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The computer system accepts data, processes it and stores it in memory this memory is of two types primary memory and secondary memory. I will be writing on there differences today.
Memory is the storage space of the computer it forms the building block Component of the computer system which is made of primary and secondary memory, just like memory is the storage space of human brain, that makes human an higher being from animals.
Primary memory
Primary memory is a memory used for processes under execution, the programs in this memory is directly accessible by the CPU for further processing, it's a volatile memory that stores data for a temporarily time and it's prone to change and lose on power failure. Also, the primary memory which is also the main memory is the area in a computer where data and Information are stored for faster access.
The primary memory is of two types known as RAM(Random access memory) and ROM (Read only memory). The RAM is referred to as the main memory, that stores data and information temporarily and loses its contents on power failure, the RAM is of two types the static and dynamic RAM. The ROM is a permanent memory that stores its Content and doesn't lose it when there power failure, it is of three types PROM(Programmable Read only memory), EPROM(Erasable programmable read only memory) and EEPROM (electrical erasable programmable read only memory).
Secondary memory
Secondary memory is the external memory that is used to store data and Information on a long-term, this memory is non-volatile which means it retains its content even when there is power outage or failure. The programs in secondary memory is not directly accessible by the CPU but it has to firstly be transferred to the primary memory before the CPU makes use of it.
The secondary momory is also called backup storage saves a substantial amount of data. The secondary storage devices stores high volume of data in ranges of gigabyte to terabytes. Secondary memory is of three types known as the mass storage devices that include magnetic drive and floppy disk, USB drives and magnetic tape.
Differentiating primary memory and secondary memory
| Primary memory | Secondary memory |
|---|---|
| Primary memory is very fast in access by the CPU because it is the excusion environment of the computer | Secondary memory is slow to access because the data and Information has to be copied first into primary memory before the CPU can access it. |
| Primary memory storage Is very small because of its volatility | Secondary memory is large because it stores data ranging from gigabyte to terabytes and it's non-volatile. |
| Primary memory physical size is very small because it is a component of the motherboard | secondary memory physical is large, it is outside the motherboard that can be called peripherals. |
| The cost per unit of primary memory is expensive | cost per unit of secondary memory is large |
CONCLUSION
The way memory Is the fundamental storage space in human brains that is how the memory that of two types primary and secondary is the fundamental storage space of the computer. The primary memory is the working environment for processing and is easily accessible by the CPU, on the contrary the secondary memory is not accessible by the CPU though data and Information is first copied to the primary memory before it becomes reachable by the CPU.
The primary is a volatile memory that loses its Content on power outage while the secondary memory is a non-volatile me key that doesn't lose its memory on power outage.
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