How Many Types of Computer Memory
Computer Memory:
Computer memory is the same as mortal memory. Data, information, and instructions are stored there. It is a component or gadget of a data storehouse where the data that needs to be reused and the processing instructions are stored.
- This location can house both the input and the output. One of a computer's fundamental components is memory because it cannot function as intended without it.
- A computer's operating system, hardware, and software all require memory.
How does a computer's memory function?
A program is loaded into primary memory when opened from secondary memory.
- The opened program will be able to communicate with the computer's processor more swiftly because primary storage is accessed more quickly.
- Temporary memory places or other storage areas can directly pierce the top memory.
- Since memory is volatile, data in memory is only ever temporarily maintained.
- Every time a computer shuts down, data stored in volatile memory is abruptly erased.
- When a file is saved, it is moved to auxiliary memory for storage.
- Computers can use a variety of memory types. It will operate differently depending on the primary memory utilized, although semiconductor-based memory is frequently connected to memory. Integrated circuits containing metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors made of silicon will be used to build semiconductor memory.
Types Of Computer Memory:
In a computer, primary and secondary memory are the two main forms:
- ROM (Read-only memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) comprise primary memory.
- Hardware storage components such as HDD (Hard Disc Drives), SSD (Solid State Drives), Compact Discs, and other devices are categorized as secondary memory.
Every memory type has a unique blend of advantages and disadvantages, and they’re all continually delved and bettered for the benefit of computer users worldwide.
Primary memory:
- Primary storage is another name for primary memory, frequently called main or "internal memory."
- Primary memory refers to all computer memory types the processor can access directly over the data machine. This allows a processor to access memory areas that house recently reused data and active programs.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
- "RAM" refers to "random access memory" but can also apply to short-term memory.
- Its memory is volatile. Information is stored in volatile memory according to the power source.
- If the power supply malfunctions, is tampered with, or stops, all the data, and information stored in this memory will be erased.
- It’s a memory with temporal storage. When a computer boots up or turns on, RAM is utilized.
- It saves data and programs that the CPU needs to run momentarily.
- The reason it's termed "random" because you can read and store data arbitrarily at any moment and from any physical location.
- The data the CPU is now recycling and transferring to the graphics unit are stored in RAM.
RAM frequently falls into one of two broad subcategories:
1.Static RAM:
Static RAM is a type of volatile central storage built with flip-flops. The latch keeps the data secure as long as the computer is powered. SRAM is more expensive and energy-intensive than DRAM. It serves as a computer system's cache memory. Technically speaking, SRAM consumes further transistors than DRAM. Because of the latching configuration, it’s faster than DRAM and employs six transistors rather than one for each data bit in DRAM.
2.Dynamic RAM:
Another type of RAM used as Main Memory is Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), which stores data in capacitors for a brief quantum of time (a few milliseconds) when the computer is powered. Periodically, the data is refreshed to keep it current. The DRAM is less expensive but has a far bigger capacity for data storage. Additionally, it uses lower electricity and is slower than SRAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory):
- The inbuilt long-term memory is called ROM.
- "Non-Volatile Memory" or ROM is a type of memory that stores information without an electrical current.
- ROM is a pivotal chip with data or programs permanently recorded. It’s similar to the RAM that the CPU accesses.
- The computer manufacturer pre-writes the instructions for starting the computer in ROM.
- Information is stored in non-volatile memory if the power source fails, is interrupted, or stops.
- The system's operating instructions are stored in read-only memory, or ROM. It has a few electronic fuses that can be set to fuse for a particular piece of data.
- Binary-formatted data is kept in the ROM. It’s also called permanent memory.
Types of ROM:
1. MROM (Masked ROM):
The original ROMs were hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed data set or instructions known as MROMs (Masked ROM). It is how low-cost ROMs, known as "masked ROMs," operate.
2. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory):
The user may make a single modification to this read-only memory. The user buys a blank PROM and then employs a PROM program to load the necessary data into the PROM. Once written, its content cannot be changed.
3. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory):
With EPROM, a PROM extension, the contents of ROM can be deleted by subjecting the memory to ultraviolet light for over 40 minutes.
4. EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory):
The written contents of this EEPROM (electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) can be electronically erased. Up to 10,000 times can be used to cancel and reprogram the EEPROM.
Secondary Memory:
- Through input/output operations, the secondary memory is accessed circularly.
- Permanent, external, steady, and persistent memory are other names for this memory.
- It is distinguished by being slower and less expensive than RAM and having a constant look.
- Its material is first copied into the RAM; then sent to the CPU.
- Only the main memory and the CPU can easily access the data stored in the secondary memory
Secondary memory types include:
Magnetic Discs:
- A magnetic disc is a spherical metal or plastic plate that has a magnetic substance deposited on it.
- The disc's two sides are both being used.
- Bits are kept in places known as tracks that run in concentric circles on magnetized surfaces.
- Tracks are often divided into sectors for this purpose.
- Hard discs are discs affixed indefinitely and cannot be removed by one person.
Optical Discs:
- Optical discs are a write-once, read-many storage medium based on lasers.
- It has a lengthy lifespan and is competitively priced.
- Occasional users can remove the optical disc from the PC.
Magnetic tapes:
- It is used for magnetic recording. A long, thin strip of plastic film with a thin magnetic coating is known as magnetic tape.
- Bits are kept on tape as magnetic patches termed RECORDS that move over several tracks.
- Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded concurrently. Each track has a single read/write head, enabling data to be written and read as a string of characters.
- It can move forward or backward, halt, or be twisted around.
Cache Memory:
- It is used to keep track of the information and software that the CPU uses almost constantly.
- Cache Memory is a unique type of fast memory.
- The data and instructions are kept in various independent caches found on CPUs.
- Cache memory's primary function is to speed up data access from main memory, which is its most crucial application.
- This particular high-speed semiconductor memory can make the CPU run more quickly.