Study Notes on Memory (ICT) for Paper-1

Memories are the most important topic of ICT in Paper-1. In every shift of the recent exam, NTA asked questions from this section. So prepare thoroughly this part.

• A memory is just like the brain of a human.
• It stores data and instructions.
• Memory in a computer is the storage space in the computer where data and instructions are processed and given respectively.
• Small parts of memory are cells.
• Each location or cell has a unique address.

There are three types of Memory

• Cache Memory
• Primary Memory/Main Memory
• Secondary Memory

1. Cache Memory

• It is a high-speed semiconductor memory that speeds up the CPU. 
• Between CPU and main memory, it acts as a buffer.
• Most frequently used data and program by CPU are held by cache memory.
• The parts of programs and data are transferred from disk to cache memory by the OS (Operating system), from where CPU (central processing unit) can access them.

Advantages

• It is fast than main memory.
• As compared to main memory it consumes less access time.
• Cache memory is mainly used to store a program that is to b executed in a short period of time.
• Data is stored temporarily in it.

Disadvantages

• Its memory holding capacity is limited.
• It is expensive than other memory.

2. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

• It holds only those instructions and data on which running computer is currently working.
• Due to its limited capacity when the power is switched off data is lost.
• Semiconductor devices are used to make up.
• Primary memories are not as fast as registers.
• All the instructions and data required to be processed resides in the main memory i.e primary memory.
• Primary memory can be divided into two subcategories: RAM and ROM

Characteristics of Main Memory

• These are called as semiconductor memories.
• It is called as the main memory.
• It is volatile memory.
• As the power is switched off data is lost.
• It is the working memory of the computer.
• It is fast than secondary memory.
• A computer cannot function without primary memory.

3. Secondary Memory

• This memory is also called as external memory.
• It is non-volatile.
• Secondary memory is slower than the primary memory.
• It is used for storing information and data permanently.
• CPU doesn't access these memories directly, instead, they are accessed via input-output routines.
• The contents of secondary memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. 
• For example- DVD, CD-ROM, disk, etc.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

• These are optical and magnetic memories.
• It is called as the backup memory.
• It is a non-volatile memory.
• It is used for storing data in a computer.
• A computer can function without secondary memory.
• It is slower than the primary memories.
• Even if the power is switched off data is permanently stored.

We hope you all understood about the memories in ICT for UGC NET Exam.

Thank you, Team gradeup.