Chapter # 02 Computer Memory

FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

1. Difference between primary and secondary memory?

Primary Memory Secondary Memory
Definition: Primary memory, often Secondary memory refers to non-volatile
referred to as RAM, is a type of storage devices that retain data even when the
volatile memory that stores computer is turned off. This includes hard
data and instructions that the drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), USB drives,
CPU (Central Processing Unit) DVDs, and more. Secondary memory is used
can access quickly. It is used to for long term data storage
temporarily store data that the
computer is currently working
on
Volatility: Primary memory is volatile, Secondary memory is non-volatile, which
meaning that its contents are means it retains data even when the computer
lost when the computer is is powered off. It is used for long-term storage
powered off or restarted. It is of files and programs.
used for short-term data storage
and for running active
programs.
Speed: Primary memory is much faster Secondary memory is slower than primary
in terms of data access and memory. Accessing data from secondary
retrieval compared to storage devices typically involves longer time
secondary memory. This high-
speed access allows the CPU to
quickly fetch and manipulate
data during program execution.
Capacity: Primary memory has a limited Secondary memory offers a much larger
capacity compared to
storage capacity compared to primary memory.
secondary memory. It can store large amounts of data, including
files, applications, and the operating system.
Persistence: Primary memory does not Secondary memory is persistent and retains
retain data once the power is data even after power cycles, making it suitable
turned off or if the computer for long-term data storage.
crashes. It is meant for
temporary storage only.
Cost: expensive Cost efficient

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

2. Differentiate between sequential access and direct access

Sequential Access Memory Random Access Memory
Access Method: In sequential access memory, data is In direct access memory, also
accessed in a linear or sequential order. To known as random access memory,
retrieve a specific piece of data, you must data can be accessed directly
start from the beginning and go through without having to go through all
all the data elements or records that the preceding data. You can access
precede it. This access method is similar to any specific data element directly
flipping through pages in a book from using its address or location
cover to cover.

Access Speed Very slower as finding desired data Very fast. You can access any
requires to go though from all records specific data element directly
from starting using its address or location

Storage Devices Sequential access is typically associated Direct access is commonly

with storage devices like magnetic tapes associated with storage devices
and certain types of optical media. These like hard disk drives (HDDs) and
devices are designed for storing and solid-state drives (SSDs), where
retrieving data sequentially. data can be read or written to any
location on the storage medium
directly

Examples Tape drives used for data backups and Hard disk drives (HDDs) and
older audio/video cassettes. solid-state drives (SSDs) used in
computers and servers.

memory?

3. Why data access time in sequential access devices is more than

the random access devices?
In sequential access memory, data is accessed in a linear or sequential order.
To retrieve a specific piece of data, you must start from the beginning and
go through all the data elements or records that precede it. This access
method is similar to flipping through pages in a book from cover to cover.
In direct access memory, also known as random access memory, data can be

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

accessed directly without having to go through all the preceding data. You
can access any specific data element directly using its address or location

4. If Cache memory is removed from computer, what will happen?

If cache memory is removed from a computer, the computer will still work,
but it may run slower because cache memory helps the computer's
microprocessor access frequently used data quickly as it copies program
from main memory (RAM) which is again and again used by it. Without
cache memory, the computer would need to fetch data from the main
memory (RAM) or storage devices more often, which can slow down its
performance. So, it's like removing a shortcut that makes things faster, but
the computer will still function.

5. Define memory word?

In computer language, a "word" typically refers to a fixed-sized unit of data
that the computer's microprocessor can process as a single entity. The size of
a word can vary depending on the computer's architecture, but it is often
defined by the CPU's design.
For example, in many modern computer systems, a word might be 32 bits or
64 bits in size. This means that the CPU can process 32 or 64 binary digits
(bits) of data at once when working with a word. The size of a word is
important because it affects the computer's ability to perform operations.

6. Differentiate between RAM and ROM?

RAM ROM
Volatility: RAM (Random Access ROM (Read-Only Memory):
Memory): RAM is volatile ROM is non-volatile memory,
memory, meaning that it which means that it retains its
temporarily stores data that is data even when the computer is
actively being used by the powered off. The data in ROM is
computer's CPU. The data in typically permanent and cannot

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

RAM is lost when the computer be easily modified or overwritten

is powered off or restarted. by normal computer operations.
Persistence: Temporary data storage Permanent data storage
Purpose: RAM is used for storing data It contains information that is
and instructions that need to be essential for booting up the
quickly accessed and modified computer, initializing hardware
during the computer's components and BIOS.
operation.
Data Read/Write. Data in RAM is Read only. Data in ROM is
Accessibility: read from and written to by the typically read-only, meaning that
CPU during normal operation it can be read by the CPU but not
easily modified or written to
during regular computer use
Capacity RAM capacity can vary widely ROM capacity is typically much
in modern computers, ranging smaller than RAM and is usually
from a few gigabytes (GB) to measured in megabytes (MB) or
many gigabytes or even even kilobytes (KB).
terabytes (TB) in high-end
systems.
Types Dynamic RAM (D-RAM) PROM(Programmable ROM)
Static RAM (S-RAM) EPROM(Erasable Programmable
ROM)
EEPROM(Electrically Erasable
Programmable ROM)
Examples Examples of RAM include Examples of ROM include BIOS
DDR4 RAM modules in (Basic Input/output System) in a
desktop computers and RAM PC's motherboard, firmware in
chips in smartphones and embedded devices, and software
laptops. stored in gaming consoles.

