Differences Between Primary And Secondary Storag Computer Science

Primary storage is also known as Immediate Access Storage) and is where data is stored on the main computer memory. An example of primary storage is RAM (Random Access Memory - otherwise referred to as RWM (Read Write Memory). RAM is the memory chip stored within the computers motherboard, where data can be read, stored and edited. RAM is extremely fast and is where programs are usually installed, due to its ability to run programs quickly and more efficiently than Secondary storage facilities.

Secondary storage is where software and some documents or spreadsheets are stored onto a hard drive or externally onto a device such as a disk, which is easily accessible when required, via any computer or laptop and easily transportable. This is a much slower form of storage but popularly used, as the computers CPU (Central Processing Unit) memory is limited in size and its storage capacity. The information is usually stored on CD ROM; external hard drives; flash memory or USB Pen drives. Secondary storage is permanent and only becomes obsolete in time (when it eventually wears out or is replaced by new and improved technology). "Complex functions such as translators for high-level languages and operating systems are placed on ROM memory". (Comp Wisdom, 2006). The ROM memory chip is a viable permanent storage facility for manufacturers, as users are unable to overwrite the information stored on this device. Off-site data storage is non-volatile and is where information is stored at another location away from the computer, which is accessible from a direct call or via the internet. Off-site data storage is beneficial as a backup if complications arise with the onsite computer system. (No-Moa Publishers, 2000)

Table 1-Differences between Primary and Secondary Storage. (Integrated Publishing, 2010)

PrimarySecondary

Volatile - Temporary

Non-Volatile - Permanent

Fast memory therefore expensive

Slow memory therefore cheaper

Smaller storage capacity (L2 Cache = 2MB)

Larger storage capacity

Closer to CPU or internal so faster

Connects to the CPU so slower performance

Examples

PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory, already programmed by the manufacturer, non-editable. Needs a device to burn to disk and if mistake made cannot be corrected.

EPROM - Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory. Holds data no power supply, electrically reprogrammed up to 100 times. Stores Calibration data in real time clocks.

Other types: DRAM,SRAM, MRAM

Other types: ROM - cane be read but not overwritten

Hard drive, CD's, DVD's, Flash Memory, Magnetic tapes, Offline storage, EEPROM.

Figure 1 - Image of Primary and Secondary Storage.

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