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Lecture 1 Computer Memory

Computer memory is categorized into four types: Register Memory, Cache Memory, Primary Memory (Main Memory), and Secondary Memory. Register Memory is the fastest and smallest, Cache Memory acts as a buffer for frequently used data, Primary Memory is volatile and holds current data, while Secondary Memory is non-volatile and used for permanent storage. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, impacting computer performance and data management.

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6 views4 pages

Lecture 1 Computer Memory

Computer memory is categorized into four types: Register Memory, Cache Memory, Primary Memory (Main Memory), and Secondary Memory. Register Memory is the fastest and smallest, Cache Memory acts as a buffer for frequently used data, Primary Memory is volatile and holds current data, while Secondary Memory is non-volatile and used for permanent storage. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, impacting computer performance and data management.

Uploaded by

ifeanachookechukwucaius07
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Computer Memory

Computer memory is an internal or external system that stores data


and instructions on a device. It consists of several cells, called
memory cells, that each have a unique identification number.

Memory is primarily of three types

 Register Memory

 Cache Memory

 Primary Memory/Main Memory

 Secondary Memory
Register Memory

Register memory is the smallest and fastest memory in a computer. It is located in the CPU in the

form of registers. A register temporarily holds frequently used data, instructions and memory

address that can be quickly accessed by the CPU.

Cache Memory

Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up CPU. It acts as

a buffer between the CPU and main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program

which are most frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and programs are transferred from

disk to cache memory by operating system, from where CPU can access them.

Advantages of Cache Memory

The advantages of cache memory are given below;

 Cache memory is faster than main memory.

 It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.

 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.

 It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages of Cache Memory

The disadvantages of cache memory are given below;

 Cache memory has limited capacity.

 It is very expensive.

Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working. It

has limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It is generally made up of
semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and instruction

required to be processed reside in main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and

ROM.

Characteristics of Main Memory

 These are semiconductor memories

 It is known as main memory.

 Usually volatile memory.

 Data is lost in case power is switched off.

 It is working memory of the computer.

 Faster than secondary memories.

 A computer cannot run without primary memory.

Secondary Memory

This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower than main

memory. These are used for storing data/Information permanently. CPU directly does not access

these memories instead they are accessed via input-output routines. Contents of secondary

memories are first transferred to main memory, and then CPU can access it. For example : disk,

CD-ROM, DVD etc.

Characteristic of Secondary Memory

 These are magnetic and optical memories.

 It is known as backup memory.

 It is non-volatile memory.

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

 It is used for storage of data in a computer.


 Computer may run without secondary memory.

 Slower than primary memories.

Reference

[Link]

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