Chapter 4

Understanding
Computer Memory
At its heart, computer memory functions as the critical infrastructure of the
computing world, analogous to the human brain's role in the nervous system. It's
a vibrant and intricate arena where data dances and instructions orchestrate the
symphony of processes that constitute the computational experience. Let us
embark on a journey through the digital neurons and synapses that preserve the
essence of our digital interactions.
Diving Into the Types of Memory
Cache Memory Primary Memory Secondary Memory
A lightning flash in the matrix of The centerpiece of the system's The lasting library of the digital
memory types, cache memory memory, primary memory, also domain, secondary memory, or
operates at remarkable speeds, known as RAM, is where the storage, stands tall as the
serving as the CPU's shadow, active magic happens - where custodian of all data destined for
holding a mirage of frequently programs live when they breathe dormancy yet capable of recall.
accessed data for rapid retrieval. life into operations.
Cache Memory Features and Uses
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor
memory that acts as a buffer between the CPU and
the main memory. It is used to hold those parts of
data and program which are most frequently used by
the CPU. Cache memory has limited capacity and is
very expensive compared to main memory.
Cache Memory Features and Uses
Features of cache memory: Uses of cache memory:
Faster than main memory. Used to store temporary files.
Consumes less time. Used to store basic computer instructions that

were recently or frequently used.
Store program that can be executed in a short
period of time.
Speeds up the performance of the system.
Store data for temporary use.
Primary Memory
Primary Memory is a section of computer memory
that the CPU can access directly. It has a faster access
time than secondary memory and is faster than cache
memory in a memory hierarchy. On average, primary
memory has a storage capacity that is lower than
secondary memory but higher than cache memory. It
occupies the central position in the memory hierarchy
as it is able to communicate directly with both the
CPU and secondary memory through the I/O
processor.
Features of primary memory
1 Primary memory is made by electronic semiconductor devices.
2 It directly communicates with the CPU of the computer.
3 It is also needed by the system itself at the time of processing.
4 Primary memory is faster as compared to secondary memory.
5 It is very costly as compared to secondary memory.

Types of primary memory
1. RAM: RAM (random access memory) is a computer's short-term
memory, where the data that the processor is currently using is stored.
Your computer can access RAM memory much faster than data on a hard
disk, SSD, or other long-term storage device, which is why RAM
capacity is critical for system performance.
2. ROM: ROM (read-only memory) is a non-volatile memory type. This

means it receives data and permanently writes it on a chip, and it lasts
even after you turn off your computer. The data is coded to not be
overwritten, so it's used for things like your printer software or your
startup programs.
Types of RAM
SRAM DRAM
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is a type of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is a
volatile memory commonly used in CPUs for cache common type of volatile memory used in computers
memory and registers. It offers high-speed data and electronic devices for main memory. It stores
access and doesn't require refreshing like DRAM, data as electric charge in capacitors, requiring
making it faster but more expensive per bit. It retains constant refreshing to maintain data integrity. DRAM
data as long as power is supplied. offers higher storage density and lower cost
compared to SRAM, albeit at slower access speeds.
Types of ROM
PROM EPROM EEPROM
A PROM is a kind of ROM which An EPROM is such type of ROM EEPROM (Electrically Erasable
is manufactured as blank that allows a programmer to re Programmable Read-Only
memory. A programmer writes write the programs data on it by Memory) is non-volatile, used in
program or data in the PROM erasing the previous contents. microcontrollers and devices for
with the help of a special device The content of EPROM can be small data storage, allowing
called a PROM burner. The erased by exposing it to individual byte rewriting.
programs or data can be written ultraviolet light.
only once.
Secondary Memory
Secondary memory, such as hard disk drives (HDDs)
and solid-state drives (SSDs), stores data
permanently even when the power is off. It provides
high capacity for long-term storage, allowing users to
save files, programs, and system data. Secondary
memory is slower than primary memory but offers
non-volatile storage for computers.
Features of Secondary memory
1 These are magnetic and optical memory.
2 Also known as backup memory.
3 It is volatile memory.
4 Permanent data storage.
5 used for storage in computer and may run without it.

Types of secondary Memory
Magnetic Storage optical storage Flash Memory
Magnetic storage uses magnetic Optical storage employs lasers to Flash memory is a type of non-
patterns to store data on a read and write data onto optical volatile memory that retains data
medium, such as tapes, hard disk discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu- even when power is removed.
drives (HDDs), and floppy disks. ray discs. It offers large storage It's used in USB drives, SSDs,
Data is encoded as magnetic capacity and longevity, but with memory cards, and embedded
regions, which can be read and slower access speeds compared systems. Flash memory is known
written using magnetic heads. It to solid-state or magnetic for its fast read/write speeds, low
provides high capacity and non- storage. Optical discs are power consumption, and
volatile storage, commonly used commonly used for archival durability, making it ideal for
in computer systems for storage, software distribution, portable storage and solid-state
secondary memory. and multimedia applications. storage solutions.

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Chapter 4

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Understanding

Consumes less time. Used to store basic computer instructions that

1 Primary memory is made by electronic semiconductor devices.

2 It directly communicates with the CPU of the computer.

3 It is also needed by the system itself at the time of processing.

4 Primary memory is faster as compared to secondary memory.

5 It is very costly as compared to secondary memory.

2. ROM: ROM (read-only memory) is a non-volatile memory type. This

1 These are magnetic and optical memory.

2 Also known as backup memory.

4 Permanent data storage.

5 used for storage in computer and may run without it.

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