Computer Storage

I. Computer Memory

A. Computer Memory Overview

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer
memory is the storage space in computer where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells. Each
location or cell has a unique address which varies from zero to memory size minus one. For example
if computer has 64k words, then this memory unit has 64 * 1024=65536 memory locations. The address
of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.

Computer memory is primarily of three types:

 Cache Memory
 Primary/ Main Memory
 Secondary Memory

B. Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high
speed semiconductor memory
which can speed up CPU. It
acts as a buffer between the
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CPU and main memory. It is
used to hold those parts of
data and program which are most frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system, from
where CPU can access them.

C. Primary Memory
Primary memory holds only those data and
instructions on which computer is currently
working. It has limited capacity and data is lost
when power is switched off. It is generally
made up of semiconductor device. These
memories are not as fast as registers. The data
and instruction required to be processed reside
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 in main memory. It is divided into two (2)
subcategories RAM and ROM.

RAM ROM
Read-only memory or ROM is
Random Access Memory or
also a form of data storage that
RAM is a form of data storage
cannot be easily altered or
that can be accessed randomly
reprogrammed. Stores instructions
Definition at any time, in any order and
that are not necessary for re-
from any physical location,
booting up to make the computer

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 allowing quick access and operate when it is switched off.
manipulation.
They are hardwired.
Stands for Random Access Memory Read-only memory
RAM allows the computer to
ROM stores the program required
read data quickly to run
to initially boot the computer. It
Use
applications. It allows reading only allows reading.
and writing.
RAM is volatile i.e. its contents It is non-volatile i.e. its contents
are lost when the device is are retained even when the device
Volatility powered off is powered off.
Types The two main types of
The types of ROM include
RAM are static RAM and
PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.
dynamic RAM.

D. Dynamic RAM vs. Static RAM

The main memory of most computers consists of dynamic random-access memory,

or DRAM. It is considered a type of random-access memory (RAM), which means that
information stored on it can be accessed in a random order. This makes it a really fast
type of storage and therefore, ideal for use as the main memory for a computer system.
In contrast, information stored on a hard disk drive needs to be read in a particular order,
which makes it much slower.
Information in DRAM is stored using an integrated circuit which
contains transistors and capacitors. A single pair of one (1) transistor and one (1)
capacitor stores one bit of information. The capacitor can hold a low charge (also called
discharged) or a high charge (also called charged), which correspond to 0 and 1,
respectively. The transistor acts as a switch to read the state of the capacitor or to change
its state. Capacitors slowly leak their charge, and therefore, the capacitor charge needs
to be refreshed regularly by restoring the charge. That is the reason this type of RAM
is called dynamic. The other most common type of RAM is called static random-
access memory, or SRAM, because it uses only transistors and does not need to be
refreshed.
E. PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM

Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)

This type of ROM can be re-programmed by using a special device called a PROM
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 programmer. Generally, a PROM can only be changed/updated once.

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)

This type of ROM can have its contents erased by ultraviolet light and then
reprogrammed by an RPROM programmer. This procedure can be carried out many
times; however, the constant erasing and rewriting will eventually render the chip
useless.

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 Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)
This type of ROM works in a similar way to Flash memory in that it can its contents
can be 'flashed' for erasure ad then written to without having to remove the chip from
its environment. EEPROMs are used to store a computer system's BIOS, and can be
updated without returning the unit to the factory. In many cases, BIOS updates can be
carried out by computer users wishing a BIOS update.

II. Secondary Memory

This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower
than main memory. These are used for storing data/information permanently. CPU
directly does not access these memories instead they are accessed via input-output
routines. Contents of secondary memories are first transferred to main memory, and
then CPU can access it. Example: disk, flash drive CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

III. Memory Units

The first thing you need to know is
1 bit (binary digit*) = the value of 0 or 1
that, at its most basic level, a
computer only understands the 8 bits = 1 byte
concept of ―on and off. On is
represented by the number one (1); off 1024 bytes = 1 kilobyte
is represented by the number zero (0).
Everything that a computer does is 1024 kilobytes = 1 megabyte
based on this combination of ones and
1024 megabytes = 1 gigabyte
zeros, which is known as the binary
system. These ones and zeros are 1024 gigabytes = 1 terabyte
digits, known as bits, which are the
smallest memory unit. The term bit is 1024 terabytes = 1 petabyte
short for binary digit. The second
Abbreviations
thing you need to know is that a
computer saves information in bytes, 1 kilobyte = 1 k
not bits. So what is a byte? The term
byte is short for binary digits eight. So 1 megabyte = 1 MB
one byte is made up of eight (8) bits.
1 gigabyte = 1 GB
And a byte is the equivalent of a
character, which can be a letter, a 1 terabyte = 1 TB
number, or a symbol. So let’s say that
you’re a self-involved poet whose 1 petabyte = 1 PB
latest creation is simply titled ―I.
Size in "bytes"
That one-word title would equal one
byte. Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 bytes

05 Handout 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,048,576 bytes

Gigabyte (GB) = 1,073,741,824 bytes

References:
 Adrian, B. a. (2003-2016). Retrieved from study.com: http://study.com/
 Kopplin, J. (2002). An illustrated history of computers. Retrieved from Computer Science Lab:
http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/History.htm
 M., M., & Verma, G. K. (2016). Retrieved from Tutorial Point: http://www.tutorialspoint.com/
 Marcelo, A. (2008). Understanding PC hardware. Jemma Inc.
 Parsons, J., & Oja, D. (2014). Computer concepts. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.

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