Types of Memory of Computer: Computer Memory is the space or unit in a computer that stores instructions, data, and intermediate results. Computer memory consists of primary and secondary memory. Let us know the types of memory of the computer in detail. Moreover, we will know about the difference between primary and secondary memory, RAM, ROM, Types of RAM, and types of storage devices. You should know that Computer Memory is extremely important to run a computer but the computer may run without secondary memory. Do you know what is secondary memory (non-volatile memory)? Keep reading to know more about the types of memory of computers.
Types of Memory of Computer
Computer memory is the unit that supplies information to the other unit of computer when required. Basically, Computer memory is divided into primary memory and secondary memory.
Primary Memory: Primary memory is mandatory to run a computer because it holds all the data and instructions of a programm or software that is currently running on the computer. These types of memory have a limited capacity and these are volatile in nature because data is lost when power is switched off. Semiconductor devices are used to make primary memories and these are slow in comparison to registers. There are two types of primary memory, RAM and ROM.
Secondary Memory: Secondary memory is external memory which is used for backup purpose due to their non-volatile nature. It is used for storing data/information permanently so that we can access the data when needed. Secondary memory is slower than the primary memory (Main memory). Primary memory is required to access the data of secondary memory. For example HDD (Hard Disc Drive), CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
| Access Time | Storage Capacity | Cost per Bit of Storage | |
| Primary Memory | Faster | Smaller | High |
| Secondary Memory | Slower | Higher | Low |
Difference Between Primary And Secondary Memory
| Characteristics of Primary Memory | Characteristics of Secondary Memory |
| These are semi-conductor memories. | Theses are magnetic and optical memories. |
| Primary memory is the main memory. | Secondary memory is known as backup memory |
| These are volatile memory. | These are non-volatile memory. |
| Data lost in case of power is switched off. | In this, data is permanently stored even if power is switched off. |
| Primary memory is the working memory of a computer. | Secondary memory is the storage memory of a computer |
| Computer can not run without primary memory. | Computer may run without secondary memory. |
| Faster than secondary memory. | Slower than primary memory. |
Types of Primary Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program, and program results. It is a read/write memory that stores data till the machine is working.RAM is further divided into two types which are SRAM and DRAM.
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory): The memory that is faster and less volatile than DRAM, but requires more power and is more expensive. These type of memories does not need to be refreshed like DRAM.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory): As the name indicates that the memory must be constantly refreshed or it loses its data or information. This type of memory is more economical.
ROM (Read Only Memory): As the name indicated ROM- Read-Only Memory, the memory which we can only read but can not write on it. This is a non-volatile memory and data is stored permanently in such memory when manufactured. A ROM contains such information that is necessary to start a computer. ROM has three types which are PROM, EPROM, EEPROM.
PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory): PROM is read-only memory and it is a programmable memory, it can be modified only once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM and enters the desired data or information using a PROM program
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): The EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): The EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 milliseconds.
Units of Computer Memory
| Bit or Binary Digit | 0,1 |
| 1 Nibble | 4 Bits |
| 1 Byte or Character | 8 Bits |
| 1 KB (Kilo Byte) | 1024 Bytes |
| 1 MB (Mega Byte) | 1024 KB |
| 1 GB (Giga Byte) | 1024 MB |
| 1 TB (Tera Byte) | 1024 GB |
| 1 PB (Peta Byte) | 1024 TB |
| 1 EB (Exa Byte) | 1024 PB |
| 1 ZB (Zetta Byte) | 1024 EB |
| 1 YB (Yotta Byte) | 1024 ZB |
Note: A byte is the smallest unit which can represent a data item or a character. (1 byte = B bits)
F.A.Q Types of Memory of Computer
A string of eight 0’s or 1’s is known as?
Byte
The main directory of A disc is called?
Root Directory
A memory that halls data and instruction for start-up the computer and does not erase data after power off?
ROM (Read Only Memory)
A half Byte is know as?
Nibble (1 byte=8 bits, 1 nibble=4bits
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