questions on memory

Y

yashwanth599

New Member
hi..i am new to the basic concepts of computer ...i am very confused between memory,main memory,secondary memory,hard disk, registers, cache, RAM, ROM.. what exactly is the difference between all these terms?which one does the computer use often ?when are these used specifically?


it would be of great help to me if u could let me know these basics because i have to go a long way in learning the basics of the computers....

thank you...
 
Main Memory- As in its name, its the main memory that goes into your DIMM slots on your mother board, most all systems use DDR2 or DDR3 now.

Secondary Memory- Its space on your harddrive that called Virtual memory/Page File. When you start getting low on Main memory your system will use it with your Main memory. But if your Main memory has to use the Page file with .swp extensoins, its alot slower.

Registers- Depends on what kind your talking about.

Hard Disk- Called the Harddrive by most. It simple terms its where (everything) is stored on your computer. Instead of like the memory above thats held on transistors that gets lost once the power is lost, it saves it on Disks inside the drive. Its where the OS and programs are saved to.

Cache- Usually a small amount of memory in transistor form on the CPU and harddrive so it doesnt have to go looking for small repetitive data in the main memory. Faster.

RAM- Another name for Memory-Random Access Memory.

ROM- Read Only Memory. Like whats on CD and DVDs.
 
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