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.