Computer Memory
A memory is just like a human's brain. Computer memory refers to a storage area in a computer's hardware where data is temporarily stored for processing by the CPU. A computer memory device is used to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. Memory is one of the essential functions of a computer because without a computer would not be able to function correctly. Memory is used by a computer's operating system, hardware, and software.
Memory units
The memory unit is an amount of data
stored in the storage Device. Memory units are used to describe the capacity of
computer memory, such as the amount of RAM installed in a computer or the size
of a hard disk drive.
There are various units that are used to measure computer
memory ------
A bit is the Smallest units of computer memory.
Nibble: A
nibble is a units of digital information that consists of 4 bits. It is half of
a byte and is often used in computing to represent a small amount of data.
8 bit = 1 byte
1024byte = 1 kb (Kilo Byte)
1024kb = 1 mb (Mega Byte)
1024mb = 1 gb (Giga Byte)
1024gb = 1 tb (Terra Byte)
1024tb = 1 pb (Peta Byte)
1024 pb = 1 eb (Exa Byte)
1024 eb = 1 zb (Zetta Byte)
1024 zb = 1 yb (Yotta Byte)
1024 yb = 1 (Bronto Byte)
1024 Brontobyte = 1 (Geop Byte)
Characteristics of computer memory
Some characteristics of computer memory are given below- Volatility: Memory is classified as either volatile or non-volatile based on whether it retains data when the power is turned off. Volatile memory, such as RAM, loses its data when the power is turned off, while non-volatile memory, such as ROM and hard drives, retains its data even when the power is turned off.
- Access Method: The access time of memory refers to the amount of time it takes for the computer to retrieve data from memory. Primary memory, such as RAM, has a faster access time than secondary memory, such as hard drives. It is four types -1)Direct Access Method, 2) Sequential Access Method, 3) Random Access Method, and 4) Associative Access Method.
- Capacity: Capacity is the most essential feature of computer memory. The capacity of memory refers to the amount of data it can store. It is measured as a byte (1 byte = 8 bits, and 1 bit is either 0 or 1). Memory capacity has increased significantly over the years, allowing computers to store large amounts of data and run more complex programs.
- Cost: The cost of memory is often a factor when choosing between different types of memory. Primary memory, such as RAM, is typically more expensive than secondary memory, such as hard drives.
- Speed: The speed of memory refers to the speed at which data can be retrieved and stored. Primary memory, such as RAM, has a faster speed than secondary memory, such as hard drives.
- Location: It represents the internal or external location of the memory in a computer. The location is the CPU register, Cache, Internal memory, and External memory.
- Physical Type: Memory devices can be either semiconductor memory (like RAM) or magnetic surface memory (like Hard disks).
- Reliability: The reliability of memory refers to its ability to retain data without losing or corrupting it. Secondary memory, such as hard drives, is typically more reliable than primary memory, such as RAM.
Function of Computer Memory
The function of computer memory is to store data temporarily for quick access by the central processing unit (CPU) during the execution of programs and operations. It acts as a workspace for the CPU and holds data, instructions, and intermediate results of computations. Memory is also used to hold the operating system, applications, and other system software, as well as user data.
Computer memory works by storing binary data in memory cells and allowing the central processing unit (CPU) to access the stored data as needed. The memory cells are connected to a set of address lines, and the CPU uses these lines to specify the memory location it wants to access.
When the CPU needs to access data, it sends the address of the desired memory location to the memory controller. The memory controller retrieves the data from the specified memory location and sends it back to the CPU. This process happens quickly, allowing the CPU to access the data it needs and continue executing programs and operations.
You turn the computer on.
The computer loads data from ROM and performs a POST method(Power on self-test) to ensure all the primary factors are working correctly. As part this test, the memory controller verify all memory addresses with a quick read/write operation to make sure that there are no errors in the memory. Read/write refers to data being written by a bit and then retrieved from that bit.
- The computer loads on the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) from ROM. The BIOS provides the most relevant information about storage devices, boot sequence, security, auto device detection capability and other items.
- The computer loads the OS ( operating system) from the hard drive into the system's RAM. Typically, the crucial components of the os are kept in RAM as long as the computer is turned on. This allows the CPU access to the os, which improves the performance and functionality of the whole overall system.
