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Published by: Govt Prep Master | https://embeddedprep.com
Category: Computer Awareness for Competitive Exams

Computer Memory SSC CGL IBPS Delhi Police 2025 : When preparing for competitive exams or enhancing your computer fundamentals, understanding computer memory is crucial. It plays a vital role in system performance and program execution. This blog post presents a structured overview of computer memory, based entirely on our educational PDF material, perfectly tailored for aspirants and learners.

What is Computer Memory?

Definition: Computer memory refers to the physical devices used to store data or programs temporarily or permanently for use in a digital computer.

Key Role: Stores data and instructions temporarily or permanently.
Units of Measurement: Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB, TB

Computer Memory SSC CGL IBPS Delhi Police 2025

The Memory Hierarchy in Computers

Memory in computer systems is organized in a hierarchy—from the fastest and most expensive to the slowest and most spacious:

Registers (Fastest, Smallest)
Cache Memory
Main Memory (RAM)
Secondary Storage (Hard disks, SSDs)
Tertiary Storage (CD/DVD, Tapes)

Key Insight: As we move from top to bottom, speed decreases and capacity increases.

Types of Memory

Computer memory can be classified into different types based on speed, accessibility, and volatility:

Primary Memory: RAM, ROM
Secondary Memory: HDD, SSD, USB Drives
Cache Memory
Registers
Virtual Memory

Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Directly accessed by the CPU, primary memory is critical for active program execution.

➤ RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile: Loses data when power is off
Fast: Quickly accessed by the CPU
Temporary: Holds programs and files in use

🧩 Types of RAM:

DRAM: Common in desktops/laptops
SRAM: Faster, used in CPU cache

📈 More RAM = Better multitasking and faster performance

➤ ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-Volatile: Retains data without power
Read-Only: Stores startup firmware like BIOS
Types:
- PROM
- EPROM
- EEPROM

Secondary Memory (Storage Devices)

Used for long-term data storage, secondary memory is non-volatile and not directly accessed by the CPU.

➤ HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Magnetic storage with moving parts
High capacity, low cost
Slower than SSDs

➤ SSD (Solid-State Drive)

No moving parts, uses flash memory
Faster and more reliable
More expensive per GB

➤ Flash Drives / USB

Portable and durable
Plug-and-play support
Wide storage options up to TBs

Why Is Understanding Memory Important?

Helps optimize system performance
Essential for competitive exams
Supports better decision-making in computer purchases or upgrades

Computer Memory – MCQs for Competitive Exams

Which of the following is a volatile memory?
A) ROM
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) Hard Disk
✅ Answer: C) RAM
The memory which is built into the CPU is called:
A) RAM
B) Cache
C) Hard Disk
D) Flash Memory
✅ Answer: B) Cache
ROM stands for:
A) Read Only Memory
B) Random Only Memory
C) Read Once Memory
D) Run Only Memory
✅ Answer: A) Read Only Memory
Which memory retains data even when the power is turned off?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) Register
✅ Answer: B) ROM
Which of the following is an example of secondary memory?
A) Registers
B) Cache
C) RAM
D) Hard Disk
✅ Answer: D) Hard Disk
Which memory has the shortest access time?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) Hard Disk
✅ Answer: C) Cache
Virtual memory is a part of:
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) Hard Disk
D) ROM
✅ Answer: C) Hard Disk
EEPROM can be:
A) Erased by magnetic fields
B) Erased by UV light
C) Erased and reprogrammed electrically
D) Not erased at all
✅ Answer: C) Erased and reprogrammed electrically
BIOS is stored in:
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Hard Disk
D) Cache
✅ Answer: B) ROM
The primary purpose of cache memory is to:
A) Store permanent data
B) Store backup data
C) Store frequently accessed data for quick access
D) Increase the hard drive space
✅ Answer: C) Store frequently accessed data for quick access

Computer Memory – True/False Questions

For SSC CGL | IBPS | Delhi Police 2025

✅ Instructions:

Read each statement carefully and write True (T) or False (F).

Questions

RAM is a type of non-volatile memory.
ROM can be written to multiple times by the user.
Cache memory is faster than RAM.
Primary memory is also known as main memory.
Secondary memory is directly accessed by the CPU.
Flash memory is a type of volatile memory.
EPROM can be erased and reused.
SRAM is faster than DRAM.
Virtual memory is a part of physical RAM.
Hard Disk is an example of secondary storage.
BIOS is stored in ROM.
RAM retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
The purpose of cache memory is to speed up processing.
DRAM needs to be refreshed constantly.
Registers are a type of memory inside the CPU.
CD-ROM is a type of primary memory.
Magnetic tapes are still used for data backup.
L1 cache is located inside the CPU chip.
PROM can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times.
Memory hierarchy helps in optimizing performance and cost.

📝 Answers

Q.No	Answer	Q.No	Answer
1	False	11	True
2	False	12	False
3	True	13	True
4	True	14	True
5	False	15	True
6	False	16	False
7	True	17	True
8	True	18	True
9	False	19	False
10	True	20	True

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Computer Memory

1. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory?

Primary memory (like RAM and ROM) is directly accessible by the CPU and used during active processing. Secondary memory (like HDDs and SSDs) is used for long-term data storage and is not accessed directly by the CPU.

2. Is RAM volatile or non-volatile memory?

RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses all stored data when the computer is turned off.

3. What is cache memory and why is it important?

Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data to reduce access time and improve performance.

4. How is virtual memory different from RAM?

Virtual memory is a section of the hard drive or SSD that acts like RAM when physical RAM is full. It is slower than actual RAM but prevents crashes by providing temporary space.

5. What is the role of ROM in a computer?

ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores firmware and boot instructions like BIOS/UEFI. It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the computer is turned off.

6. What are examples of secondary memory?

Examples include:

Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
Solid-State Drives (SSD)
Flash Drives (USB)
Optical Discs (CD/DVD)
SD Cards

7. Which type of memory is used inside the CPU?

Registers and cache memory are used inside or very close to the CPU. Registers are the fastest memory components.

8. Can ROM be rewritten or modified?

Basic ROM cannot be modified after manufacturing. However, versions like EPROM and EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed.

9. Why is cache memory faster than RAM?

Cache memory is closer to the CPU and uses faster memory technology. It stores the most frequently used instructions for quick access.

10. What is the function of registers in a CPU?

Registers store instructions, data, and addresses temporarily during processing. They enable fast execution of CPU operations.

You can also Visit other tutorials of Embedded Prep

Special thanks to @mr-raj for contributing to this article on EmbeddedPrrep

Master Computer Memory SSC CGL IBPS Delhi Police 2025