What is Computer Memory?

Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to

store data/information and instructions. It is a data storage unit
or a data storage device where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both
the input and output can be stored here.
Characteristics of Computer Memory
 It is faster computer memory as compared to secondary
memory.
 It is semiconductor memories.
 It is usually a volatile memory, and main memory of the
computer.
 A computer system cannot run without primary memory.
Types of Computer Memory
In general, computer memory is of three types:
 Primary memory
 Secondary memory
 Cache memory
1. Primary Memory :- It is also known as the main memory of
the computer system. It is used to store data and programs or
instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor
technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor
memory. Primary memory is of two types:
I. RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory.
Volatile memory stores information based on the power
supply. If the power supply fails/ interrupted/stopped, all
the data and information on this memory will be
lost. RAM is used for booting up or start the computer. It
temporarily stores programs/data which has to be executed
by the processor. RAM is of two types:
a. S RAM (Static RAM): S RAM uses transistors and the
circuits of this memory are capable of retaining their
state as long as the power is applied. This memory
consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop
storing 1 bit. It has less access time and hence, it is
faster.
b. D RAM (Dynamic RAM): D RAM uses capacitors and
transistors and stores the data as a charge on the
capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells. It
needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few
milliseconds. This memory is slower than S RAM.
II. ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory.
Non-volatile memory stores information even when there is
 a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is used to
store information that is used to operate the system. As its
name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the
programs and data that is stored on it. It contains some
electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of
specific information. The information stored in the ROM in
binary format. It is also known as permanent memory. ROM
is of four types:
a. MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a
pre-programmed collection of data or instructions
were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of low-
cost ROM that works in this way.
b. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This
read-only memory is modifiable once by the user. The
user purchases a blank PROM and uses
a PROM program to put the required contents into the
PROM. Its content can’t be erased once written.
c. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory): EPROM is an extension to PROM where you
can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to
Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
d. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory): Here the written contents can
be erased electrically. You can delete and
reprogramme EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing
and programming take very little time, i.e., nearly 4 -
10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be
wiped and programmed selectively.
2. Secondary Memory :- It is also known as auxiliary memory
and backup memory. It is a non-volatile memory and used to
store a large amount of data or information. The data or
information stored in secondary memory is permanent, and it is
slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot access secondary
memory directly. The data/information from the auxiliary
memory is first transferred to the main memory, and then the
CPU can access it.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
 It is a slow memory but reusable.
 It is a reliable and non-volatile memory.
 It is cheaper than primary memory.
 The storage capacity of secondary memory is large.
 A computer system can run without secondary memory.
 In secondary memory, data is stored permanently even
when the power is off.
Types of Secondary Memory:

I. Magnetic Tapes: Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of

plastic film with a thin, magnetic coating on it that is used
for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as
magnetic patches called RECORDS that run along many
tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded concurrently. Each
track has one read/write head, which allows data to be
recorded and read as a sequence of characters. It can be
stopped, started moving forward or backward, or rewound.
II. Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disk is a circular metal or a
plastic plate and these plates are coated with magnetic
material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in
magnetized surfaces in locations called tracks that run in
concentric rings. Sectors are typically used to break tracks
into pieces.

III. Optical Disks: It’s a laser-based storage medium that can

be written to and read. It is reasonably priced and has a
long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the
computer by occasional users.
Types of Optical Disks
a. CD – ROM
 It’s called compact disk. Only read from memory.
 Information is written to the disc by using a controlled
laser beam to burn pits on the disc surface.
 It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually
aluminium.
 The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
 16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
 The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector
storing 2048 bytes of data.
  The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new
access time is around 80 milliseconds.
b. WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY)
 A user can only write data once.
 The information is written on the disc using a laser
beam.
 It is possible to read the written data as many times as
desired.
 They keep lasting records of information but access
time is high.
 It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another
part of the disc.
 Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
 Usual size – 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
 The usual capacity of 5.25 inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB
etc.
c. DVDs
 The term “DVD” stands for “Digital Versatile/Video
Disc,” and there are two sorts of DVDs:
 DVDR (writable)
 DVDRW (Re-Writable)
 DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-
only memory (ROM) discs that can be used in a variety
of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a
lot more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer
that serves as a foundation for the other layers. It’s an
optical memory that can read and write data.
 DVD-R: DVD-R is a writable optical disc that can be
used just once. It’s a DVD that can be recorded. It’s a
lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging
from 4.7 to 17 GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3
GB.
3. Cache Memory : - It is a type of high-speed semiconductor
memory that can help the CPU run faster. Between the CPU and
the main memory, it serves as a buffer. It is used to store the
data and programs that the CPU uses the most frequently.
Advantages of Cache Memory
 It is faster than the main memory.
 When compared to the main memory, it takes less time
to access it.
 It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount
of time.
 It stores data in temporary use.
Disadvantages of Cache Memory
 Because of the semiconductors used, it is very
expensive.
 The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is
usually small.