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of Primary Memory in Computers

Computer Basics | 3 comments

PRIMARY MEMORY
As human beings have a memory system to remember even a tiny thing which
went through in one’s life, similarly computer systems do contain a memory
system which can store data and can be retrieved when desired. Why not after all
it’s been designed and created by intellectual humans only. Every computer
system contains two kinds of memory out of which one is primary and the other is
secondary memory. Basically a computer memory can store particularly two
things. They are the data and the set of instructions to execute a program.

Now let us take a brief look towards the types of primary storage (or) primary
memory. This primary memory can be directly accessed by the processing unit.
The contents in the primary memory are temporary. While performing a task if
there is any power cut problems then we may lose the data which is in primary
memory. One benefit is that we can store and retrieve the data with a considerable
speed. Primary memory is more expensive when compared to secondary memory.

RAM (Random Access Memory) could be the best example of primary memory.
The primary memory in the computer system is in the form of Integrated Circuits.
These circuits are nothing but RAM. Each of RAM’s locations can store one byte
[1 Byte = 8 bits] of information. This can be in either of the forms 1 or 0. The
primary storage section is made up of several small storage locations in the
integrated circuits called cells. Every single cell can store fixed number of bits
called word length. Each cell contains a unique number assigned to it and it has the
unique address; these addresses are used to identify the cells. The address starts at
level 0 and goes up to (N-1).

Let me show you few things which are purely related to primary memory.The
different types of primary memory in computers are as follows:

RAM [Random Access Memory]

RAM is the best example of primary storage. We have very good reason to justify
because in this kind of memory we can select randomly, use that at any location of
the memory, then store and finally retrieve processed data which is information.
RAM is a volatile memory because it loses its contents when there is a power
failure in the computer system. The memories which lose their contents on power
failure are called volatile memories.

ROM [Read Only Memory]:

ROM is also formed by Integrated Circuits. The data which is stored in ROM is
permanent. The ROM can only read the data by CPU but can’t be edited or
manipulated.ROM is a non-volatile memory because it will not lose its contents
when there is a power failure in the computer system. The basic I/O program is
stored in the ROM and it examines and initializes various devices attached to the
computer when the power is ON. The contents in the ROM can neither be changed
nor deleted.

PROM [Programmable Read Only

Memory]:
As we know that we cannot edit (or) modify data in the ROM. To overcome this
problem to some extent PROM is very helpful that is in PROM we can store our
programs in PROM chip. Once the programs are written it cannot be changed and
remain intact even if the power is switched off. Therefore programs written in
PROM cannot be erased or edited.

EPROM [Erasable Programmable Read

Only memory]:
EPROM will overcome the problem of PROM. EPROM chip can be programmed
time and again by erasing the information stored earlier in it. EPROM chip has to
be exposed to sunlight for some time so that ultra violet rays fall on the chip and
that erases the data on the chip and the chip can be re-programmed using a special
programming facility. There is another type memory called EEPROM that stands
for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory in which we can erase
the data and re-program it with a fresh content.

Registers:
Actually computer system uses a number of memory units called registers.
Registers store data or information temporarily and pass it on as directed by the
control unit.

Flash memory:
It is a non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and
reprogrammed. Examples are memory cards, chips, pen drives, and USB flash
drives etc. flash memory costs very less than byte-programmable EEPROM. It is
very portable in nature.

3 Comments
1. Tusingwire Gerald on September 6, 2016 at 3:20 pm

you have given me good explanation

Reply

 Shomoye kehinde on September 26, 2017 at 10:07 pm

Wow! It’s trenchant and unputdownable.

 Reply

2. Aman Rumar Raman on November 28, 2017 at 9:15 pm

thank you very much for this explanation

Reply

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