Primary Storage

Primary Storage is memory that has a direct link to the processor. It is vital to the processing cycle because both the instructions that tell the processor what to do and the data that is being processed is stored in it.

Primary Storage is made of integrated circuits, and compared to other types of storage (like Hard Drives) it has a relatively low capacity.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The thinking memory of the computer
Stores data and instructions ready for processing
Can be written to and re-written
Is volatile
Is fast
When full, it transfers data to secondary storage to free up space

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory
Cannot be written to
In General Purpose Computers it contains the Bootstrap Software
In Embedded Computers it contains the Firmware

EPROM - Erasable Program Read Only Memory

Similar to ROM but can be written to.
Allows firmware or Bootstrap programs to be updated

Keywords

Internal Storage

Storage/Memory that has a direct link to the processore

Integrated Circuit

A microchip. A complete set of circuits and transistors printed onto a small piece of semiconductor (usually silicon).

Volatile Memory

Data is stored on integrated circuits that need an electric current to maintain the data being stored. Data is lost/wiped when it is switched off.

Non-Volatile Memory

Memory that does not need an continual electric current to maintain the storage of data. Data will remain in memory when the device is switched off.

Bootstrap Software

Software that is stored permanently in the primary memory of a General Purpose Computer, and contains the start-up instructions.

Firmware

Software that is stored permanently in the primary memory of an Embedded Computer and contains the instructions for how it operates.

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