Computer memory
Types of memory
Primary
Secondary
Specialised
Primary memory
RAM
ROM
RAM -
Random Access Memory (RAM):
RAM is where the computer temporarily stores information when a program starts.
it stores temporary data or instructions that are used by the CPU.
RAM is volatile, so when the computer is turned off, all its data is erased.
Types of RAM
DRAM (Dynamic RAM):
This is the most common type of RAM found in computers.
It holds data in tiny electronic components called capacitors .
It needs to be refreshed
SRAM (Static RAM):
This type of RAM is faster
It does not need to be refreshed like DRAM.
DDR RAM (Double Data Rate RAM):
This is a faster version of DRAM
It allows data to be sent twice as fast.
Newer versions like DDR4 and DDR5 offer even better performance and are commonly used.
Read-Only Memory (ROM):
ROM, or Read Only Memory- This memory typically cannot be written to; it can only be
read.
Its a computer's permanent storage memory.
It stores important instructions that are used repeatedly and remain unchanged
.
Types of ROM
PROM (Programmable ROM): This type of ROM can be programmed once, during the
manufacturing process.
E -PROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): This type can be erased and reprogrammed using
ultraviolet (UV) light, making it more flexible than traditional ROM.
EE PROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): This type can be erased and rewritten
using electrical signals,.
RAM ROM
Definition of RAM is Random Access Definition of ROM is Read-only Memory
Memory
RAM Is Temporary storage memory Rom is permanent storage memory
Data in RAM can be modified, erased, Data in ROM can only be read, it cannot be modified
or read. or erased.
Data of RAM is very volatile Data present in Read-Only Memory (ROM) is not
volatile, it is permanent.
it stores temporary data or instructions It stores important instructions that are
that are used by the CPU used repeatedly and remain unchanged
2. Secondary Memory
Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
The HDD is a traditional storage device that uses spinning magnetic disks to read and write
data.
It is non-volatile, which means that the data is not lost when the computer shuts
Solid State Drive (SSD):
An SSD uses memory chips called as flash memory to store data.
SSD has no moving parts, making them faster, more durable, and more efficient.
USB Drives and Memory Cards: These are storage devices used for storing and transferring files
between computers.
Optical Discs (CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays):
These are storage media that use laser technology to read and write data.
They are used to store music, movies, software, and other forms of data.
The most common types of optical discs include CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile
Discs) and Blu-ray discs.
Nowadays they are now not used .
3. Specialised Memory
Cache memory:
Cache memory is a type of volatile memory that provides high-speed data use to the CPU
It acts as a buffer between RAM and CPU.
It holds instructions being regularly used data so that the CPU can access
It reduces the processor's waiting time also increasing the processor's speed.
Registers
Registers are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU.
The CPU stores any temporary data in registers
They store data such as calculation results, decoded instructions or instruction addresses,
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialised unit that has thousands of tiny,
specialised processors called cores.
These cores work together and speed up tasks, this helps to make graphics and videos look
great
GPUs help create images and videos quickly which is required for gaming, video editing, and
3D animations.
GPUs handle all the graphical tasks, which helps CPU to handle more important tasks.
Memory allocation
is essential for ensuring programs receive necessary memory to function
Loading the Program : When Computer is turned on, the Operating System (OS) and other
data are placed from the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) into the Random Access Memory (RAM)This
is called Loading.
Execution : In this step, (CPU) receives instructions from the memory executes them .
Dynamic Allocation: While a program is running, it may need additional memory based on its
requitements . The OS allocates more RAM as needed ,so that the program has enough
memory for smooth running . This is called Dynamic allocation
Memory Deallocation: After the program finishes running, it no longer needs the memory.
The OS frees up the allocated memory so that other programs can use it. This process is
known as Memory Deallocation.
What is Memory Management?
Memory Management is the process of controlling and handling the computer's main
memory. This is important task of Operating System, to ensure that all the necessary tasks
are allocated with sufficient memory.
Managing Multiple Programs: Users run multiple programs simultaneously. The OS allocates
different sections of RAM to each program.
Preventing Memory Conflicts: The OS ensures that every program has a different memory
section without conflicting with other programs.
Efficient Memory Use: The OS ensures that each program is allocated memory based on its
requirements. For example Inactive programs are allocated smaller memory.
Virtual Memory: Some programs require more memory than the RAM capacity. For this, the
OS allocates a portion of the hard drive known as Virtual Memory. Virtual memory is not as
fast as RAM, but when combined with RAM, it helps manage larger files for smoother
functioning.
Garbage collection – Programs create temporary data which is not required in future , OS
cleans up this data so that memory is free for important use.
