Computer System: Memory
Computer System: Memory
Types of Memory
- The term memory in computing generally refers to the device or medium data is stored on.
- There are several types of memory in a computer system including RAM, ROM, and storage.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
- RAM is the main memory in a computer, where program instructions and data are loaded to be processed by the CPU.
- It is called ‘random access’ because any memory cell can be accessed directly if the row and column is known.
- RAM is volatile, meaning all information stored in it is lost once the computer is turned off.
- The more RAM a computer has, the more processes it can handle simultaneously, increasing performance.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
- ROM is a type of memory that stores instructions needed to start up the computer. This is known as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).
- Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile, meaning the information is not lost when the computer is turned off.
- Data in ROM is written during manufacturing and cannot be modified or deleted by normal computer operations.
Virtual Memory
- Virtual memory is a section of volatile memory created temporarily on the storage drive. It is created when a computer is running many processes at once and RAM is running low.
- Virtual memory is slower than RAM, so the system may become sluggish if it relies too much on virtual memory.
Cache Memory
- Cache memory is a small amount of high-speed RAM that stores frequently used data and instructions.
- Cache memory is quicker to access than using regular RAM, so it enhances the system’s performance.
- The CPU checks for data in the cache memory before searching in the slower main RAM.
Storage
- Storage refers to permanent, non-volatile memory like hard drives and SSDs (solid-state drives) which store data and software.
- Compared to RAM, storage is slower to read from and write to.
- However, storage has much higher capacity and retains information even when power is not supplied.
Memory Management
- Memory management is the process through which a computer handles and allocates memory.
- It involves tracking each byte in a system’s memory, and maintaining and recovering the memory.