Memory:
Memory is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in the
computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored.
Whenever a program executes inside a computer then it first the program has to be loaded on
to computer’s primary memory; and also when a doesn’t execute then also the program must
remain loaded in computers secondary memory.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is currently
working. It has a limited capacity. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These
memories are not as fast as registers. The data and instruction required to be processed
resides in the main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Main Memory
• These are semiconductor memories.
• It is known as the main memory.
• 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.
1. RAM(Random Access Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a
power failure. The memory unit that communicates directly within the CPU, Cache memory, is
also called main memory. It is the central storage unit of the computer system. It is a large and
fast memory used to store data during computer operations.
Characteristic of Static RAM
• Long life
• No need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• High power consumption
Characteristics of Dynamic RAM
• Short data lifetime
• Needs to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Smaller in size
• Less expensive
• Less power consumption
2. ROM(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.
Memory is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in the
computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored.
Whenever a program executes inside a computer then it first the program has to be loaded on
to computer’s primary memory; and also when a doesn’t execute then also the program must
remain loaded in computers secondary memory.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is currently
working. It has a limited capacity. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These
memories are not as fast as registers. The data and instruction required to be processed
resides in the main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Main Memory
• These are semiconductor memories.
• It is known as the main memory.
• 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.
1. RAM(Random Access Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a
power failure. The memory unit that communicates directly within the CPU, Cache memory, is
also called main memory. It is the central storage unit of the computer system. It is a large and
fast memory used to store data during computer operations.
Characteristic of Static RAM
• Long life
• No need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• High power consumption
Characteristics of Dynamic RAM
• Short data lifetime
• Needs to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Smaller in size
• Less expensive
• Less power consumption
2. ROM(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.
