LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 31, 2023
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Memory
Primary Memory versus Secondary Memory is discussed in detail in the next article. Because it stores data and instructions, memory is similar to our brain. Computer memory is the storage space used to process data and store the necessary processing instructions. The memory is split into cells, which are smaller sections of the memory. Every cell/location has a distinct address and size. In general, there are two forms of memory: main memory and secondary memory.
What is Primary Memory?
The initial level of storage in a computer is primary memory. RAM stands for random access memory. Internal memory is a term that may be used to describe it. Information that you can access quickly, such as your web browser, bookmarks, and email inbox, is occasionally stored in primary memory. The more RAM your computer has, the quicker it will be able to do tasks. This form of memory is volatile, which means that data is lost if the device's power source is switched off or interrupted. The primary benefit of this sort of memory is that it is very quick. While the computer is operating, it is utilized to store data and applications. RAM and ROM are examples of major memory devices in computers.
What is Nonvolatile Memory/Secondary Memory?
After main memory, secondary memory is the next level of storage. It is generally slower and takes up more space than the main memory. When your computer has to keep anything for a long time, such as an image file or a document, it utilizes secondary memory. The majority of individuals store their secondary memory on hard disks. It's also known as non-volatile memory since it keeps data even after the power source is turned off. Secondary memory, unlike main memory, does not lose its contents when the power goes off. It is slower than main memory, but it has additional benefits. It may, for example, be read and written several times without losing data. Hard disks, floppy disks, USB drives, optical drives, pen drives, USB Flash drives, magnetic disks, Winchester disks, and other secondary storage devices are examples.
Comparison Table Between Primary and Secondary Memory
| Primary Memory |
Secondary Memory |
- The main memory is divided into volatile and non-volatile memories.
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- A non-volatile recollection is often a secondary recall.
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- Memory devices are often more expensive than secondary storage devices.
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- The cost of secondary storage devices is lower than the cost of primary storage devices.
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- The main memory may be accessed through the data bus.
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- The secondary memory may be accessed through input and output channels.
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- Data in primary memory is accessible more quickly.
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- Data in secondary memory is accessed more slowly.
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- Primary memory devices are more expensive than secondary storage devices.
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- When compared to main memory devices, secondary memory devices are less costly.
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- Semiconductor memories are the memory devices utilized for main memory.
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- Magnetic and optical memories are examples of secondary memory devices
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- Primary memory is often referred to as internal memory or main memory.
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- External memory or Auxiliary memory are other names for secondary memory.
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Final Words
Primary and Secondary Memory: Primary memory is a kind of short-term memory that saves information for immediate use. Working memory is another name for it. Secondary memory, on the other hand, is long-term memory that stores knowledge for future use. The kind of memory is determined by how often it is utilized. If you use anything on a regular basis, it will be saved in your main memory. If you do not use it on a frequent basis, however, it will be saved in your secondary memory.
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