Learn: Memory and Storage

Welcome!Today we’ll learn about memory and storage, an important topic in computer science. Let's explore how computers handle and store data step by step.

What is Memory?Memory refers to the components in a computer that store data and instructions temporarily or permanently. It’s essential for running programs and storing information.

RAM (Random Access Memory)RAM is a type of memory used to store data and instructions while a computer is running. It’s volatile, meaning the data is lost when the power is turned off. RAM allows quick access to information needed by the CPU.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)ROM is a type of memory that stores data permanently. It’s non-volatile, meaning the data is not lost when the computer is powered off. ROM is used to store the instructions needed to start up a computer, called the boot process.

What is Virtual Memory?Virtual memory is a feature of the operating system that uses space on the hard drive as if it were additional RAM. This happens when the physical RAM is full, allowing more programs to run simultaneously.

What is Secondary Storage?Secondary storage refers to devices like hard drives and USBs that store data permanently. Unlike RAM, this memory is non-volatile and retains data even when the computer is turned off.

Data UnitsData is measured in units such as bits (smallest unit), bytes (8 bits), kilobytes (1,000 bytes), megabytes (1,000 KB), and so on. Computers store and process data in binary (0s and 1s).

CompressionCompression reduces file sizes to save space. Lossy compression removes some data, lowering quality but saving more space. Lossless compression keeps all data and reduces file size without affecting quality.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about types of memory, storage devices, data units, and compression. Let's test your understanding now.