The Harvard architecture is a computer architecture with physically separate storage and signal pathways for instructions and

data. The term originated from the Harvard Mark I relay-based computer, which stored instructions on punched tape (24 bits wide) and data in electromechanical counters. These early machines had data storage entirely contained within the central processing unit, and provided no access to the instruction storage as data. Programs needed to be loaded by an operator; the processor could not boot itself. Today, most processors implement such separate signal pathways for performance reasons but actually implement a modified Harvard architecture, so they can support tasks such as loading a program from disk storage as data and then executing it.
A modified Harvard architecture machine is very much like a Harvard architecture machine, but it relaxes the strict separation between instruction and data while still letting the CPU concurrently access two (or more) memory buses. The most common modification includes separate instruction and data caches backed by a common address space. While the CPU executes from cache, it acts as a pure Harvard machine. When accessing backing memory, it acts like a von Neumann machine (where code can be moved around like data, a powerful technique). This modification is widespread in modern processors such as the ARM architecture and x86 processors. It is sometimes loosely called a Harvard architecture, overlooking the fact that it is actually "modified".

A computer runs on two major types of memory: RAM and memory in the hard drive. The two are necessary to basic computer functions. RAM is short-term, temporary memory, while hard drive memory is long-term and can be permanent. A hard drive is the storage capacity of the computer, or the long-term memory, and it is sometimes also called "disk space." The storage capacity is usually measured in gigabytes (GB) and is the place where files are saved when a user presses the "save" button on most applications. Inside of the hard drive is a metal disk that spins while a head writes the information onto it. RAM is sometimes called "memory" for short which further complicates the issue. It is a computer chip that contributes to the speed of the computer, and it is typically measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), depending on the size of the chip. When a user chooses to open a file, the computer must put that information somewhere to be able to access it. It writes the file temporarily to the RAM for easy access, and this type of memory also temporarily saves files that are currently being worked on. AdChoices Go with Gmail Online MBA, BBM,MCA,B.Sc. AGIIT- PLC SCADA Training Gmail is Smart, Practical and Fun to Use. Try it, it's Easy and Free! Mail.Google.com 100% Online; Application to Exam. Recognised by DEC & UGC.Enrol Now! www.utsglobal.edu.in India's Advanced PLC SCADA DCS& Robotics training Call :9841841842

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A major difference between RAM and memory on the hard drive is its permanence. Files stored in RAM are sent to the chip by little electrical charges that are necessary to keep the files intact. If the computer is turned off or crashes, the electrical charges stop and the files are lost. Hard drive memory is written onto the disk when a program is "saved," so these files are not lost in the case of a crash or power loss. Computer uses should save their work as it is being written, since every time this is done, the file is rewritten in its new form onto the hard disk. Another major difference between these types of memory is that RAM can be often be upgraded. Computers have ports on the motherboard to plug RAM chips into, and in many cases, these chips can be easily removed and new ones plugged in. If a user has 32 MB of RAM in her computer divided between two chips, then she has two 16 MB chips. If she purchases two 64 MB chips instead, they can replace the old ones and give her 128 MB of RAM. This small and simple upgrade is relatively inexpensive and can make a huge difference in the speed and performance of a computer, although computers typically can only use certain types of RAM in specific amounts or configurations. Computer owners typically want to know if they have enough RAM and memory to run a particular program. RAM will be significantly less in numbers than hard drive memory and is typically 128 MB - 1 GB. Since hard drive memory needs the capacity to hold significantly more files, the average capacities range from 1 - 400 GB. Individual programs will list the required RAM and disk space necessary for them to run effectively Definition: RAM is computer memory that holds instructions and data. When the computer is switched off, the contents of the RAM are lost. It's just like a calculator- switch that off and you lose the contents. There is also memory that doesn't lose its contents when the power is switched off. That's ROM.