Storage Devices

STORAGE DEVICES
primary and secondary memory
Memory is a storage part in a computer system. It is used to store the data,

information, and programs at the time of processing on the computer. It
stores data either temporarily or permanent. The main use of memory is
saving and retrieving data.
Types of Memory
Generally computer system consists of two types of memory −
Primary Memory or Volatile Memory
It is called the internal memory of the computer. And it is also known as

main memory or Temporary memory. It holds the data and instructions that
are presently working on the system or by the CPU. Primary Memory is called
volatile memory, because when power is switched off it loses all data.
Primary memory is generally of two types.
 RAM
 ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory) − It stands for Random Access Memory.
RAM is a read /writes memory. It is referred as main memory of the
computer system. It is a temporary memory. The information stored in RAM
is lost whenever the power supply to the computer is switched off.
RAM is also of two types which are as follows −
 Static RAM − Static RAM also known as SRAM. In this RAM the information is stored
as long as the power supply is ON. SRAM are of higher coast and consume more
power .They have higher speed than Dynamic RAM
 Dynamic RAM − Dynamic RAM also known as DRAM, This type of RAM stores
information in a very short time basically, a few milliseconds even though the power
supply is ON. The Dynamic RAM is cheaper and of moderate speed and also they
consume less power.
ROM (Read Only Memory) − It stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is a
permanent type of memory. ROM information is not lost when power supply
is switched off. The Content of ROM is inserted by the computer
manufacturer and permanently stored at the time of manufacturing. ROM
cannot be overwritten by the computer. It is also called Non- Volatile
Memory.
ROM memory has three types’ names which are as following −
 PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) − It is used to write data once and read
many. Once a chip has been programmed, the recorded information cannot be changed. It
is a non-volatile memory.
 EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) − EPROM chip can be
programmed by erasing the information stored earlier in it. Information stored in EPROM
exposing the chip for ultraviolet light.
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) − It is
programmed and erased by special electrical waves in milliseconds. A single byte of data
or the entire contents of the device can be erased.
Secondary Memory or Non Volatile Memory
It is an external memory of the computer. It is also known as Auxiliary

memory or permanent memory. It is used to store different programs and
the information permanently. We call it a non-volatile memory that means
the data is stored permanently even if power is switched off.
The secondary storage devices are as follows −
 Floppy Disks
 Magnetic (Hard) Disk
 Magnetic Tapes
 Pen Drive
 Winchester Disk
 Optical Disk(CD,DVD)
Difference between primary memory and secondary memory
 Primary memory Secondary memory
Primary memory is temporary. Secondary memory is permanent.
Primary memory is directly accessible by Secondary memory is not directly

Processor/CPU. accessible by the CPU.
Nature of Parts of Primary memory varies,

RAM- volatile in nature. ROM- Non- It’s always Non-volatile in nature.
volatile.
Secondary memory devices are less

Primary memory devices are more
expensive when compared to primary
expensive than secondary storage devices.
memory devices.
The memory devices used for primary The secondary memory devices are
memory are semiconductor memories. magnetic and optical memories.
Primary memory is also known as Main Secondary memory is also known as

memory or Internal memory. External memory or Auxiliary memory.
Examples: RAM, ROM, Cache memory, Examples: Hard Disk, Floppy Disk,
PROM, EPROM, Registers, etc. Magnetic Tapes, etc.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a high-speed memory, which is small in size but faster than the
main memory (RAM). The CPU can access it more quickly than the primary memory.
So, it is used to synchronize with high-speed CPU and to improve its performance.
Cache memory can only be accessed by CPU. It can be a reserved part of the main memory
or a storage device outside the CPU. It holds the data and programs which are frequently
used by the CPU. So, it makes sure that the data is instantly available for CPU whenever the
CPU needs this data. In other words, if the CPU finds the required data or instructions in the
cache memory, it doesn't need to access the primary memory (RAM). Thus, by acting as a
buffer between RAM and CPU, it speeds up the system performance.

Storage Devices

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STORAGE DEVICES

primary and secondary memory

Memory is a storage part in a computer system. It is used to store the data,

Generally computer system consists of two types of memory −

Primary Memory or Volatile Memory

It is called the internal memory of the computer. And it is also known as

Primary memory is generally of two types.

RAM is also of two types which are as follows −

ROM memory has three types’ names which are as following −

Secondary Memory or Non Volatile Memory

It is an external memory of the computer. It is also known as Auxiliary

 Primary memory Secondary memory

Primary memory is temporary. Secondary memory is permanent.

Primary memory is directly accessible by Secondary memory is not directly

Nature of Parts of Primary memory varies,

Secondary memory devices are less

Primary memory is also known as Main Secondary memory is also known as

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