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Briefly describe five characteristics of computer memory

      

Briefly describe five characteristics of computer memory

  

Answers


Kavungya
1. RAM (Random Access Memory) /RWM (Read Write Memory) - Also referred to as
main memory, primary storage or internal memory. Its content can be read and can be
changed and is the working area for the user. It is used to hold programs and data during
processing. RAM chips are volatile, that is, they lose their contents if power is disrupted.
Typical sizes of RAM include 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB and 512MB.
a. EDO - Extended Data Out
b. DRAM - Dynamic RAM
c. SDRAM - Synchronous
2. ROM (Read Only Memory) - Its contents can only be read and cannot be changed. ROM
chips is non-volatile, so the contents aren’t lost if the power is disrupted. ROM provides
permanent storage for unchanging data & instructions, such as data from the computer
maker. It is used to hold instructions for starting the computer called the bootstrap
program.
ROM; chips, the contents, or combination of electrical circuit states, are set by the
manufacturer and cannot be changed. States are permanently manufactured into the chip.
PROM; the settings must be programmed into the chip. After they are programmed,
PROM behaves like ROM - the circuit states can’t be changed. PROM is used when
instructions will be permanent but they aren’t produced in large enough quantities to
make custom chip production (as in ROM) cost effective. PROM chips are, for example,
used to' store video game instructions.

Instructions are also programmed into erasable programmable read-only memory.
However, the contents of the clip can be erased and the chip can be reprogrammed.
EPROM chips are used where data and instructions don’t change often, but non-volatility
and quickness are needed. The controller for a robot arm on an assembly line is an
example of EPROM use.

1. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) - It is written onto only once using
special devices. Used mostly in electronic devices such as alarm systems.
2. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) -Can be written onto more
than once.
3. Cache Memory - Cache memory is high-speed memory that a processor can
access more quickly than RAM. Frequently used instructions are stored in cache
since they can be retrieved more quickly, improving the overall performance of
the computer. Level 1 (LI) cache is located on the processor; Level 2 (L2) cache
is located between the processor and RAM.
Kavungya answered the question on May 13, 2019 at 10:54


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