5.25 inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.

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DVDs
• The term “DVD” stands for “Digital Versatile/Video Disc,” and there are two sorts of
DVDs:
• DVDR (writable)
• DVDRW (Re-Writable)
• DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-only memory (ROM) discs
that can be used in a variety of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a
lot more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer that serves as a foundation
for the other layers. It’s an optical memory that can read and write data.
• DVD-R: DVD-R is a writable optical disc that can be used just once. It’s a DVD that
can be recorded. It’s a lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging from 4.7 to
17 GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3 GB.

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Cache Memory
It is a type of high-speed semiconductor memory that can help the CPU run faster.
Between the CPU and the main memory, it serves as a buffer. It is used to store the
data and programs that the CPU uses the most frequently.
Advantages of Cache Memory
• It is faster than the main memory.
• When compared to the main memory, it takes less time to access it.
• It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount of time.
• It stores data in temporary use.
Disadvantages of Cache Memory
• Because of the semiconductors used, it is very expensive.
• The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is usually small.

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 QUES: What is Volatile and Non Volatile memory?
• Answer: Volatile memory is used to store information based on power supply. If the
power supply is off, all the data and information on this memory will be lost. For
example, RAM (Random Access Memory). Whereas non-volatile memory is used to
store information even when the power supply is off. For example, ROM (Read Only
Memory).
QUES: Explain any four differences between RAM and ROM?
RAM ROM
It stands for Random access memory. It stands for read only memory.

It is the fastest memory. It is slower memory as compare to RAM.

It is volatile memory. It is non-volatile memory.

In this memory, data will erase when the power is In this memory, data will not erase even if the
off power is off

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