Types of Main Memory(Primary Memory);

Main memory is physical device holds the data and instructions that the CPU needs.
There are two types of Main memory includes ROM and RAM , and is located close to
the CPU on the computer motherboard enabling the CPU to read data from main memory
very quickly

1- Read Only Memories (ROM):

ROMs stand for Read –Only Memory allow only read operation to be performed. This
memory is non-volatile, which means it can retain data even without power Most ROMs
are programmed and cannot be altered.
This type of memory is cheap to manufacture. The program that controls the standard I/O
functions (called BIOS) and configuration software are kept in ROM,.
Other types of ROM include:
A- Programmable Read only memory (PROM).
It is read only memory . It can be programmed only once by the user . Once programmed ,
the data and instructions in it cannot be changed ,which means is not erasable .
B- Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
It is read only memory that can be reprogrammed. To erase data from it , expose it to ultra
violet light . To reprogram it , erase all the previous data .

C- Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory(EEPROM)

It is read only memory that can be reprogrammed. To erase data from it by applying electric
field ,no need of ultra violet light . To reprogram it , erase only portions of data .

H.W compare between PROM ,EPROM AND EEPROM ( BY using table)

2- Random Access Memory(RAM):-

It is also called as read /write memory .The program and data that the CPU requires during
execution of a program are stored in this memory . It is a volatile memory (Temporary
Memory) as data loses when the power is turned off .

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RAM is classified into two types :

1- Static RAM (SRAM ):

SRAM is constructed of circuits similar to flip-flops . SRAM requires a constant power
flow in order to function . So it does not need to be refreshed to hold its contents
This is why SRAM is called Static
SRAM is volatile memory ,which means that all the data had been stored become lost
once the power is cut off .
SRAM uses Less power .
SRAM is faster access speed than DRAM .
SRAM is expensive
SRAM is lesser memory capacity than DRAM.
Because of these characteristics , SRAM is used in cache memory and used for
implementing CPU registers.

2-Dynamic RAM (DRAM):

DRAM is constructed of tiny capacitors that leak electricity . DRAM requires a recharge
every few mill seconds . So it need refreshing power to holds its contents. This is why
DRAM is called Dynamic
DRAM is volatile memory ,which means that all the data had been stored become lost
once the power is cut off .
DRAM is inexpensive .
DRAM is greater memory capacity than SRAM .
DRAM is slower access speed than SRAM
DRAM uses more power

Because of these characteristics , DRAM used for main memory .

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 H.W What are the differences between SRAM and DRAM (using table)

The differences between RAM AND ROM

RAM ROM

1-Stand foe Random - Access Memory 1- Stand for Read Only Memory

2- Read /Write memory 2-Read Only Memory

3-Sending data (writing) to RAM memory 3-Sending data to ROM memory address is
address is called destructive write because ineffective because the contents of ROM can
the new data erases whatever was there not changed (write not allowed ) because
before this memory for read only

4-form of primary storage(main memory) 4-form of primary storage(main memory)

for holding temporary data and instruction for holding permanent data and instruction

5- Volatile : program and data are erased 5-Permanent : program and data are intact
when the power is off even power is off
6- Type of RAM is 6-Type of ROM is
a- Static RAM a- PROM
b- Dynamic RAM b-EPROM
c- EEPROM

NOTE: The Main Memory is called also primary memory ,

primary storage OR internal memory .

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Other type of memory

1--Cache Memory:
It is a very high speed memory placed between RAM and CPU . It is storage buffer that
stores the data that is used more and make them available to CPU when needed at fast rate .
Cache memory stores copies of the data that used frequently by cpu from main memory
(Ram)locations ,so that they are immediately available to the CPU when needed.
Cache memory is faster than RAM, so cache memory increases the speed of processor.
Cache memory is costlier than Ram , so it is smaller in size than Ram. Generally computer
have cache memory of sizes 265 KB To 2MB

H.W : What are the differences between Cache Memory and Main Memory(Ram)

2- Virtual Memory:

If your computer lacks the random access memory (RAM) needed to run more program or
operation at the same time, windows uses virtual memory to compensate. Virtual memory
combines your computer’s RAM with temporary space on your hard disk.

So Virtual memory is feature of an operating system that enables a computer to be able to

compensate shortages of physical memory by transferring pages of data from RAM to hard
disk . This means that when RAM runs low, virtual memory moves data from RAM to a space
called a paging file on the hard disk . Moving data to and from the paging file frees up RAM
to complete its work.

NOTE : The more RAM your computer has, the faster your programs will generally
run. If a lack of RAM is slowing your computer, you might be tempted to increase virtual
memory to compensate. However, your computer can read data from RAM more quickly than
from a hard disk, so adding RAM is a better solution.

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Motherboard (System Board)
. It contains the processor, main memory, connectors, and expansion slots for optional cards.
The slots and connectors provide access to such components as ROM, RAM, hard disk, CD-
ROM drive, additional memory, video unit, keyboard, mouse, parallel and serial device, sound
adapter and cache memory . A bus is attached to the system board and connects the
components of system board with each other. It transfers data between the processor, memory
and external devices.

Bios:: Short for (Basic Input / Output System), Bios is ROM Chip located on computer

motherboard and contain instructions on how your system should boot up and how it operate
. The frist program to be lunched when a computer strat run is BIOS . The CPU accesses the
BIOS even before the operating system is loaded . The BIOS include a test referred to as a
POST(Power –On Self - Test) that check all your hardware connections and to verify whether
the device meets the needs of booting correctly . If the POST is not passed(fail) , the computer
produce different forms of beeps to show the error type . If the POST test is passed , the BIOS
load the operating system into the computer’s memory and finishes the boot up process .

In most PCs, the BIOS have four main functions:-

1-POST: - The first task of BIOS is used to test computer hardware, ensuring hardware is
properly functioning before starting process of loading operation system. If the POST is not
passed(fail) , the computer produce different forms of beeps to show the error type . If the
POST test is passed , then it continues boot.

3- Bootstrap Loader:- After successful test of POST ,the BIOS locates and recognize
the operating system. If operation system located, BIOS will pass the control to it. This
process is called Booting .

3-BIOS drivers :-The BIOS driver are a collection of programs that as interface between
the operating system and your hardware. When running DOS or Windows you are using
complete BIOS support.

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4-BIOS/CMOS Setup:- Configuration program that allows you to configure hardware
setting including system setting such as computer password, time, and date. BIOS setup is
also called a CMOS setup .

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