Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working. It has limited capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and instruction required to be processed reside in main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.

Characteristics of Main Memory

● These are semiconductor memories

● It is known as main memory.

● Usually volatile memory.

● Data is lost in case power is switched off.

● It is working memory of the computer.

● Faster than secondary memories.

● A computer cannot run without primary memory.