INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
Memory Unit
MEMORY UNIT
• Memory unit is that part of the computer that holds data for
processing. It is a storage location where data, program and
information are stored.
• Types of Computer Memory
• Memory is of two types:
• 1. Primary memory/main memory/internal memory
• 2. Secondary memory/auxiliary memory/external memory
Primary Memory:
Primary memory represents the core or internal areas of the computer
system. It is the memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU, the CPU
constantly interact with it, reads instructions stored there and executes
them as required. The main memory is also called Immediate Access
Storage (IAS). Because it is where information and programs are stored
for immediate processing by the CPU.
Types of Primary memory
There are two types of primary memory:
a. RAM
b. ROM
RAM (Radom Access Memory):
Random access memory, also called the Read/Write memory, is the
temporary memory of a computer. They hold data and programs
that the CPU is processing. The CPU reads and write into the RAM
as often as required but it is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents
are accessible only as long as the computer is on. The
contents of RAM are lost once the computer is turned
off or if there is a power cut.
Types of RAM
i. DYNAMIC RAM (DRAM): The term dynamic indicates that the
memory must be constantly refreshed (reenergized) or it will lose its
contents.
ii. STATIC RAM (SRAM): is a type of RAM that holds its data without
external refresh, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit.
iii. SDRAM: It stands for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory. It is a type of memory that synchronizes itself
with the computer's system clock. It is faster than DRAM. It is
widely used in computers and others.
ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY)
Read Only Memory is a non-volatile memory that retains data stored on it
even after the computer is powered off. The operating system boot records
are stored inside the ROM.
ROM is mainly of three types:
i. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): This is a version of memory
chip that can be programmed by the user. Once the PROM has been
programmed, the information written is permanent and cannot be erased
or deleted. An example of a PROM is a computer BIOS in early
computers.
i. ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ-ONLY MEMORY (EPROM): it is the
version of memory chip that can be erased and reprogrammed. It requires
an Ultraviolet light to erase its content. EPROMs are used not only in
computers, but in many of today's modern electronics. Examples compact
flash, smart memory, memory sticks etc.
ii. ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ-ONLY MEMORY
(EEPROM): These are also erasable like EPROM, but the same work of
erasing is performed with electric current. Thus, it provides the ease of
erasing it even if the memory is positioned in the computer. Unlike EPROM,
the entire chip does not have to be erased for changing some portion of it.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAM AND ROM
S/N RAM ROM
1. It is volatile (It loses data when power is turned It is non-volatile (retains data even when power is off)
off)
2. RAM is fast ROM memory is extremely fast compared to RAM
3. Data in RAM can be changed or deleted ROM is fixed or data cannot be modified.
4. RAM chip are bigger in size ROM chip are smaller in size
5. RAM chips are relatively expensive ROM chips are relatively less expensive
6. RAM stores all the applications and data when ROM usually stores instructions that are required to for
the computer is running booting the computer
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is a non-volatile memory that holds data until it is deleted or overwritten. It
is slower than main memory. These are used for storing data/Information permanently. CPU
directly does not access these memories instead they are accessed via input-output routines.
Contents of secondary memories are first transferred to main memory, and then CPU can access
it.
Types of Secondary Memory
Secondary memory can be of following types:
1. Magnetic Storage Media E.g. Magnetic disk, Magnetic tape, Hard disk and floppy disks
2. Optical Disk E.g. CD, VCD and DVD
3. Electronic Disk E.g. Flash Memory
4. Others. E.g. Punch card
1. Magnetic Storage Media are widely used to store computer data as well as
audio and video signals. They include:
Floppy Disk: The floppy disk is a small magnetic disk that was used in the past
for storing computer data and programs. It is a removable storage media made
with similarities to the technology of a radio cassette, but it is thicker in nature.
Hard disk: This is a magnetic disk that has the capability to store more data and is
faster than floppy disks in terms of access time. It is largest in capacity. It can
store many hundreds of megabytes or gigabytes.
They are two types of hard disk: the internal and external hard disk. The internal
hard disks are installed inside the computer while the external are connected to
the computer
2. OPTICAL DISK: these media can store data such as text, pictures, sounds and
videos in highly compact form. They are two main types:
i. Compact Disk (CD): this is a small, portable kind of disk used for backing up
data. They are used for recording, storing and playing of audio and any other
information in digital form. They are three types of Compact Disk:
a. CD-ROM
CD-ROM stands for (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and it is mainly used to
mass produce audio CD's and computer games. Computer users can only read
data and music but they cannot burn their own information onto the discs.
b. CD-R
CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) also known as WORM (Write Once Read Many):
users can burn or make a copy of their personal data, music, videos and
information. They are designed for one-time recording only.
c. CD-RW
Unlike a CD-R, the CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) can be erased and returned
to its original blank state. New files can then be copied onto the rewritable disk.
2. DVD (Digital Versatile Disk):
DVD is very similar to a CD but it has a much larger capacity. A standard DVD can
hold 4.7 GB of data. DVD’s are of different formats as explained about CD’s.
3. Electronic Disk may refer to solid state drive, a data storage device functionally
similar to a hard disk drive but using flash memory.
A USB Drive also referred to as a flash drive or memory stick is a small, portable
device that plugs into the USB port on your computer. USB drives are commonly
used for storage, data backup and transferring of files between devices.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEMORY
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
1. These devices are temporary 1. The devices are permanent (Non-
(Volatile) volatile)
2. These devices are expensive 2. These devices are cheaper to
to purchase and maintain purchase and maintain
3. They have less storage 3. They have large storage capacities
capacity
4. They have fast storage and 4. They have slower storage and access
access
5. Directly accessed by the CPU 5. Not directly accessed by the CPU
6. Internal memory 6. External Memory
