Memory types

2018-2019
Learning objectives
explain the differences between RAM and ROM memory
explain the purpose of virtual memory
explain the purpose of cache memory
Evaluation criteria
Learners should be able to:
Define the purpose of RAM, ROM
Describe cache-memory
Know the similarities and differences of RAM and ROM
Know why virtual memory is so important
Use task manager to investigate actual work processes and analyze
memory load
Know what datas are stored in swap file
Question?
Have you had a situation when programme could not be started?
What message is displayed by operation system in this case?
Memory types
Memory can be divided into two types: main memory and secondary storage
(internal and external).
Main memory is any memory that is directly accessed by the CPU. Examples of main memory
include
◦ Random Access Memory (RAM)
◦ Read –only Memory (ROM)
Group work
 RAM (Random Access Memory)
It is also called as main memory or the primary memory.
The programs and data that the CPU requires during execution of a program are stored in this
memory.
It is a volatile memory as the data loses when the power is turned off.
RAM is further classified into two types- SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and DRAM
(Dynamic Random Access Memory).
ROM (Read Only Memory)

Stores crucial information essential to operate the system, like the program essential to boot the
computer.
It is non volatile.
Always retains its data.
Used in embedded systems or where the programming needs no change.
ROM is further classified into 4 types- ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
Choose one of the types of memory for this sentences.
Matching this sentences in table, group work in pairs.
Group work. Comparison
Virtual memory Cache memory
What is it? What is it?
Virtual memory

When RAM gets too full, the computer's operating system can
help out by temporarily marking sections of secondary storage
for the CPU to use as a kind of extra memory.
These sections are called virtual memory. The operating system
creates a 'swap file' in this area which is used to hold data the
CPU does not need immediately. Both Windows and Linux
support virtual memory.
Virtual memory is volatile.
Cache memory
Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is random access memory (RAM) that a computer
microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular RAM. This memory is typically
integrated directly with the CPU chip or placed on a separate chip that has a separate bus
interconnect with the CPU.
Small-sized type of volatile computer memory that provides high-speed data access to a processor
and stores frequently used computer programs, applications and data.
Cache memory provides faster data storage and access by storing an instance of programs and data
routinely accessed by the processor. Thus, when a processor requests data that already has an
instance in the cache memory, it does not need to go to the main memory or the hard disk to fetch
the data.
Cache memory can be primary or secondary cache memory, where primary cache memory is directly
integrated or closest to the processor. In addition to hardware-based cache, cache memory also can
be a disk cache, where a reserved portion on a disk stores and provide access to frequently accessed
data/applications from the disk.
Cache hierarchy
Discussion
Discussion issues
◦ the purpose of internal memory
◦ specification of RAM, ROM, cache
◦ similarities and differences of RAM and ROM

Research questions:
What model of RAM set on your PC
Suggested activities
Class discussion. Problem solving
◦ Why virtual memory is so important?
◦ Have they a situation when programme cannot be started? What message is displayed by operational system
in this case?

Try to start some heavy processes simultaneously so that to use virtual memory and show how
computer capacity is slowing down. Use task manager to observe resources and changes of settings.

Offer learners to investigate the question:

◦ What date are stored in swap file?
◦ How data get in swap file and on what principle?
◦ What is swapping?
Task -1
In groups, search and share your findings with your peers:
Task-2
Ingroups, search and share your findings with you peers:

◦ List down the types of storage?

Glossary
English Meaning
RAM
ROM
Cache memory
Virtual memory
Volatile
Non Volatile
Swap file
Файл подкачки (Swap file)
If RAM memory is not enough, the data from the RAM placed in a repository, which is called a file
swap. Moving data to and from the swap file frees enough RAM to run operation.
VIRTUAL
MEMORY

As a rule, the larger the volume of computer RAM, the faster the programs run.
If the lack of RAM slows down computer, you can increase it to the size of virtual memory.
It should be taken into account that reading data from RAM is much faster than with hard disk, so
as a solution more the addition of RAM is suitable.
 Advantage and disadvantage of
Virtual Machine
Advantage:
Increases the amount of RAM

Disadvantage:
The part of the memory that is in the swap file will be read slower
State 5 functions of the BIOS