Scribd
Upload
2 views

memory (1)

Memory in a computer is a storage area that holds data and programs temporarily or permanently, with functionalities including data storage, quick retrieval, and CPU interaction. Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU and is essential for computer operation, while secondary memory is external, non-volatile, and can store larger amounts of data. Primary memory includes RAM and ROM, with RAM being volatile and ROM being non-volatile, while secondary memory examples include hard disks and CDs.

Uploaded by

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

memory (1)

Memory in a computer is a storage area that holds data and programs temporarily or permanently, with functionalities including data storage, quick retrieval, and CPU interaction. Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU and is essential for computer operation, while secondary memory is external, non-volatile, and can store larger amounts of data. Primary memory includes RAM and ROM, with RAM being volatile and ROM being non-volatile, while secondary memory examples include hard disks and CDs.

Uploaded by

Menaka Patil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Q. WHAT IS MEMORY? LIST ITS FUNCTIONALITIES.

ALSO LIST THE


DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STORAGE?

A. Memory is a storage area in a computer. The function of memory is to store


data or programs on temporary or permanent basis.

Functionalities of Memory

❖ It is a device which stores data and program temporarily or permanently.

❖ It basically takes data from an input device and generates result before it is
passed to the output device.

❖ It stores data in digital format and can read only two binary digits i.e., a
sequence of 0’s and 1’s.

❖ It has the capacity to store very huge amount of data and retrieve it quickly
whenever necessary.

❖ It is capable of performing various operations such as booting up or


starting up programs.

❖ It provides unique memory addresses which are accessed by the CPU.

❖ It allows the CPU to directly interact with the programs.

Differences between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory


Primary Storage/Memory Secondary Storage/Memory

The memory which is directly The memory that is not directly


accessible by the CPU for storing and accessible by the CPU is known as
retrieving information is known as secondary memory.
primary memory.

A computer cannot work without a A computer can work without a


primary memory. secondary memory.
It is also known as main memory It is also known as auxiliary memory
or backup memory.

It is internal to CPU. It is external to CPU.


It basically stores programs and data It can store huge amount of data.
which are currently in use.
It is connected to computer through It is connected to computer through
“slots”. cables.
It is classified as volatile (RAM) and It is always non-volatile memory.
non-volatile (ROM) memories.
It acts as the working memory of It acts as the storage device in the
computer. computer.
It loses data on power failure or It holds data even on power failure or
system crash. system crash.
It is faster than secondary memory. It is slower than primary memory.
It is expensive. It is cheaper.
Examples of primary memory are RAM Examples of secondary memory are
and ROM. hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD etc.
Primary Memory (Main Memory) :The main memory occupies the central position because it
is equipped to communicate directly with the CPU and with auxiliary memory devices through
Input/output processor (I/O). Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which
the computer is currently working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost when power is
switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. It is divided into two
subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Main Memory
• It is known as the main memory.
• Usually volatile (Temporary) memory.
• Data is lost in case power is switched off.
• Faster than secondary memories.
• A computer cannot run without the primary memory.

A) RAM (Random Access Memory): It is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data,
program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is
working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.
RAM is volatile (Temporary), i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if
there is a power failure.
B) ROM (Read Only Memory) : The memory from which we can only read but cannot write
on it. This type of memory is non-volatile (Permanent). A ROM stores such instructions that are
required to start a computer. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only
used in the computer but also in other electronic items like washing machine and microwave
oven.
The various types of ROMs and their characteristics:
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) :
PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user buys a blank
PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program. Inside the PROM chip, there
are small fuses which are burnt open during programming. It can be programmed only once and
is not erasable.
EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) : EPROM can be erased by
exposing it to ultra-violet light.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) :
EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten
thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In
EEPROM, any location can be selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be erased
one byte at a time, rather than erasing the entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is
flexible but slow.
The advantages of ROM are as follows −
• • Non-volatile in nature
• • Cannot be accidentally changed
• • Cheaper than RAMs
• • Easy to test
• • More reliable than RAMs

Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Memory) :Auxiliary memory is much larger in size than main
memory but is slower. It normally stores system programs, instruction and data files. It is also
known as secondary memory. Secondary memories cannot be accessed directly by a processor.
First the data/information of auxiliary memory is transferred to the main memory and then that
information can be accessed by the CPU.

Ex: Floppy disc, Hard Disc CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

You might also like