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COMPUTER MEMORY
Computer memory is where data and information are stored. The CPU (central processing
unit) gets data from memory to work on it. Once it has finished processing, it sends the
updated data back to memory for storage. There are two types of memory: Primary memory
and Secondary memory.
Memory
Primary Secondary
Memory Memory
Primary Memory
Primary Memory is the main memory of a computer. CPU can directly access this memory. It
is fixed on the motherboard of a computer. Primary memory is further divided into two types:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
2. Read-only Memory (ROM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is a temporary memory. The information stored in this
memory is lost when the computer is turned off. That’s why it
is also called volatile memory. It stores data and instructions RAM
given by the user and also the results produced by the computer temporarily.
Types of RAM:
Static RAM (SRAM): SRAM is a type of memory that holds data without needing to be
refreshed. It is fast and used for small amounts of memory.
Example: Think of it as a special notepad that always remembers what’s written on it,
even if you do not keep checking it.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM): DRAM is a common type of memory that needs to be refreshed
thousands of times per second to keep the information.
Example: Imagine a chalkboard that fades if you don’t keep writing over it to make the
writing stay clear.
Read-only Memory (ROM)
Information stored in ROM is permanent in nature, i.e., it holds
the data even if the system is switched off. It holds the instructions
that are required to start a computer. It is also called non-volatile
ROM memory.
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