Memory and

Processors
UNIT 1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 02 03
RAM & ROM FLASH PROCESSORS
MEMORY
 MEMORY

Memory is used to store instructions. The processor executes

those instructions. Both of these parts of the computer system
have a big impact on the performance of the system. Specifically,
they affect the speed at which software can be loaded and the
speed at which software tasks can be completed.
 MEMORY

Memory can be accessed faster than secondary storage. Memory

is used to store instructions so that the processor can fetch the
instructions quickly in order to process them.

There are three types of memory that you need to know about:
● RAM
● ROM
● Flash Memory
 01

RAM & ROM

What is RAM
stands for?
What is RAM
stands for?
RAM - Random access memory
RAM

RAM is volatile, ……………..

RAM

RAM is volatile, meaning that it cannot store

data when it has no power. This means that, if
you turn off your computer’s power, any data
held in RAM will be lost
 Main
memory
Vs
Secondary
storage
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IMPACT OF THE SIZE OF RAM
ON THE USER

RAM stores active programs, enabling multitasking. Insufficient RAM leads to

slower virtual memory from secondary storage, impacting system performance.
While SSDs can improve swapping speed, frequent swapping may reduce their
performance. Adding more RAM enhances multitasking and accommodates
memory-intensive updates, up to the system's maximum supported limit.
What is ROM
stands for?
What is ROM
stands for?
ROM - Read only memory

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of storage that retains data permanently, even when the
power is off, making it non-volatile. It is commonly employed in single-purpose computers like
calculators, digital watches, and washing machines. Additionally, general-purpose computers
such as home PCs and laptops utilize ROM to initiate the system and load the operating system
from secondary storage.

Boot - start up
RAM vs ROM
ROM

ROM is generally used to refer to memory that cannot be changed after manufacture.

PROM stands for Programmable Read Only Memory. It is manufactured with the ability to be
written to, but it can be written only once.

EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

Firmware - a type of software that controls a hardware device.

FLASH MEMORY

Flash memory, a non-volatile type of EEPROM, offers fast access times and low power
consumption due to its lack of moving parts. It is widely used in SSDs for portable devices like
laptops and in removable storage such as USB drives and SD cards.
PROCESSORS
PROCESSORS
PROCESSORS

A processor has one or more CPUs, and in multi-CPU processors, each

CPU is a core. For example, a quad-core processor can perform up to four
times the work of a single-core processor.

Processor cycle - the process of fetching a program instruction from

memory, decoding the actions required by the instructions and then
executing those actions.
PROCESSORS

Processor speed is measured in hertz (Hz), kilohertz (kHz), megahertz

(MHz), and gigahertz (GHz), indicating the number of clock cycles per
second for instruction execution.
Q&A