Computer Memory - 1614 Words

Computer Memory Basics Although memory is technically any form of electronic storage, it is used most often to identify fast, temporary forms of storage. If your computers CPU had to constantly access the hard drive to retrieve every piece of data it needs, it would operate very slowly. When the information is kept in memory, the CPU can access it much more quickly. Most forms of memory are intended to store data temporarily. As you can see in the diagram above, the CPU accesses memory according to a distinct hierarchy. Whether it comes from permanent storage (the hard drive) or input (the keyboard), most data goes in random access memory (RAM) first. The CPU then stores pieces of data it will need to access, often in a cache, and†¦show more content†¦The cheapest form of read/write memory in wide use today is the hard disk. Hard disks provide large quantities of inexpensive, permanent storage. You can buy hard disk space for pennies per megabyte, but it can take a good bit of time (approaching a second) to read a megabyte off a hard disk. Because storage space on a hard disk is so cheap and plentiful, it forms the final stage of a CPUs memory hierarchy, called virtual memory. The next level of the hierarchy is RAM. We discuss RAM in detail in How RAM Works, but several points about RAM are important here. The bit size of a CPU tells you how many bytes of information it can access from RAM at the same time. For example, a 16-bit CPU can process 2 bytes at a time (1 byte = 8 bits, so 16 bits = 2 bytes), and a 64-bit CPU can process 8 bytes at a time. Megahertz (MHz) is a measure of a CPUs processing speed, or clock cycle, in millions per second. So, a 32-bit 800-MHz Pentium III can potentially process 4 bytes simultaneously, 800 million times per second (possibly more based on pipelining)! The goal of the memory system is to meet those requirements. A computers system RAM alone is not fast enough to match the speed of the CPU. That is why you need a cache (discussed later). However, the faster RAM is, the better. Most chips today operate with a cycle rate of 50 to 70 nanoseconds. The read/write speed is typically a function of the type of RAM used, such as DRAM, SDRAM,Show MoreRelatedComputer Memory3238 Words   |  13 PagesComputer Memory 1.Introduction: Just like humans, computers rely a lot on memory. They need to process and store data, just like we do. However, computers store data in digital format, which means the information can always be called up exactly the way it was stored. computer memory - an electronic memory device; a memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached 1.1History of memory: In the early 1940s, memory technology mostly permitted a capacityRead MoreComputer Memory2193 Words   |  9 PagesA. VOLATILE MEMORY Volatile memory, also known as volatile storage, is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information, unlike non-volatile memory which does not require a maintained power supply. It has been less popularly known as term Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is a type of random access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. Since real capacitors leak charge, the information eventually fades unless the capacitorRead MoreThe Computer Memory Interference Test Essay1356 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The Computer Memory Interference Test (CMIT) is a test that is designed to evaluate how memory is affected by a myriad of different variables. With results from this test, scientists are able to determine if an individual has a serious memory disorder such as Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive disorders such as Autism. This test can also determine how memory is affected by different cultures and lifestyles. 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That means how the computer allocate portion of memory to programs at different levels of priority to make faster program execution regard to memory space limitation. There are many techniques that are developed to reach this goal at many levels. This article try to introduce memory managementRead MoreComputer Memory Hacking Essay908 Words   |  4 PagesComputer Memory Hacking NAME Professor CIS 106 November 20, 2014 Technology continues to evolve exponentially. However these technological advancements continue to pose a threat to both individuals and information resources of companies and governments. There is therefore the need to protect one’s data and information due to the emerging threats and risks. 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There are two basic categories: short-term and long-term. A classic computer contains several types of memory including RAM, ROM, cache, and various long-term storage devices. Each type of computer memory serves a detailed function and purpose. Computer memory is dignified in bytes. A single byte is made up of a series of 1s and 0s normally traveling in sets of eight. These eight 0s and 1s areRead MoreAn Array Is Stored In A Continuous Sequential Memory Computers762 Words   |  4 Pagesrepresented in a larger format requires more complex circuitry and more time for executing the codes. Either of them will slow the program execution. 3. An array is stored in a continuous sequential memory locations. Where the first element is stored in the lowest address. Linked list is stored in memory as unordered 7 non continuous set of list element. Where each consisting of a data value and a pointer to the next data list element. 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