Memory

Memory is the place where we can store or hold the data and instruction for further operation. Memory stores three basic items: The operating system and other system software that control the usage of the computer equipment and application programs designed to carry out a specific task such as word processing and the data being processed by application programs. It is the storage area where the data are stored temporarily or permanently as per the need. Basically we have two types of memory; internal memory is simply called main memory or primary memory and the external memory called secondary memory or auxiliary memory or backup storage devices.

• Primary memory (Main memory)

Primary memory is the working space for the computer's processor. It is an area where the program and data being operated on by the processor must reside. It is used when small amount of data have to be exchanged quickly and used repeatedly. It allows CPU to store and retrieve data quickly.

• Secondary memory (Auxiliary storage or Secondary storage)

It is non-volatile memory that is stored externally to the computer. It is usually used for the storage of large amounts of data for permanent or long term storage of data or programs. Though, the secondary storage can hold much more data than primary storage, access to the data is slower. Only the programs and data currently needed by the processor reside in main memory. Normally, all other information is stored in secondary storage and is transferred to main memory when needed.