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4 Memory

Computer memory functions similarly to a human brain, storing data and instructions necessary for processing. It is categorized into primary memory (volatile and temporary) and secondary memory (non-volatile and permanent), with primary memory further divided into RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile). RAM allows for random access and is used for current processing, while ROM is used for permanent instructions needed to boot the computer.

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Pritam Meher
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4 views

4 Memory

Computer memory functions similarly to a human brain, storing data and instructions necessary for processing. It is categorized into primary memory (volatile and temporary) and secondary memory (non-volatile and permanent), with primary memory further divided into RAM (volatile) and ROM (non-volatile). RAM allows for random access and is used for current processing, while ROM is used for permanent instructions needed to boot the computer.

Uploaded by

Pritam Meher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Memory

• A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and


instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in computer
where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing
are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts
called cells. Each location or cell has a unique address which varies
from zero to memory size minus one.
• Memory is primarily of two types

1. Primary Memory/Main Memory


2. Secondary Memory
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
• Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which
computer is currently working. It has limited capacity and data is lost
when power is switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor
device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and
instruction required to be processed reside in main memory. It is
divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
• Characteristics of Main Memory
• These are semiconductor memories.
• It is known as main memory.
• Usually volatile memory.
• Data is lost in case power is switched off.
• It is working memory of the computer.
• Faster than secondary memories.
• A computer cannot run without primary memory.
Random Access Memory
• RAM(Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU
for storing data, program and program result. It is read/write memory
which stores data until the machine is working. As soon as the
machine is switched off, data is erased.
• Access time in RAM is independent of the address that is, each storage
location inside the memory is as easy to reach as other locations and
takes the same amount of time. Data in the RAM can be accessed
randomly but it is very expensive.
• RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the
computer or if there is a power failure. Hence a backup uninterruptible
power system(UPS) is often used with computers. RAM is small, both
in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two
types
1.Static RAM
(SRAM)
2.Dynamic RAM
(DRAM)
Read Only Memory
• ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can
only read but cannot write on it. This
type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently
in such memories during manufacture. 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.
Following are the various types of ROM
• MROM (Masked ROM)
• PROM (Programmable Read only Memory)
• EPROM(Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

Advantages of ROM
• Non-volatile in nature
• These cannot be accidentally changed
• Cheaper than RAMs
• Easy to test
• More reliable than RAMs
• These are static and do not require refreshing
• Its contents are always known and can be verified
Secondary Memory
• This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It
is slower than main memory. These are used for storing data/Information
permanently. CPU directly does not access these memories instead they
are accessed via input-output routines. Contents of secondary memories
are first transferred to main memory, and then CPU can access it. For
example: disk, CD-ROM, DVD etc.
Characteristic of Secondary Memory
• These are magnetic and optical memories.
• It is known as backup memory.
• It is non-volatile memory.
• Data is permanently stored even if power is
switched off.
• It is used for storage of data in a computer.
• Computer may run without secondary memory.
• Slower than primary memories.

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