Computer memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored.
Different types of memories, each having its own unique features, are available for use in a computer. The cache memory, registers, and RAM are fast memories and store the data and instructions temporarily during the processing of data and instructions. The secondary memory like magnetic disks and optical disks have large storage capacities and store the data and instructions permanently, but are slow memory devices. The memories are organized in the computer in a manner to achieve high levels of performance at the minimum cost.
Memory Representation
Memory unit is the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit. This storage capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes.
The main memory storage units are:
Bit (Binary Digit): A bit is a single binary digit, i.e., 0 or 1. A bit is the smallest unit of representation of data in a computer.
Nibble: A group of 4 bits is called nibble.
Byte: A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which can represent a data item or a character.
Word: A group of bytes can be further combined to form a word. A word can be a group of 2, 4 or 8 bytes.
1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte (B) = 8 bits
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024KB
1 Gigabyte (GB) =1024 MB
1 Terabyte (TB) =1024 GB
