Memory unit
Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage
unit. This storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.
It 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. Memory is
primarily of three types −
Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which
can speed up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the
main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program
which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from the disk to cache memory by the
operating system, from where the CPU can access them.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which
the computer is currently working. It has a 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 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.
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-
volatile. It is slower than the 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. The contents of secondary memories are first transferred
to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For example,
disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
These are magnetic and optical memories.
It is known as the backup memory.
It is a 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 the secondary memory.
Slower than primary memories
The following table explains the main memory storage units
−
S.N Unit & Description
o.
Bit (Binary Digit)
1 A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an active
state of a component in an electric circuit.
Nibble
2
A group of 4 bits is called nibble.
Byte
3 A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which can
represent a data item or a character.
Word
A computer word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits
processed as a unit, which varies from computer to computer but is
4 fixed for each computer.
The length of a computer word is called word-size or word length. It
may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits. A computer
stores the information in the form of computer words.
The following table lists some higher storage units −
[Link]. Unit & Description
Kilobyte (KB)
1
1 KB = 1024 Bytes
Megabyte (MB)
2
1 MB = 1024 KB
GigaByte (GB)
3
1 GB = 1024 MB
TeraByte (TB)
4
1 TB = 1024 GB
5 PetaByte (PB)
1 PB = 1024 TB