Computer Memory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes secondary storage from primary memory?

It is used as a backup for primary memory

It is faster than primary memory

It is used for processing data

It is non-volatile memory (correct)

Which of the following is a type of secondary storage?

CPU

DVD (correct)

ALU

RAM

What happens to the data stored in primary memory when the power is switched off?

It is permanently stored

It is sent to secondary storage

It is temporarily stored

It is lost (correct)

What is the role of the CPU in relation to computer memory?

To process data inputs Signup and view all the answers

What is the computer memory hierarchy ranked by access speed?

Primary memory, CPU, secondary storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Cache Memory in a computer system?

To provide intermediate storage between secondary storage and RAM Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data stored in RAM when the power is switched off?

The data is lost Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is used to store permanent instructions needed by the computer?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic that distinguishes Primary Storage from Secondary Storage?

Volatility Signup and view all the answers

How does the CPU access data from Secondary Storage?

Via input-output routines Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Primary Storage in a computer system?

To provide a temporary storage area for data and instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Control Unit in the CPU?

To access program instructions and decode them Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the number of bits processed at a time in a CPU?

Word Length Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Memory Unit in the CPU?

To store instructions from programs and data to be processed Signup and view all the answers

Where is the result of the Machine Instruction Cycle stored?

Primary Storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for the number of cycles a CPU executes per second?

GHz (gigahertz) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Cache Memory in the CPU?

To store copies of frequently used data from main memory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Memory

Primary Storage (Main Memory) is a temporary storage area that holds information, application software, and operating system software.
Increasing memory capacity increases the performance of the system.
Types of Primary Storage:
- Registers: part of the CPU, very fast, very limited capacity.
- Cache Memory: faster than RAM, used to provide intermediate storage between secondary storage and RAM.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): memory chips on motherboard, general storage of program instructions and data, volatile.
- Read-only Memory (ROM): chips storing permanent instructions needed by computer, non-volatile.

Characteristics of Main Memory

Semiconductor memories.
Known as main memory.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switched off.
Working memory of the computer.
Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without primary memory.

Secondary Storage

External memory or non-volatile.
Contents of secondary memories are first transferred to main memory, and then CPU can access it.
Slower than main memory.
For storing data/Information permanently.
CPU directly does not access these memories instead they are accessed via input-output routines.
Examples: disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

Characteristics of Secondary Storage

Magnetic and optical memories.
Known as backup memory.
Non-volatile memory.
Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
Used for storage of data in a computer.
Computer may run without secondary memory.
Slower than primary memories.

Computer Evolution

Different types of computer systems are used in various fields for different applications as per the system performance requirements.
Different types of computers suitable for the specific types of application.

Computer System Output Unit

The term “output unit” (output devices) refers to the output data provided by the computer CPU after processing the data inputs.
This output is then sent to the output devices to provide the desired information to the user.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.
CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.

CPU Components

Control Unit: Access program instructions, decode instructions, control flow of data throughout system.
Arithmetic-Logic Unit: Perform computations on data, perform comparisons on data.
Memory Unit: Stores instructions from programs, stores data to be processed.

CPU Machine Instruction Cycle

An instruction is fetched from memory/storage unit by the Control Unit.
The Control Unit decodes the instruction.
The ALU receives the data and the instruction and executes the computer program.
The result is stored in primary storage.

Computer Performance

Measured in part by the number of Machine Instruction Cycles performed per second.
Factors affecting this performance include:
- Clock Speed: measures the number of cycles your CPU executes per second, measured in GHz (gigahertz).
- Cache Memory: stores copies of the data from frequently used main memory.
- Word Length: Refers to the number of bits processed at a time.
- Address and Data Bus Width: amount of memory a system can address.

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Description

Test your knowledge of computer memory, including primary storage, main memory, and types of storage units. Learn about the role of memory in processing data and instructions.