Ch4: Processing and Storage Devices
Computer Memory
Computer Memory
• Computer memory is the term used to describe the
devices which hold or store data while the computer
processes it
• Storage devices is the term used for devices which
permanently hold or save data in a computer
Types of Storage
• The computer has three major types of storage
devices:
Cloud storage
1. Internal storage
2. External storage External storage devices
3. Cloud-based Back-up storage
Secondary Memory
Primary Memory
Main Memory
Peripheral Mother board
System Unit
Internet
Internal storage
• Internal storage are all the storage devices present
inside the SYSTEM UNIT
• These are of two types:
– Primary storage: these are present on the
motherboard.
– Secondary storage devices: these are inside the
system unit but not mounted on the motherboard
Primary Memory
• Also called main memory
• It stores data and instructions
• It helps the computer to work properly
• There are 2 types:
– RAM(Random Access Memory)
– ROM(Read Only Memory)
Primary Memory
RAM ROM
(RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY) (READ ONLY MEMORY)
• Stores data/information • Stores data permanently
temporarily
• Volatile: as soon as power to • Non-volatile
the system is lost; it becomes
blank (that is why we always • Information cannot be deleted
SAVE our work) nor changed nor added
• It can be added, changed or (firmware)
deleted any number of times
• It can be accessed very • It tells the computer how to:
quickly – start up
– upload the operating system and
Load/Save
Save: transferring data from
the main memory to back-up
Cloud storage
storage is called SAVING
UP
External storage devices LOAD Load: transferring data from
Back-up storage the back-up storage to main
Secondary Memory memory is called LOADING
(PERMANENT)
Primary Memory
LOAD Main Memory
(temporary CPU
DOWNLOAD SAVE /volatile)
Peripheral
Internet System Unit Mother board
