Memory Flashcards
Is an internal storage area in the computer which is used to store data and programs
Memory
Fastest memory among all types of computer data storage
Processor registers
An intermediate form of storage between the ultra-fast processor registers and RAM
Cache memory
Directly accessed by the CPU
Primary Memory
Two types of Primary Memory
Random Access Memory
Read Only Memory
Holds data without an external refresh as long as it is powered
Static RAM (SRAM)
Contains millions of tiny memory cells
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
A non-volatile memory that retains the data even after the power is switched off
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Types of ROM
Programmable ROM (PROM)
Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)
Electrically Erasable Programmable PROM (EEPROM)
Can be written to or programmed using a special device called a PROM programmer which uses high voltages to permanently write data in it.
Programmable ROM (PROM)
Can be erased an re-programmed by exposing the chip to strong UV light and then rewriting at a higher voltage
Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)
Allows contents to be electrically erased and then rewritten
Electrically Erasable Programmable PROM (EEPROM)
Also known as external memory or auxillary storage
Secondary Storage Devices
Mass storage devices capable of backing up and retaining large volumes of data
Magnetic tapes
Consists of thin magnetic storage medium encased in a square plastic shell lined with fabric that removes dust particles
Floppy disks
A set of disks, stacked together
Hard disks
Refers to storing data on an optically readable medium by making marks in a pattern that can be read using a beam light precisely focused on a spinning disk
Optical storage (optical drive)
Popular optical storage devices
CD-ROM
DVD-ROM
CD-Recordable
CD-Rewritable
Uses laser technology to read and write data onto the disk
CD-ROM
Users can write and over-write on the CD-RW disk multiple times
CD-RW (Rewritable)
Removable, rewritable, and are physically much smaller drives, weighing less than 30
USB Flash drive
A small device that can store digital files
Memory cards
Refers to storing enormous amounts of data in a persistent manner
Mass storage devices
One or more tape drives to store large amounts of data ranging from 20 terabytes to more than 411 petabytes
Automated Tape Library
Commonly known as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID)
Disk Array