7. What is the purpose of secondary memory?

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

The primary purpose of secondary memory is to provide long-term, non-

volatile storage for data and programs in a computer system. It serves as a
means to store data and software that can be retained even when the
computer is powered off or restarted. Secondary memory devices, such as
hard drives, solid-state drives, optical discs, and USB drives, are used for
storing files, applications, the operating system, and other data that is not
actively in use but needs to be preserved for future access and retrieval.
Secondary memory complements primary memory (RAM) by offering a
larger storage capacity but with slower access times.

8. Give few advantages of using flash memory?

 It allows fast read/write operations
 It is non-volatile semiconductor memory
 It is very light and very small in size
 It is very reliable
 Its operations is noiseless since it has no moving parts.
 Flash memory generates less heat during operation compared to
traditional hard drives, contributing to better thermal management in
electronic devices.
 Flash memory's solid-state nature means it is less prone to mechanical
failures, such as disk crashes, making it a reliable choice for long-term
data storage.
9. How the size of RAM affects the processing speed of computer
system?
The size of RAM affects processing speed by determining how much
data the computer can keep readily accessible for the CPU. More RAM
allows for faster data access and smoother multitasking, resulting in
improved processing speed. Insufficient RAM can lead to slower
performance as the system frequently fetches data from slower storage
devices like hard disk.

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

Long Questions

1. What is internal processor memory? Explain different types of

internal processor memory
Chap 2 , Computer Memory
Pg Num 33……
Topic 2.2.1 full is answer for this question. Learn from book

2. Explain Magnetic tape and Harddisk?

Magnetic Tape (pg # 36)
Hard disk (pg# 37)
Draw+learn diagram as well
3. What is optical disk? Describe its types
Pg# 37-39
4. What is Flash or Chip memory? Explain its types
Pg#39
5. Write note on memory types based on builtup?
Pg# 30,31
Draw+learn diagram as well

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

Extra Short Questions

Define Computer memory?

 In Computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store

programs (sequence of instructions) or data on a temporary and
permanent basis for use in computer or other digital/computing device.
 Computer memory, often simply referred to as "memory," is a
fundamental component of a computer system that stores and manages
data, instructions, and information that the computer uses during its
operation. It serves as temporary or permanent storage for various types
of data, including programs, files, and user data. Computer memory
comes in different forms, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) for
temporary, volatile storage, and secondary storage devices (like hard
drives and SSDs) for long-term, non-volatile storage. Memory is essential
for a computer's ability to execute programs, process data, and store
information for both immediate and future use.
Differentiate between bit and byte?
 A bit is the smallest unit of digital data with two possible values (0 or
1), while a byte is a larger unit consisting of 8 bits and is commonly used to
represent characters and data in computer systems. Bytes are more
practical for human communication and data storage due to their larger
range of values, while bits are fundamental to digital processing and binary
representation.
Draw memory units and their equivalents
Pg# 30 (green table)

Differentiate between D-RAM and S-RAM?

D-RAM S-RAM

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

Consists of millions of Consists of millions of

Built-up memory cells. Each memory cells. Each memory
memory cell is like a switch cell is like a switch having 2
having 2 states 0/1 formed states 0/1 formed from
from transistors and transistors and capacitors. It
capacitors. requires more transistors
than D-RAM
Working Each memory cell store 1 Each memory cell store 1
mechanism bit, a small amount of bit, a small amount of
power is put into these cells power is put into these cells
to store bit. Energy leaks to store bit. It does not need
out quickly so these cells to be refreshed more often.
need to be refreshed many
times per second to retain
bit information.
Cost Not much costly Expensive
Seed Slower than S-RAM Faster than D-RAM
Usage Used as RAM. Used as cache, registers

Differentiate between PROM, EPROM, EEPROM?

1. PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory):
 Programming: PROM is initially blank but can be programmed or
written to once. Once programmed, the data is permanent and cannot
be changed or erased.
 Erasing: PROM cannot be erased, which means the stored data is fixed
and cannot be modified.
 Usage: PROM is used for applications where fixed, unchangeable data
or code needs to be stored, such as firmware or software that should
not be altered after manufacturing.
2. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory):
 Programming: EPROM can be programmed multiple times by exposing
it to ultraviolet (UV) light for a specified duration to erase the existing
data and then reprogramming it. It should be removed from
motherboard for this process.

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 Chapter # 02 Computer Memory
FG Fazaia Public Higher Secondary School (2nd Shift), Nur Khan Base Chaklala Rawalpindi

Erasing: Erasing EPROM requires UV light exposure, making it

impractical for frequent changes. It retains data until specifically erased.
 Usage: EPROM is used in situations where infrequent updates to stored
data are required, such as updating BIOS (Basic Input Output Setup)
3. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory):
 Programming: EEPROM can be programmed and erased electrically,
which means it can be written and rewritten without special equipment
or UV light exposure and without removing from motherboard.
 Erasing: EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed electronically,
making it more flexible for applications where data updates are
frequent.
 Usage: EEPROM is used in situations where data needs to be written,
erased, and rewritten without the need for specialized equipment. It's
commonly found in devices like USB drives, memory cards, and some
microcontrollers for storing configuration data.