- When you launch an application, it is loaded into RAM. Many apps just load the core functionality when they are first loaded to save RAM, and they load additional functionality as needed.
- After loading an application, Any files that are opened for usage in a programme after it has been loaded are put into the RAM.
- When saving a file and closing the application, this file is written to a exact storage device, and then the application are purged from RAM.
Why we need computer memory
We need computer memory for the following reasons:
- Temporary Storage: Memory provides a temporary storage space for data, intermediate results of computations, and instructions for the central processing unit (CPU) to access and execute.
- Performance: Memory allows the CPU to quickly access the data it needs, which is critical for the performance of the computer. Without sufficient memory, the CPU would have to wait for data to be retrieved from slower storage devices such as hard drives, which would slow down the performance of the computer.
- Multi-tasking: Memory allows multiple programs to run simultaneously by providing separate memory spaces for each program. This allows the CPU to switch between programs quickly, allowing for efficient multitasking.
- Operating System and Application Storage: Memory is used to store the operating system, applications, and other system software, as well as user data. This allows the CPU to access and execute the necessary software as needed.
- Power Management: Volatile memory, such as RAM, requires a constant source of power to maintain its stored data. This allows the computer to maintain its state even when power is temporarily lost, which can be helpful in laptops and mobile devices where battery life is a concern.
History of computer Memory
Types of Computer Memory
Memory is the most essential element of a
computing system because without it computer can’t perform simple tasks. Types
of computer memory are given below ------
Computer memory are of two basic types –
Primary memory and Secondary memory
Pirmary Memory
Primary Memory is the main or internal Memory. it is the computer's main memory. It is attached to the CPU in the motherboard. All the data required for CPU processing is stored in the primary Memory. This is the internal Memory of the computer. The primary memory's storage capacity is much smaller than the secondary memory's. Primary Memory has a faster access time than secondary Memory and is faster than cache memory in a memory hierarchy. It is considered the most critical memory component in a computer.
Characteristics of Primary Memory
- Capacity: Primary memory (RAM) typically has a limited capacity compared to secondary memory.
- Volatility: Primary memory is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the power is turned off.
- Access time: Primary memory has a faster access time than secondary memory, making it suitable for processing large amounts of data in real-time.
- Cost: Primary memory is typically more expensive than secondary memory on a per-byte basis, as it requires faster and more expensive memory chips.
- Transfer rate: The transfer rate of primary memory is faster than secondary memory, making it ideal for processing large amounts of data in real time.
- Speed: Primary memory operates faster than secondary memory, making it suitable for processing data in real time.
- Functionality: Primary memory is used to store data and instructions that are actively being used by the central processing unit (CPU). It serves as the main memory for the computer and is used to store temporary data and intermediate results.
Uses of Primary Memory
Primary memory, also known as Random Access Memory (RAM), has several uses in a computer system, including:
- Storing program instructions: The primary memory stores the program instructions that are currently being executed by the central processing unit (CPU). These instructions are temporarily stored in RAM so that the CPU can access them quickly.
- Temporary storage: RAM serves as temporary storage for data and intermediate results that are generated by the CPU during the execution of a program. This data is stored in RAM so that it can be accessed quickly by the CPU.
- Operating system (OS) support: The operating system uses primary memory to store information that it needs to manage the computer's resources and provide a user interface. This includes information about running programs, open files, and system settings.
- Cache: RAM is also used as cache memory to store frequently used data and instructions. This can improve the computer's performance by allowing the CPU to access frequently used data and instructions more quickly, reducing the need to access slower secondary memory.
- Virtual memory: When the amount of data and programs that need to be stored exceeds the capacity of primary memory, the operating system can use virtual memory to store data on the hard drive temporarily. This allows the computer to continue to run programs even when primary memory is full.
Example
Primary Memory are two types
RAM
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It
is used to read/write data in memory.
This
is a volatile memory, which means, in this data is temporarily stored in the
RAM.
ROM
Secondary memory
The
secondary storage devices connected to the computer are known as the secondary
memory of the computer. It is also known as external memory or auxiliary
storage. It is slower and less expensive than primary memory (RAM), but it
provides a much larger storage capacity.
