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Computer - Memory

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Lakshana Dharani
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7 views

Computer - Memory

Uploaded by

Lakshana Dharani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer - Memory

 A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions, where

data is to be processed and instructions required for processing .

Types of memory:

1. Primary Memory

• Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is

currently working.

• It has a limited capacity .

• also known as the main memory.

• It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.


•Usually volatile memory.

•Data is lost in case power is switched off.

•It is the working memory of the computer.

•Faster than secondary memories.

•A computer cannot run without the primary

memory.
2. Secondary Memory

• also known as external memory or non-volatile.

• It is slower than the main memory.

• These are used for storing data/information permanently.

•The contents of secondary memories are first transferred to the main memory, and

then the CPU can access it.

• Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.

•Computer may run without the secondary memory.

• For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

• It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory.


two types of secondary memory – fixed and removable.
RAM (Random Access Memory)

• internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program, and program result.

• It is a read/write memory

• RAM is volatile.

• As soon as the machine is switched off or if there is a power failure, data is erased.

• very expensive.

• 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.
ROM ( Read Only Memory)

• The memory from which we can only read but cannot write on it.

• It is non-volatile.

• The information is stored permanently during manufacture.

• A ROM stores instructions that are required to start a computer. This operation is

referred to as bootstrap.

• ROM chips are used in the computer and also in other electronic items like

washing machine and microwave oven.

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