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Memory

Memory. Memory is also known as: Main Memory Primary Memory or Primary Storage The reason that it is referred to as main memory is because it is the main location where the CPU looks for data and instructions during execution of a program.

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Memory

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  1. Memory Memory is also known as: • Main Memory • Primary Memory or Primary Storage The reason that it is referred to as main memory is because it is the main location where the CPU looks for data and instructions during execution of a program. Memory can be thought of as a series of cells which can contain data or instructions. Each cell has a distinct address. Typically a cell can store 8 bits (abyte) of information.

  2. Memory In most computers there are a variety of memory technologies that are used to store specific types of information. The two main types are • Random Access Memory (RAM) • Read-only Memory (ROM)

  3. Random Access Memory • Information can be both read from or written to RAM. This type of memory stores the instructions and data of a currently executing program. • The problem with RAM is that it is volatile i.e. its contents are erased as soon as the computer is switched off. • Additionally RAM is a finite resource (also expensive) and therefore limited. The amount of RAM usually determines the size of the programs that can be executed and the size of the data they work on.

  4. Read-Only Memory • ROM’s contain information that are read-only i.e. their contents can only be read. • The contents of ROM’s are non-volatile i.e. they are not lost after the machine is switched off. ROM’s tend to store programs that are required to boot-up your computer. These programs load the operating system as well as execute a set of test routines called the POST ( Power On Self Test ).

  5. Hardware ( Memory ) CPU Device Driver Main Memory Secondary Storage Device Simplified Memory Access Diagram

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