Secondary
memory stores data and programs that are not actively being used by the
computer but that need to be preserved for later use. When the computer needs
to access data or programs that are stored in secondary memory, they are first
transferred to primary memory (RAM) where they can be processed more quickly by
the central processing unit (CPU).
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
- Capacity:
Secondary memory typically has a much larger capacity than primary memory
(RAM), making it suitable for long-time storage of large amounts of data
and programs.
- Persistence:
Secondary memory is non-volatile, meaning its contents are not lost data
when the power is turned off. The data and programs stored in secondary
memory are permanent and persist even after the computer is turned off.
- Access
time: Secondary memory has a longer access time than primary memory,
meaning it takes longer to retrieve data from secondary memory. This is
due to the physical characteristics of the storage media and the need to
seek data across a larger physical space.
- Cost:
Secondary memory is typically less expensive than primary memory on a
per-byte basis, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale
storage.
- Transfer rate: The transfer rate of secondary memory, which is the speed at which data can be read or written, is typically slower than primary memory. Secondary memory is not ideal for processing large amounts of data in real time, but it is suitable for long-term storage.
- Reliability: Secondary memory is typically more reliable than primary memory, as it is not subject to the same wear and tear as volatile memory. However, the reliability of secondary memory can be impacted by physical factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to magnetic fields.
Use of Secondary Memory
Secondary
memory, also known as non-volatile storage, has several uses in a computer
system, including:
- Long-term storage: Secondary memory provides long-term storage for data and programs that are not actively being used by the computer. This data is stored on the hard drive, solid-state drive, or other types of non-volatile storage media and is not lost when the power is turned off.
- Backup storage: Secondary memory is often used to store backup copies of important data, ensuring that it is protected against data loss due to hardware failure or other incidents.
- Large file storage: Secondary memory provides large-scale storage for large files such as photos, videos, and music. This enables users to store large amounts of data without having to worry about running out of space in primary memory.
- Program and software installation: Secondary memory is used to store programs and software that are installed on the computer. This data is stored on the hard drive or other types of non-volatile storage media, allowing the programs and software to be easily accessible and available for use.
- Archiving data: Secondary memory is used to archive important data and files that are no longer actively being used but still need to be kept for future reference. This allows users to access the data when it is required without having to store it in primary memory.
Example
Secondary memory
is a type of computer memory that is used to store data and programs
permanently, even when the power is turned off. Examples of secondary memory
include:
1.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A
mechanical storage device that uses spinning disks to store data.
2. Solid-State Drive (SSD): A non-mechanical storage device that uses flash memory to store data.
3.
Optical Disks: Disks that
store data using laser technology, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
4.
USB Flash Drives: Portable,
removable storage devices that use flash memory to store data.
5.
Tape Drives: A magnetic
tape storage system that is used for backup and archiving.
Cache Memory
Register Memory
Register
Memory temporarily stores frequently used data, instructions, and memory
addresses by the CPU.
We
can divide the register into many parts on the basis of usage. Some popular
registers come in memory – Accumulator, Data Register, Address Register,
Program Counter, I/O Address Register, etc.
Virtual Memory
Virtual
memory is a software-based memory management technology that allows a computer
to provide the appearance of having more memory than it physically has. It does
this by temporarily transferring data from random access memory (RAM) to disk
storage and back again when needed.
Virtual
memory is managed by the operating system, which dynamically allocates and
deallocates memory as needed. When the computer runs low on physical memory,
the operating system transfers some of the data stored in RAM to a disk storage
area known as "swap" file" or "page file." This allows
the computer to continue to run applications and perform tasks as if it had
more physical memory available.
Questions & Answare
- What are computer memory units?
Computer storage and memory are often measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).
1 MB = 1024 KB
1 GB = 1024MbWhat is memory in computer architecture?
2.Which computer memory is never erased?
ROM Memory is never erased.
3.Which computer memory is volatile?
RAM is volatile
4.which computer memory is the fastest?
Cache memory is the fastest memory.
5.Which computer memory is essentially empty?
Rom is essentially empty.
6.Which computer memory is non-volatile?
Rom is non-volatile.
7.Which computer memory is also known as firmware?
Read-only memory is helpful for storing software that is rarely changed during the life of the system, also known as firmware.
Happy Learning ❤
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