Storage
Primary Storage
· Primary storage is the part of the computer that holds data and programs before and after the have been processed by the CPU (Central processing unit).
· Primary storage is internal because it uses integrated circuits (silicon chips) on the computer’s main board (mother board).
· Primary storage is also called main memory, main storage or simply memory.
There are two main types of primary storage: permanent memory called read only memory (ROM), and temporary memory called random access memory (RAM).
· Primary storage is the part of the computer that holds data and programs before and after the have been processed by the CPU (Central processing unit).
· Primary storage is internal because it uses integrated circuits (silicon chips) on the computer’s main board (mother board).
· Primary storage is also called main memory, main storage or simply memory.
There are two main types of primary storage: permanent memory called read only memory (ROM), and temporary memory called random access memory (RAM).
Read Only Memory - ROM
· Rom holds data and instructions, which are fixed when the computer was made and cannot be changed by the user.
· ROM is permanent and is called non-volatile.
· When the computer is turned on ROM gives a series of instructions to the CPU (Central processing unit) to start up the programs.
· ROM does not lose its contents when the power is turned off.
· Different types of silicon chips are used for ROM. Programmable chips (PROM) allow data to be entered only once. Erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) chips can be erased and reprogrammed by the computer manufacturer (not the user).
· ROM is permanent and is called non-volatile.
· When the computer is turned on ROM gives a series of instructions to the CPU (Central processing unit) to start up the programs.
· ROM does not lose its contents when the power is turned off.
· Different types of silicon chips are used for ROM. Programmable chips (PROM) allow data to be entered only once. Erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) chips can be erased and reprogrammed by the computer manufacturer (not the user).