Two basic categories of computer memory: Primary storage and secondary storage.

Primary stores small amounts of data and information that will be immediately used by the CPU. Secondary stores much larger amounts of data and information (an entire software program, for example) for extended periods of time.

Primary storage or main memory stores three types of information for very brief periods of time: Data to be processed by the CPU; Instructions for the CPU as to how to process the data; Operating system programs that manage various aspects of the computers operation. Primary storage takes place in chips mounted on the computers main circuit board, called the motherboard. Four main types of primary storage: register, random access memory (RAM), cache memory and read-only memory (ROM).

Random access memory (RAM): The part of primary storage that holds a software program and small amounts of data when they are brought from secondary storage. Cache memory: A type of primary storage where the computer can temporarily store blocks of data used more often. Read-only memory (ROM): Type of primary storage where certain critical instructions are safeguarded; the storage is nonvolatile and retains the instructions when the power to the computer is turned off. Flash memory: A form of rewritable read-only memory that is compact, portable, and requires little energy.

Hard disk: A form of secondary storage that stores data on platters divided into concentric tracks and sectors, which can be read by a read/write head that pivots across the rotating disks. Floppy disk: A form of easily portable secondary storage on flexible disks; also called floppy disks.

Secondary storage

Sequential access Magnetic tape Magnetic disk

Direct access

Optical disk

Floppy disk

Hard disk

CD ROM

WORM

Key features RAM is packaged as a chip. Basic storage unit is a cell (one bit per cell). Multiple RAM chips form a memory. Static RAM (SRAM) Each cell stores bit with a six-transistor circuit. Retains value indefinitely, as long as it is kept powered. Relatively insensitive to disturbances such as electrical noise. Faster and more expensive than DRAM. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Each cell stores bit with a capacitor and transistor. Value must be refreshed every 10-100 ms. Sensitive to disturbances. Slower and cheaper than SRAM.

Key Features Performs the Read operations only. Used to store programs that are permanently resident in the computer & tables of constants. Used for storing an initial program called a bootstrap loader. Masked programmed User programmed 1. PROM 2. EPROM 3. EEPROM(EAPROM)