Question

Distinguish primary and secondary memory.

Answer 1

Primary Memory:

• It is directly accessed by the CPU.
• The access of memory is done by making use of addresses or data buses.
• Primary memory is embedded with 2 types of technologies. They are RAM and ROM.
• Volatile in nature.
• Much faster than secondary memory.
• Costlier than secondary memory.
• It is temporary memory.

Secondary Memory:

• It is not directly accessed by the CPU.
• Here the Memory access is done through the input and output channels.
• The secondary memory is stored in mass storage units like CD ROM, CD, DVD, Floppy disk storage.
• Non – Volatile in nature.
• Slower than the Primary Memory.
• Cheaper than the Primary Memory.
• Secondary memory is permanent.