Types of Memory


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Types of Memory

Although many types of memory in a computer exist, the most basic distinction is between primary memory, often called system memory, and secondary memory, which is more commonly called storage.

The key difference between primary and secondary memory is speed of access.

There are three types of memories:

  • 1.Primary Memory
  • 2.Secondary Memory
  • 3.Cache Memory
  • Primary Memory:

    The main memory of the computer is also known as RAM, standing for Random Access Memory. When power is lost, the information is also lost. It can be directly accessed by the CPU. The CPU will normally transfer the data to and from the main memory in groups of two, four or eight bytes, even if the operation is undertaking a single byte memory.  There are two key types of primary memory:

  • RAM, or random access memory
  • ROM, or read-only memory
  • RAM Computer Memory:

    The acronym RAM stems from the fact that data stored in random access memory can be accessed – as the name suggests – in any random order. Or, put another way, any random bit of data can be accessed just as quickly as any other bit.

  • The most important things to understand about RAM are that RAM memory is very fast, it can be written to as well as read, it is volatile (so all data stored in RAM memory is lost when it loses power) and, finally, it is very expensive compared to all types of secondary memory in terms of cost per gigabyte. It is because of the relative high cost of RAM compared to secondary memory types that most computer systems use both primary and secondary memory.
  • .... (More Text Available, Login?)
    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Which of these is not a feature of primary memory?

    Right Option : C
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 2

    An area of computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed is _____________________

    Right Option : B
    View Explanation
    Explanation
    Question : 3

    What are the properties of RAM?

    Right Option : A
    View Explanation
    Explanation
     
     


    Students / Parents Reviews [20]