Scribd
Upload
2 views

Lecture-4 Computer Memory

Computer memory is a physical device that stores data for retrieval when needed, with examples including hard disks and RAM. It can be classified based on distance from the CPU, importance and accessibility, permanence of storage, and manufacturing substance. RAM is considered the main memory due to its essential role in program execution and is classified as volatile memory because it loses its contents when power is interrupted.

Uploaded by

watchoutguy765
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Lecture-4 Computer Memory

Computer memory is a physical device that stores data for retrieval when needed, with examples including hard disks and RAM. It can be classified based on distance from the CPU, importance and accessibility, permanence of storage, and manufacturing substance. RAM is considered the main memory due to its essential role in program execution and is classified as volatile memory because it loses its contents when power is interrupted.

Uploaded by

watchoutguy765
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Computer Memory

What is a Computer Memory?


Answer: A computer memory is nothing but a physical device with the
capability to store data and then reproduce or delivery or retrieve the stored
data when necessary.
Example: Hard disk, RAM, ROM, CD, DVD, Pen drive etc.
Classification of Computer Memory
Computer memories can be classified according to following criteria:

Classification-1: According to Distance from a CPU:


Computer Memory

Internal Memory External Memory


(Ex. RAM, ROM, Internal HDD) (Ex. CD, DVD, Pen drive, Portable HDD)
Classification-2: According to Importance and Accessibility:

Computer Memory

Primary Memory Secondary Memory


Or Or
Main Memory Auxiliary Memory
Ex. RAM, ROM Ex. HDD, CD, DVD, Pen drive etc.

Question: Why RAM is called a Main memory?

Answer: RAM is a very much essential memory. During the execution of a


program, there is a close interaction between RAM and processor. During
the execution of a program, processor takes data and instruction from RAM.
After processing, RAM stores information. RAM is intimately connected to
the processor. Processor has direct accessibility to RAM. For these reasons,
RAM is called a main memory.
Classification-3: According to Permanence of Storage or Volatility:

Computer Memory

Volatile Memory Non-volatile Memory


Ex. RAM Ex. ROM, HDD, CD, DVD, Pen drive etc.

Question: Why RAM is called a Volatile memory?

Answer: RAM holds its contents (data) as long as power or electricity is


available. When the power is interrupted or shut down, the contents of RAM
is lost. This is why, RAM is called a volatile memory. On the other hand, non-
volatile memory does not lose its contents when the electricity is turned off.
Classification-4: According to Manufacturing Substance or Read-Write
Mechanism:
RAM - Random Access Memory
SRAM - Static Random Access Memory
DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory

ROM - Read Only Memory


MROM - Masked Read Only Memory
PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory
EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

CD - Compact Disk
DVD - Digital Versatile Disk

You might also like