Chapter 7
COMPUTER MEMORY
Computer memory is a critical component of a computer
system. It refers to the storage space that a computer uses to
store data and instructions temporarily or permanently.
Computer memory is measured in bytes, and the amount of
memory in a computer can range from a few gigabytes to
several terabytes.
Computer memory is primarily of three types which are i)Cache
memory ii) primary or main memory and iii) Secondary
memory.
Cache memory is a type of computer memory that is used to
store frequently accessed data and instructions. It is a small,
fast memory that is located close to the CPU, which allows the
CPU to access the data and instructions quickly. Cache memory
is designed to improve the performance of the computer by
reducing the time it takes to access data and instructions.
Primary memory includes random-access memory(RAM). RAM
is used to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU
needs to access quickly. Cache memory is even faster than
RAM, but it is much smaller and more expensive, so it is used to
store only the most frequently accessed data and instructions.
Secondary memory includes hard disk drives, solid-state drives,
and optical drives. This type of memory is used to store data
and instructions permanently.Secondary memory is non-
volatile, which means that it retains its contents even when the
computer is turned off. It is used to store large amounts of data
and instructions that are not needed immediately. The speed
and capacity of secondary memory can vary widely, depending
on the type of drive and the amount of storage space.
The amount and type of memory can affect the computer's
performance. The more memory a computer has, the faster it
can perform tasks. The type of memory used in a computer can
also affect its performance.
Magnetic tapes, floppy disk, hard disk, compact disk, memory
cards, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only
Memory) are all computer memory.
For example, solid-state drives are faster than hard disk drives,
but they are more expensive.
Computer memory is essential for a computer to function
properly. The type and amount of memory used in a computer
can have a significant impact on its performance.
