MEMORY SYSTEM IN A COMPUTER

MEMORY SYSTEM
The memory system serves as the repository of information (data) in a computer system. The
processor (also called the central processing unit, or CPU) accesses (reads or loads) data from
the memory system, performs computations on them, and stores (writes) them back to
memory. The memory system is a collection of storage locations. Each storage location, or
memory word, has a numerical address. A collection of storage locations from an address
space.
Memory is an information processing system; therefore, we often compare it to a computer.
Memory is the set of processes used to encode, store, and retrieve information over different
periods of time.

PRIMARY COMPUTER
Primary Computer means a computer on which updates to be Applied by the Software are
generated. Designated computer means the computers and the upgraded computers thereof
installed in the offices of the Licensee.
Primary use in relation to property means any land use specified in this By-law as a primary use,
being a use that is permitted within a zoning without the need to obtain the Municipality’s
approval. Computer means an electronic device that accepts information in digital or similar
form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions.
Primary storage (also known as main memory) is the component of the computer that
holds data, programs and instructions that are currently in use. Primary storage is located on
the motherboard. As a result, data can be read from and written to primary storage extremely
quickly. This gives the processor fast access to the data and instructions that the primary
storage holds.
Primary memory is computer memory that a processor or computer accesses first or directly.
It allows a processor to access running execution applications and services that are temporarily
stored in a specific memory location. Primary memory is also known as primary storage or main
memory.
SECONDARY COMPUTER
Data storage is a common term for archiving data or information in a storage medium for use
by a computer. It’s one of the basic yet fundamental functions performed by a computer. It’s
like a hierarchy of comprehensive storage solution for fast access to computer resources. A
computer stores data or information using several methods, which leads to different levels of
data storage.
Secondary storage is yet another ideal storage solution in the computer’s memory hierarchy
that is used to store data or information on the long-term basis, more like permanently. Unlike
primary storage, they are non-volatile memory or commonly referred to as external memory
that are not directly accessed by the central processing unit. They are also called as auxiliary
storage which can be both internal and external, plus beyond the primary storage. Because
they are not directly accessed by the I/O channels, they are relatively slower than primary
storage devices when it comes to data access. However, it’s one of the most valuable assets of
data storage hierarchy that is capable of storing applications and programs permanently. Unlike
RAM, it’s a long-term storage solution that expands the data storage capability.
Common example of secondary storage includes hard disk drives (HDD) which is the most
common data storage device used to store and retrieve digital information. It’s a high-capacity
secondary storage device which also comes in internal storage mediums as internal hard drives.
It’s one of the most versatile mediums of data storage that uses magnetic storage to archive
applications or data permanently.
Other examples of secondary storage include optical media such as CDs and DVDs which are
capable of storing any substantial amount of data; magnetic tapes which are conventional
methods of data storage used across corporate environments. However, secondary storage
devices are quite slower than their primary counterparts, which make them relatively cheaper
but equally efficient.

DIFFERENCE OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MEMORY

Difference between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
Memory is the brain of the computer which stores data and information for storing and
retrieving. Just like a human brain, memory is the storage space of the computer – like a
physical device – that is capable of storing data or programs temporarily or permanently.
Memory is a fundamental component of the computer that is categorized into primary and
secondary memory. Primary memory is the main memory of the computer which can be
directly accessed by the central processing unit, whereas secondary memory refers to the
external storage device which can be used to store data or information permanently. While
both serve the same purpose; that is to store data or instructions for further processing by the
CPU, they do it very differently. Let’s take a look at the two in detail.

Primary Memory
Primary memory, also known as the main memory, is the area in a computer which stores data
and information for fast access.
Semiconductor chips are the principle technology used for primary memory. It is a memory
which is used to store frequently used programs which can be directly accessed by the
processing unit for further processing. It is a volatile memory meaning the data is stored
temporarily and is liable to change or lose in case of power failure.
In simple terms, data is intact as long as the computer is running and the moment its off, data is
lost. Every application on the computer first loads into the random-access memory (RAM)
which makes is faster to access. The term is more ambiguous, since it also refers to internal
memory such as internal storage devices.

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is the external memory of the computer which can be used to store data
and information on a long-term basis. It’s a non-volatile memory which means data stays intact
even if the computer is turned off. Data cannot be directly processed by the processing unit in
secondary memory; in fact, it is first transferred into the main memory and then it’s transferred
back to the processing unit.
Secondary memory refers to all external storage devices that are capable of storing high
volumes of data such as hard drives, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs,
etc. It’s generally slower than primary memory but can store substantial amount of data, in the
range of gigabytes to terabytes.

PRIMARY STORAGE DEVICES

A Primary storage device is any storage device or component that can store nonvolatile data in
computers, servers and other computing devices. It is used to hold/store data and applications
temporarily or for a shorter period of time while the computer is running. Primary storage
devices: includes Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), cache and flash
memory. Each of these have different uses within the computer.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - RAM gives applications a place to store and access data on a
short-term basis. It stores the information your computer is actively using so that it can be
accessed quickly. 
Read Only Memory (ROM) - ROM is a non-volatile memory type. This means it receives data
and permanently writes it on a chip, and it lasts even after you turn off your computer.
Cache - is used to store temporary files, using hardware and software components.
Flash Memory - Flash memory is a long-life and non-volatile storage chip that is widely used in
embedded systems. It can keep stored data and information even when the power is off

SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES

Secondary storage is non-volatile, long-term storage. Without secondary storage all programs
and data would be lost the moment the computer is switched off. There are three main types of
secondary storage in a computer system: solid state storage devices, optical storage devices
and magnetic storage devices
Solid state storage devices - is a type of non-volatile computer storage that stores and retrieves
digital information using only electronic circuits, without any involvement of moving
mechanical parts such as USB memory sticks.
Optical storage devices - is any storage type in which data is written and read with a laser.
Typically, data is written to optical media such as compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs
(DVDs).
Magnetic storage devices - is the storage of data on a magnetized medium. It uses different
patterns of magnetization in a magnetizable material to store data and is a form of non-volatile
memory such as hard disc drives.