A memory is described as a part that is similar to the brain system that allows one to hold up instructions and data. It is considered as the storage house in the system that can easily process the data and instructions that are stored in it. The whole system of memory is divided into small sets of modules that are termed as cells. These cells are located in the memory at a unique address that allows easy storage of data. The total size of the cells is between zero to total size minus one.
Types of Computer Memory
- Cache Memory
- Primary Memory
- Secondary Memory
Also read – Types of computer memory units
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What is cache memory
Types of Cache Memory
- Primary Cache
This memory is located on the processor chip and is small. It is referred to as L1 (level 1) cache. The access time of processor registers and primary cache is comparable. - Secondary Cache
This memory is located between the primary cache and the remaining memory, which is normally located on the processor chip. It is referred to as the L2 (level 2) cache.
There are many advantages of cache system:
- The total time consumed in fetching data from main memory is lower with the cache.
- It is much faster as compared to another mode of memory.
- The data stored in the system is temporary.
- The data and program that are stored in it are executed at a huge level with a short span of time.
In addition to this, it is a system that is more economical when it is compared with the register. It is also the fast memory system that can easily send out the essential data to the customer.
Also read – What is virtual memory and how it works?
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What is primary or main memory
RAM is made up of several modules in which the data or instructions are stored up when the system is in running condition. Whereas in ROM, the memory is stored when the whole system is in volatile form. Meaning that when the system is turned off then all the data will be lost. Hence, the system is loaded to RAM or primary memory from secondary memory on the start. This is the same case for any software or application.
The ROM is divided into 4 types:
- MROM (Masked ROM)
- PROM (Programmable ROM)
- EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM)
- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM)
Whereas, RAM is of two types:
- SRAM (Static RAM)
This memory is volatile in nature and retains content as long as power is supplied,hence named static. - DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
This memory is refreshed continually to maintain the data, hence named dynamic.
The main characteristics of this type of data processing are:
- This type of memory is the working memory that is present in the system.
- It is much faster as compared to secondary memory.
- It is impossible to work on a system without its main memory.
The best part about main memory is that it has a specific location to store the data as per the service and applications.
Also read – what is hard drive on your computer?
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What is secondary memory
This type of system can have a large amount of storage capacity in comparison to the main memory system. For instance, an external hard disk can be more than 1TB of space whereas the system memory is mainly around 500 GB to 1TB. These type of data stored is in the form of a file that works as per a specific name format. Also, it has large blocks on which the data is stored. These blocks allow the data to be copied and work accordingly.
This type of system is used as the backup memory system. Also, it has optical and magnetic memories on which data is stored. Similarly to the main memory, the data is erased when the system is switched off. However, it is not an essential part for a system and hence a system can work without it.