Flash memory is a type of ____ memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten.
In a computer, memory refers to the physical devices that are used to store programs or data on a temporary or permanent basis. It is a group of registers. Memory are of two types (i) primary memory, (ii) secondary memory. Primary memory is made up of semiconductors, It is also divided into two types, Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). Secondary memory is a physical device for the permanent storage of programs and data(Hard disk, Compact disc, Flash drive, etc.). Show Primary MemoryPrimary memory is made up of semiconductors and it is the main memory of the computer system. It is generally used to store data or information on which the computer is currently working, so we can say that it is used to store data temporarily. Data or information is lost when the systems are off. It is also divided into two types: (i). Read-Only Memory (ROM) (ii). Random Access Memory (RAM). 1. Random Access Memory: Primary memory is also called internal memory. This is the main area in a computer where data, instructions, and information are stored. Any storage location in this memory can be directly accessed by the Central Processing Unit. As the CPU can randomly access any storage location in this memory, it is also called Random Access Memory or RAM. The CPU can access data from RAM as long as the computer is switched on. As soon as the power to the computer is switched off, the stored data and instructions disappear from RAM. Such type of memory is known as volatile memory. RAM is also called read/write memory. 2. Read-Only Memory: Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a type of primary memory from which information can only be read. So it is also known as Read-Only Memory. ROM can be directly accessed by the Central Processing Unit. But, the data and instructions stored in ROM are retained even when the computer is switched off OR we can say it holds the data after being switched off. Such type of memory is known as non-volatile memory. Secondary MemoryWe have read so far, that primary memory is volatile and has limited capacity. So, it is important to have another form of memory that has a larger storage capacity and from which data and programs are not lost when the computer is turned off. Such a type of memory is called secondary memory. In secondary memory, programs and data are stored. It is also called auxiliary memory. It is different from primary memory as it is not directly accessible through the CPU and is non-volatile. Secondary or external storage devices have a much larger storage capacity and the cost of secondary memory is less as compared to primary memory. Use of Secondary memorySecondary memory is used for different purposes but the main purposes of using secondary memory are:
Types of Secondary memorySecondary memory is of two types: 1. Fixed storage In secondary memory, a fixed storage is an internal media device that is used to store data in a computer system. Fixed storage is generally known as fixed disk drives or hard drives. Generally, the data of the computer system is stored in a built-in fixed storage device. Fixed storage does not mean that you can not remove them from the computer system, you can remove the fixed storage device for repairing, for the upgrade, or for maintenance, etc. with the help of an expert or engineer. Types of fixed storage: Following are the types of fixed storage:
2. Removable storage In secondary memory, removable storage is an external media device that is used to store data in a computer system. Removable storage is generally known as disks drives or external drives. It is a storage device that can be inserted or removed from the computer according to our requirements. We can easily remove them from the computer system while the computer system is running. Removable storage devices are portable so we can easily transfer data from one computer to another. Also, removable storage devices provide the fast data transfer rates associated with storage area networks (SANs). Types of Removable Storage:
Secondary memory devicesFollowing are the commonly used secondary memory devices are: 1. Floppy Disk: A floppy disk consists of a magnetic disc in a square plastic case. It is used to store data and to transfer data from one device to another device. Floppy disks are available in two sizes (a) Size: 3.5 inches, the Storage capacity of 1.44 MB (b) Size: 5.25 inches, the Storage capacity of 1.2 MB. To use a floppy disk, our computer needs to have a floppy disk drive. This storage device becomes obsolete now and has been replaced by CDs, DVDs, and flash drives. 2. Compact Disc: A Compact Disc (CD) is a commonly used secondary storage device. It contains tracks and sectors on its surface. Its shape is circular and is made up of polycarbonate plastic. The storage capacity of CD is up to 700 MB of data. A CD may also be called a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), in this computers can read the data present in a CD-ROM, but cannot write new data onto it. For a CD-ROM, we require a CD-ROM. CD is of two types:
3. Digital Versatile Disc: A Digital Versatile Disc also known as DVD it is looks just like a CD, but the storage capacity is greater compared to CD, it stores up to 4.7 GB of data. DVD-ROM drive is needed to use DVD on a computer. The video files, like movies or video recordings, etc., are generally stored on DVD and you can run DVD using the DVD player. DVD is of three types:
4. Blu-ray Disc: A Blu-ray disc looks just like a CD or a DVD but it can store data or information up to 25 GB data. If you want to use a Blu-ray disc, you need a Blu-ray reader. The name Blu-ray is derived from the technology that is used to read the disc ‘Blu’ from the blue-violet laser and ‘ray’ from an optical ray. 5. Hard Disk: A hard disk is a part of a unit called a hard disk drive. It is used to storing a large amount of data. Hard disks or hard disk drives come in different storage capacities.(like 256 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, etc.). It is created using the collection of discs known as platters. The platters are placed one below the other. They are coated with magnetic material. Each platter consists of a number of invisible circles and each circle having the same centre called tracks. Hard disk is of two types (i) Internal hard disk (ii) External hard disk. 6. Flash Drive: A flash drive or pen drive comes in various storage capacities, such as 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, up to 1 TB. A flash drive is used to transfer and store data. To use a flash drive, we need to plug it into a USB port on a computer. As a flash drive is easy to use and compact in size, Nowadays it is very popular. 7. Solid-state disk: It is also known as SDD. It is a non-volatile storage device that is used to store and access data. It is faster, does noiseless operations(because it does not contain any moving parts like the hard disk), consumes less power, etc. It is a great replacement for standard hard drives in computers and laptops if the price is low and it is also suitable for tablets, notebooks, etc because they do not require large storage. 8. SD Card: It is known as a Secure Digital Card. It is generally used in portable devices like mobile phones, cameras, etc., to store data. It is available in different sizes like 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, etc. To view the data stored in the SD card you can remove them from the device and insert them into a computer with help of a card reader. The data stores in the SD card is stored in memory chips(present in the SD Card) and it does not contain any moving parts like the hard disk. Sample ProblemQuestion 1: What are the differences between primary and secondary memories? Solution:
Question 2: What is memory? Solution:
Question 3: What is a volatile memory? Solution:
Question 4: What is non-volatile memory? Solution:
Question 5: Why do we need secondary memory? Solution:
Question 6: Name some secondary storage devices. Solution:
Question 7: Which secondary memory is faster, smaller, and more durable? Solution:
Can flash memory be erased electronically and rewritten?Flash memory is an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. The two main types of flash memory, NOR flash and NAND flash, are named for the NOR and NAND logic gates.
Is flash memory a RAM or ROM?The flash memory in your cell phone, digital media card, tablet or solid state drive, is a form of EEPROM and is technically considered ROM even though it isn't a read-only media. Unlike EEPROM, you can write or erase to it in a block instead of one bit at a time.
Is flash memory primary or secondary?There are four types of primary storage: read only memory (ROM) random access memory (RAM) flash memory.
Is flash memory temporary or permanent?Flash memory is different from RAM because RAM is volatile (not permanent). When power is turned off, RAM loses all its data. Flash can keep its data intact with no power at all. A hard drive is also permanent (non-volatile) storage, but it is bulky and fragile.
|