Volatile Memory And Two Major Types Of Computer Memory

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Introduction
Computer memory refers to any physical device that has the ability of storing information either permanently or temporarily. For instance, the Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile memory that has the ability of storing information on various integrated circuits that are used by not only the operating system, but also by the hardware and software. In essence, there are two major types of computer memory namely Read Only Memory (ROM) and the Random Access Memory (RAM). ROM refers to smallest parts of a computer system’s silicon or solid state memory which is not only fixed in size, but also permanently stores or keeps the instructions of the manufacturer upon switching on a computer. On the other hand, RM refers to the larger part of a computer memory that comprises of floppies, DVD, CD, and hard disk which are together referred to as secondary storage and which are employed or applied in both running of programs as well as archiving of relevant data. It is prudent to note that computer memory can either be volatile and non-volatile (Tanenbaum & Austin, 2012). Volatile memory implies to memory that loses its contents when the hardware or the computer looses power and a good example is the RAM. On the other hand, non-volatile memory refers to computer memory which keeps or stores its …show more content…

For instance, the future of the RAM technology is headed in the development of the “Holographic Memory”. The implications of this type of memory are that it will provide a significant amount of data to be easily stored on tiny chips. However, it is important to note that the major limitation that will be associated with such a kind of memory is the size of both reading and writing of the optical systems. Quite obviously and definitely, this kind of future memory is not genuinely ready for Personal Computer (PC)

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