Chapter 3 – Memory & Processors
1.6 Memory
Memory is accessed faster than secondary storage.
Memory is used to store instructions so that the processor can quickly fetch, decode and execute them.
There are three types of memory:
- RAM (Read Only Memory)
- ROM (Random Access Memory)
- Flash Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)
This is how you should understand the difference between secondary storage, RAM, and the processor.
Secondary
RAM Processor
Storage
Fetches, Decodes and Executes
Programs currently in use instructions from RAM
Programs not in use
RAM stores instructions and programs currently in use.
RAM is volatile – meaning that when power is lost, all the data stored on it is also lost.
The size of the RAM impacts user experience.
A bigger RAM can hold more opened files at the same time without the need for virtual memory.
Virtual Memory – This is created when the RAM is full. An area of secondary storage is used to store data
instead of RAM. This means the processor needs to fetch data from the secondary storage rather than the
RAM which massively impacts the suer experience by slowing down the device’s performance.
If files that are not in use however are closed, space is emptied up in the RAM and data is moved back there.
Here is an example situation:
A student has 16 chrome tabs, an Excel sheet, his Chemistry Lesson PowerPoint and a Word Document opened. However,
he only has 4GB of RAM.
Therefore, there is no space for PowerPoint and Word Document. They are moved from the RAM to the Secondary
Storage. As a result, the student experiences massive delays when navigating with the PPT and Document.
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ROM (Read Only Memory)
Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile (If power is lost, the data isn’t lost)
ROM can be used for two main purposes:
- Store data for single use computers such as calculators and digital watches
- In PCs to store information needed to boot the system
Computers cannot swap in and out instructions from ROM.
However, the contents of the ROM can be adjusted in a few types of ROM:
- PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data can be written, however only once.
- EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data can be erased and re-written with exposure to UV
Light.
- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data can be erased an re-written if a high
voltage is applied to a certain pin in the ROM
EEPROM eventually developed to form flash memory.
Remember, ROM stores permanent data and cannot be upgraded, while RAM stores temporary data and can be
upgraded.
Flash Memory
Flash Memory is a type of EEPROM.
It has no moving parts. Therefore, it is portable and has a low power consumption.
Due to that it is used in devices with SDs such as laptops.
1.7 Processors
A processor Is made up of the Central Processing Unit of a device (CPU)
In some cases, there is more than one CPU, by which we then call each one a core. For example, a quad-core has 4 CPUs.
Processor cycle – The cycle by which a processor fetches from memory, decodes and executes instructions.
Processor speed is measured in clock cycles per second.
A clock cycle per second – The number of times in one second that a processor can carry out on or more instructions, (In
simple terms, the number of processor cycles carried out per second). They are measured in Hertz (Hz)
The number of instructions taken per cycle also accounts for the speed.
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