MEMORY

Computer memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored. A memory is just like a human brain; it is used to
store data and instructions.

Types of Memory – There are two types of memory; Primary Memory / Main Memory and
Secondary Memory.

PRIMARY MEMORY (Main Memory)

Primary memory holds only data and instructions which the computer is currently working on. It
has a limited storage capacity and data is lost when power is switched off (i.e It is volatile).
Primary memory is divided into two subcategories;- Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read
Only Memory (ROM).

Characteristics of Primary/Main Memory

• These are semiconductor memories.

• It is the working memory of the computer, a computer cannot run without the primary
memory.
• Usually volatile memory (i.e Data is lost in case power is switched off).
• Primary memory is faster than secondary memory. (processing speed)

Differences between Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).

Random-Access Memory (RAM) Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Normally ROM is read only memory and it
RAM is a read and write memory, it can be edited.
cannot be edited / overwritten.
RAM is a volatile memory, it is a temporary ROM is non-volatile, it is a permanent
memory. It means that the data in RAM will be lost memory. Data in ROM will stay as it is even if
if the supply of power is cut-off the supply of power is cut-off.

RAM stores all the applications and data when the ROM usually stores instructions that are
computer is up and running. required for starting (booting) the computer.

RAM is expensive to buy. ROM chips are cheaper to buy.

Content of ROM are usually first transferred to

Processor can directly access the content of RAM
RAM and then accessed by processor.

RAM has a larger storage capacity. ROM has a smaller storage capacity.

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Cache memory - is a temporary storage area used to store frequently accessed data for rapid
access. Cache is a high-speed storage area that can be part of the main memory or some other
separate storage area such as a hard disk.

Buffer memory - is an area of memory used to temporarily store data while it's being moved
from one place to another. Eg. From a computer to a network printer.

The buffer is mainly found in ram and acts as an area where the CPU can store data temporarily,
for example, data meant for other output devices such as a printer mainly when the computer and
the other devices have different speeds. This way the computer can perform other tasks.

Summary:

1. Cache is a high-speed storage area while a buffer is a normal storage area on ram for temporary
storage.
2. Cache is made from static ram which is faster than the slower dynamic ram used for a buffer.
3. The buffer is mostly used for input/output processes while the cache is used during reading
and writing processes from the hard disk.
4. Cache can also be a section of the hard disk while a buffer is only a section of the ram.
5. A buffer can be used in keyboards to edit typing mistakes while the cache cannot.

SECONDARY MEMORY (Auxiliary Memory)

This type of memory is also known as external or back up memory. CPU does not directly access
these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary
memories are first transferred to the main/primary memory and then the CPU can access it. For
example, Hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc. Secondary memory is used for storing data/information
permanently; necessary for keeping backup files for later use. It provides a large storage space
for the computer.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

• These are magnetic and optical memories.

• It is a non-volatile memory. (i.e Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off).
• It is used for storage of data in a computer.
• Computer may run without the secondary memory.
• Slower than primary memories. (Since are not directly accessed by the CPU)
• They are located far from the CPU.

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 Difference between Primary and Secondary Memory

PRIMARY MEMORY/STORAGE SECONDARY MEMORY/STORAGE

Primary memory is internal memory. This Secondary memory is external memory. This is
is a main memory, a computer cannot auxiliary memory, a computer may run without
work without primary memory. the secondary memory.

It is located closer to the CPU. It is located far from the CPU.

Temporarily stores instructions or data to Permanently store processed data.

be executed are copied to main memory.

Primary memories are made of Secondary memories are made of magnetic

semiconductors. and optical material.

Accessing data from primary memory is Accessing data from secondary memory is
faster since they are mostly accessed slower since they are not directly accessed by
directly by the CPU. the CPU.

Primary memory has a limited/small Secondary memory has a larger storage

storage capacity. capacity.

Primary memory is expensive to buy than Secondary memory is cheaper to buy than
secondary memory. primary memory

DATA STORAGE UNITS

Computers store information in the form of "1" and "0"s in different types of storages such as
memory, hard disk, USB drives etc. The most common digital data storage unit is byte which is
8 bits.

DATA STORAGE UNITS ABBREVIATION VALUE

Bit b 0 or 1

Byte B 8 bits

Kilobytes KB 1 000 bytes

Megabytes MB 1 million bytes

Gigabyte GB 1 billion bytes

Terabyte TB 1 trillion bytes

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Other data storage units include Petabyte (PB), Exabyte (EB), Zettabyte (ZB) and Yottabyte
(YB).

STORAGE DEVICES

Storage devices are needed to facilitate the process of storing data and information on permanent
basis for later use. These include devices such as Hard disc drive, CD/DVD drive, Magnetic tape
drive, etc.

Secondary Storage Devices vs Primary Storage Devices

Primary Storage Devices Secondary Storage Devices

A computer cannot work without primary A computer can run without the secondary
storage devices. storage devices.
They are located closer to the CPU. They are located far from the CPU.

Temporarily stores instructions or data to Permanently store processed data.

be executed are copied to main memory.
Primary storage devices are made of Secondary storage devices are made of
semiconductors. magnetic and optical material.
Accessing data from primary storage Accessing data from secondary storage devices
devices is faster since they are mostly is slower since they are not directly accessed
accessed directly by the CPU. by the CPU.
Primary storage devices is expensive to Secondary storage devices are cheaper to buy.
buy.

SECONDARY STORAGE MEDIA

Secondary storage media are needed to store data and information on a permanent basis for later
use. These can be categorized as Magnetic media, Optical disks and Flash memory.

1. Magnetic Media

Magnetic Media – Are used to store data in the form of a magnetic pattern on a hard disk or
series of disks.

i. Hard Disk – Fixed hard disks consists of a series of disks coated with a magnetic material and
a series of read/write heads which record data onto the surface or record it off the surface.
ii. Magnetic Tape – Stores data in a plastic, magnetic-coated tape. Magnetic tape has a huge
storage capacity and is used to back up the data stored on hard disks.

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 2. Optical Media/Disks

Optical disks are flat and circular disks on which data is stored as a serial bumps. These optical
disks are disks that are read by laser lights. The way the bumps reflect laser beam is used to read
the data off the disk. The optical disks can be used to store computer data and can be used for
backup purposes. The types of optical disks include the following;-

i. CDs (Compact Disks) – Are used to hold large files and are ideal for holding music and
animation files. (Maximum capacity 700MB)
ii. DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks) – Have much larger storage capacity (4.7 – 8.5 GB) and are
used for mainly storing films and videos.
iii. Blue Ray disk – Have a very large storage capacity (25 – 100 GB) and are used to store high
definition videos.

3. Flash Memory

i. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Flash memory stick – Also known as pen drive or memory stick,
is a storage media which consists of a printed circuit board enclosed in a plastic casing. It is
ideal for the transfer of relatively small amounts of data between computers.

ii. HD (High Definition) cards – Also known as flash memory card, is small and thin card used
for storage of digital images by digital cameras.