Chapter 1

Computer Memory
A computer can store a large amount of information and recall it
instantly and can access & modify the information whenever
desired.
The basic purpose of memory for human or machine is to keep
record of information for a period of time.
A computer memory is a physical device capable of storing the
information temporarily or permanently.
There are two types of memory
Primary Memory is a storage location where the data is stored
temporarily. It is also called as internal memory.
Secondary Memory is a storage location where the data is stored
permanently. It is also called as external memory.
The stored data can be accessed in the future.

Primary Memory is directly used by the CPU.

The chips that make up a computer’s internal memory comes in two
types.
1) RAM-Random Access Memory.
2) ROM- Read Only Memory.
Random Access Memory :
The data stored in the RAM is lost when the power is switched off.
Ram is the main memory also known as Volatile memory.
RAM is the place in a computer where the operating system,
application programs , and data in current use are kept so that they
can be quickly reached by the computer’s processor.
Read only Memory :
The data stored in the ROM stays permanently even after the power
is switched off.
ROM is known as Non-Volatile Memory.
This is a chip on the motherboard which is used to store instructions
for the Central Processor Unit.
Different types of ROM :
Programmable read only memory (PROM) – can be programmed to
record information. Once the information has been recorded, it can’t
be changed.
Erasable PROM(EPROM) – It is the type of ROM in which data can be
erased by using ultraviolet light.
Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) – It is a type of ROM in which
data can be erased by using electrical signals.

Secondary Memory or External Memory :

External memory is used to store data or information for a longer
period of time. It is non volatile. Data will be lost even after the
computer is shutdown.
It is referred as removable storage media, such as USB flash drives,
CDs and DVDs.
Types of secondary memory
Fixed storage devices.
Portable storage devices.
Fixed storage Memory devices :
HARD DISK :
The hard disk drive is the main and usually largest data storage
hardware device in a computer.
It contains metal discs known as platters.
The operating system, software titles and most other files are stored
in the hard disk drive.
Portable storage devices:-
Compact DISK ( CD) :
A flat ,round storage medium that is read by a laser in CD-ROM drive.
It is used to store a wide variety of information like images, videos,
software's etc.
The two main CD –ROM forms are CD-R & CD-RW.
It holds 700 MB of data.
Digital versatile DISK (DVD) :-
A DVD holds a minimum of 4.7 GB of data.
Commonly used to store digital representation of movies and
multimedia presentations that combines sound with graphics.
The two main DVD –ROM forms are DVD-Recordable & CD-
Rewritable.
Universal serial bus ( USB) / pen drive :-
A pocket sized portable computer hard drive and data storage
device.
It is used to transfer large volumes of data from one computer to
another computer.
Storage capacity of USB(Pen drive/Flash drives) starts from 1GB,2
GB,........,32 GB etc.
Memory cards :-
Storage media that is commonly used in digital cameras, camcorders,
handheld computers,MP3 players, cell phones, game consoles and
printers.
Stores pictures, videos, music and other data.
Small ,Re-Recordable and able to retain data without power.

Computer memory units:

Memory unit is the amount of data that can be Storage in the
storage units.
Memory unit in which storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bits
and Bytes.
Unit
Bit ( Binary Unit ) :-A binary digit is logical 0 or 1representing a
passive or an active state of a component in an electric circuit.
Nibble : A group of 4 bits is called nibble.
Byte : A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit
which can represent a data, item or a character.
Word: The length of a computer word is called a word size or word
length and it may be as small as 8 bits or may be as long as 96 bits. A
computer stores the information in the form of computer word.
Kilobyte (KB) : 1024 bytes
Megabyte (MB) : 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB) : 1024 MB
Terabyte (TB) :1024 GB
Petabyte (PB):1024 TB

Essential terms:-
Computer Memory – A computer memory is a physical device
capable of storing the information temporarily and permanently.
There are two types of memory – Primary memory stores data
temporarily, Secondary memory stores data permanently.

Key points to remember :-

A computer can store a large amount of information and recall it
instantly and correctly whenever desired.
A memory is a storage location where data is stored temporarily is
called primary memory.
A memory is a storage location where data is stored permanently is
called Secondary memory.
Primary memory is also called as internal memory.
Secondary Memory also called as external memory.
Secondary Memory also called as external memory.This can store
data for a long time.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
External storage devices include HDD, CD, DVD, Flash drive/ pen
drive.
 Intellectual Skill Sheet
Fill in the blanks
1.A storage location where the data is stored temporarily is called
_____________.
2.Internal memory is also known as
______________________________ memory.
3.Memory location where the data is stored permanently is called
________________
memory.
4.The main memory is classified into __________________ memory
and _________________ memory.
5.RAM is a
______________________________________________________
memory.
6.ROM is a
______________________________________________________
memory.
7.___________________________ is a type of storage media that is
most commonly used in digital cameras, Mobile phones etc.
8.External memory also known as
________________________________ memory.
9.Memory storage capacity can be defined
in_______________________.
10._____________________________________ is an example of
Secondary Memory.
True / False :
1.Primary memory is faster than Secondary Memory.[ ]
2.Flash drive is not a portable storage device.[ ]
3.Memory cards are generally used in digital cameras[ ]
4.CD holds a minimum of 4.7GB of data.[ ]
5.DVD stands Digital Versatile Drive.[ ]

MATCH THE FOLLOWING :

1. 1024 MB [ ] a) 1 KiloByte
2. 1024 Bytes [ ] b) 1 TeraByte
3. 8 Bits [ ] c) 1 GigaByte
4. 1024 GB [ ] d) 1 MegaByte
5. 1024 KB [ ] e) 1 Byte

Rearrange the jumbled words :

RMMOEY: _____________________
R A H D D K I S : _________________________
B B L E N I : _________________________
E T B Y T E P A :_________________________
T E Y B G A M E:_____________________________

Abbreviate the FOLLOWING :

1. RAM : ______________________________________
2. PROM : ________________________________________
3. DVD : __________________________________________
4. USB : ___________________________________________
5. MB : ___________________________________________