Definition of terms

Main memory: also known as primary storage provides storage location for data and instructions accessed by the
control unit. Computer memory can be classified into read only memory (ROM) and random access memory
(RAM).

Cache memory: cache

memory, also called cache,
supplementary memory system that temporarily stores frequently used
instructions and data for quicker processing by the central processing
unit (CPU) of a computer. 
Registers: Register are
used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data and instructions
that are being used immediately by the CPU

Access time: Memory access time is how long it takes for a character in RAM to be
transferred to or from the CPU. Fast RAM chips have an access time of 10
nanoseconds (ns) or less. See SDRAM.

Random access memory(RAM)

This is the most common type of main memory. It is called random access memory(RAM) because ;its content can
be read directly regardless of the sequence in which it was stored. As opposed to ROM, the content in RAM is held
temporarily and its content is lost once the computer is turned off.

Therefore,before switching off the computer,it is important that one stores (saves)his/her work in a device that offers
relatively permanent storage facility.

Characteristics of random access memory(RAM)are:

1.Data can be read(retrieved)and written(stored) in it.
2 .RAM is a temporary(volatile)storage because its content disappears when the computer is switched off.
3.Its content is user defined i.e. the user dictates what is to be contained in the RAM.

Types of RAM