INTRODUCTION
TO COMPUTER
MEMORY
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
MEMORY
• Memory is the storage space in a computer
where data and instructions are stored.
• It acts as a bridge between CPU and data
storage.
• Two categories: Primary Memory (RAM, ROM)
and Secondary Memory (Disks, SSDs).
BIT AND BYTE
• Bit (Binary Digit): Smallest unit of data, stores 0
or 1.
• Byte: Collection of 8 bits, represents a
character.
• 1 KB = 1024 Bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB =
1024 MB.
TYPES OF MEMORY
• Primary Memory: RAM, ROM.
• Secondary Memory: Magnetic
disks, Optical disks, Solid-state
devices.
• Classified by volatility, speed, and
storage capacity.
PRIMARY MEMORY
• Directly accessible by CPU.
• Fast but limited capacity.
• Two types: RAM (Volatile), ROM
(Non-Volatile).
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
(RAM)
• Temporary storage, data lost
when power is off.
• Used for active processes and
tasks.
• Types of RAM: Static RAM (SRAM),
Dynamic RAM (DRAM).
RAM
TYPES OF RAM
• Static RAM (SRAM):
• - Faster and more reliable.
• - Expensive, used in cache memory.
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM):
• - Slower, cheaper.
• - Needs constant refreshing, used in
main memory.
READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
• Permanent storage, data not lost
when power is off.
• Stores firmware and system
instructions.
• Types: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM.
TYPES OF ROM
• PROM: Programmable once.
• EPROM: Erasable with UV light,
reprogrammable.
• EEPROM: Electrically erasable and
reprogrammable.
SECONDARY MEMORY
• Non-volatile storage, permanent data
retention.
• Larger capacity, slower access
compared to primary memory.
• Examples: Magnetic disks, Optical
disks, Solid-state devices.
MAGNETIC DISKS
• Data stored using magnetic
patterns.
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Large
capacity, uses platters and
read/write heads.
• Floppy Disk: Portable but very low
storage, now obsolete.
FLOPPY
DISK
HARD
DISK
OPTICAL DISKS
• Use laser technology for
reading/writing data.
• Compact Disc (CD-ROM): ~700 MB
storage, read-only.
• Digital Versatile Disc (DVD): Higher
capacity, 4.7 GB to 17 GB.
CD DVD BLU-
RAY
SOLID-STATE STORAGE
DEVICES
• Use flash memory with no moving
parts.
• Faster, more durable, energy
efficient.
• Examples: USB Flash Drives,
SSDs, Memory Cards.