Computer’s Memory types and function
Computer Memory is nothing but a space which is used to store computer programs and files created by users. Computer’s memory is basically classified into two types
1. Primary Memory (RAM and ROM)
2. Secondary Memory (Hard Disk, CD, DVD, Pen drive)
Now, lets discuss the computers memory types one by one
1. Primary Memory (Main Memory): Though the main part that performs tasks and calculation is CPU, it needs an space to actually store there data and calculation. This storage part is called Primary Memory. It is of two types
a. RAM (Random Access Memory): I am sure you have heard about RAM a lot. RAM is a place where every tasks is stored temporarily and once you have saved your work it goes to secondary memory. This memory is also called volatile or temporary memory because the information stored on RAM is lost when we switch off the computer. RAM comes in various size and now a days most popular size is 1GB, 2GB and 4GB. More RAM you have, faster your computer will run. But each OS has it own requirement. For example, Windows XP needs at least 512 MB of RAM to work smoothly. Similarly Windows Vista and Windows 7 OS requires at least 1GB of RAM.
b. ROM (Read Only Memory): ROM is generally per-programmed chip containing vital system information. All information in ROM are kept there during manufacturing. Generally ROM are only readable but not writable. But here are ROM which can be erased and reprogrammed. ROM is also known as non volatile memory because we cannot erase the information there but we can read it.
2. Secondary Memory: Secondary memory are also called storage device. They are used to store user created files and computer programs permanently. Some examples of storage device are: Hard Disk, Floppy Disk, Compact Disk (CD), Digital versatile disk (DVD), Pen drive etc.
Cache Memory: Cache Memory is a temporary memory with very high speed. Cache Memory is located between RAM and CPU. The main function of cache memory is to store most frequently accessed information stored in RAM. So, when processor needs data it first checks on the cache memory if the required data is there or not. If its available on cache memory, it will retrive data from there otherwise it will retrive the data from RAM. Cache memory are useful because it is always faster than main memory.
Related post under Computer Lessons
- How to convert Binary to Decimal and Decimal to Binary numbers
- Computer Number System
- Application software
- System Software
- An introduction to computer software
- Generation of Computers
- Computer Languages
- Computer's Memory types and function
- Basic computer lessons and training
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