Difference between Main memory and Secondary memory Two types of Primary Memory are:
RAM ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Random access memory which is also known as RAM is generally known as a main memory of the computer system. It is called temporary memory or cache memory. The information stored in this type of memory is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
It stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is a permanent type of memory. Its content is not lost when the power supply is switched off. The computer manufacturer decides the information of ROM, and it is permanently stored at the time of manufacturing which can not be overwritten by the user.
What is Secondary Memory?
All secondary storage devices which are capable of storing high volume data is referred to secondary memory. It’s slower than primary memory. However, it can save a substantial amount of data, in the range of gigabytes to terabytes. This memory is also called backup storage or mass storage media.
Types of Secondary memory
Mass storage devices:
The magnetic disk provides cheap storage and is used for both small and large computer systems. Two types of magnetic disks are:
Floppy disks Hard disks
Flash/SSD
Solid State Drive provides a persistent flash memory. It’s very fast compared to Hard Drives. Frequently found in Mobile phones, its rapidly being adopted in PC/Laptop/Mac.
Optical drives:
This secondary storage device is from which data is read and written with the help of lasers. Optical disks can hold data up to 185TB.Examples
CD DVD Blue Ray
USB drives:
It is one of the most popular types of secondary storage device available in the market. USB drives are removable, rewritable and are physically very small. The capacity of USB drives is also increasing significantly as today 1TB pen drive is also available in the market.
Magnetic tape:
It is a serial access storage device which allows us to store a very high volume of data. Usually used for backups.
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Memory
Here is the difference between Primary and Secondary memory:
Characteristics of Primary Memory
The computer can’t run without primary memory It is known as the main memory. You can lose data in case power is switched off It is also known as volatile memory It is a working memory of the computer. Primary memory is faster compares to secondary memory.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
These are magnetic and optical memories Secondary memory is known as a backup memory It is a non-volatile type of memory Data is stored permanently even when the power of the computer is switched off It helps store data in a computer The machine can run without secondary memory Slower than primary memory
Summary
Computer memory is the storage space where data is to be processed, and instructions needed for processing are stored Two types of memories are: Primary memory and Secondary memory Primary memory is the main memory of the computer system. Accessing data from primary memory is faster because it is an internal memory of the computer. All secondary storage devices which are capable of storing high volume data is referred to as secondary memory Types of Primary Memory 1) RAM, 2) ROM Types of Secondary Memory 1) Hard Drive, 2) SSD, 3) Flash, 4) Optical Drive, 5) USD Drive, 3) Magnetic Tapes The computer can’t run without primary memory. You can lose data in case power is switched off Data is stored permanently in Secondary Memory even when the power of the computer is switched off Primary memory is expensive and is available in limited in size in a computer. Secondary memory is cheaper compared to primary memory.
