Which of the following is an example of primary memory in a computer?

The correct answer is RAM.

Key Points

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of primary memory that allows data to be accessed quickly by the processor.
• Primary memory, such as RAM, is volatile, meaning the stored data is lost when the computer is turned off.
• RAM stores data that is actively being used or processed, enabling faster execution of tasks compared to secondary storage devices.
• It is directly accessible by the CPU and plays a crucial role in determining the speed and performance of the computer.
• Examples of primary memory include DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM), commonly used in modern computing devices.

Additional Information

• Primary vs Secondary Memory:
  • Primary memory (RAM and ROM) is directly accessible by the CPU and faster than secondary memory.
  • Secondary memory (e.g., Hard Disk Drive, USB flash drive) is non-volatile and used for long-term storage.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory):
  • ROM is another type of primary memory but is non-volatile, meaning data is retained even after power loss.
  • It stores essential system instructions, such as the BIOS, required for booting the computer.
• Characteristics of RAM:
  • RAM is categorized into DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM).
  • DRAM requires periodic refreshing to retain data, while SRAM does not.
• Cache Memory:
  • Cache memory is a smaller, faster type of volatile memory located closer to the CPU.
  • It temporarily stores frequently accessed data and instructions to speed up processing.
• Virtual Memory:
  • Virtual memory is a section of a computer's secondary storage that acts as if it were RAM.
  • It is used when the actual RAM is insufficient to handle all active tasks.