Volatile memory and Non-volatile memory

In a computer, memory is a crucial component. Volatile and non-volatile memory are the two forms of memory. To store data, volatile memory needs a continuous power supply. As a result, the content is lost when the power goes off. As a result, data is briefly stored in volatile memory.

Furthermore, primary storage, including such RAM, is referred to. Non-volatile memory, on either side, pertains to supplementary storage systems. This sort of memory does not require a constant supply of power to store data. In these other words, a power cut will not erase the resource in non-volatile memory.

Important distinctions

• The non-volatile memory can learn to read, whereas volatile memory is only capable of reading
• Volatile memory will be used as the primary storage medium to access system files fast. Secondary storage and long-term persistent storage are common applications for non-volatile memory
• Volatile memory, as opposed to non-volatile memory, is better for protecting information because it becomes accessible after the system is turned off
• Compared to non-volatile memory, volatile memory is less expensive and gives better performance
• When compared to volatile memory, non-volatile memory has a lower write resilience
• Non-volatile memory, on the other hand, may store data for longer periods and then be transported around, whereas volatile memory is just not meant for this
• The processor and other components can read from and write to volatile memory. BIOS is a short starter programme used to restart the computer on non-volatile media

• Volatile memory needs a continual energy or power source to access data, whereas non-volatile memory does not
• Volatile memory is being used for storing sensitive data temporarily or for storing data that cannot be stored in RAM. Non-volatile memory is used to store data like files and directories for a lot longer
• Volatile storage is substantially smaller in comparison to non-volatile storage
• When opposed to volatile storage, non-volatile storage is easier to share
• Compared to non-volatile memory, making a copy of non-volatile memory is simple
• When compared with untreated memory, volatile memory is speedier
• Non-volatile memory solely impacts the state’s storage capacity, whereas volatile memory only influences the overall system performance

Volatile Memory

When power is taken from volatile memory, the information is lost and can only be used for quick storage, currently known as RAM (random-access memory).

For short-term storage, computer systems (ENIAC, Manchester Mark 1, UNIVAC I) used movable type, electrostatic Williams tubes, or mercury delaying lines, all of which were volatile. The Whirlwind computer, completed in 1951, is the first to utilise core memories as short-term storage. The elements of core memory were non-volatile, meaning they could be turned over to something else without losing their contents. From the 1950s until the early 1970s, the core was the most common type of computer memory. 1103 was Intel’s first financially viable dynamically RAM (DRAM) chip, launched in 1970. DRAM is volatile, but it also needs to be updated regularly. Static RAM (SRAM), a semiconductor RAM invented about the same period, is also volatile and does not require refreshing. The cost of SRAM is substantially higher than that of DRAM.

Non-volatile Memory

Non-volatile memory retains its memory even when the power is turned off, making it ideal for long-term storage. Core memory was the first non-volatile storage and was utilised as an early type of RAM, as previously stated. Once volatile semiconductor memory such as DRAM and SRAM became available, a non-volatile semiconductor memory known as ROM (text remember) was invented and utilised for programme storage in integrated devices. Previously, ROMs could only be modified by altering a semiconductor mask, a time-consuming and expensive procedure. Then PROM (programmable ROM) could only have been programmed once with a special operator. The EPROM (erasable PROM) was next, which could be wiped with UV light but then rebuilt with an external programmer.

Conclusion

Depending on the power source to retain data, memory can be of two types: volatile and non-volatile. Non-volatile memory is cheaper per unit than volatile memory. Volatile Memory stores regular computer programmes and data that the CPU requires, and it is wiped once the machine is turned off. Volatile memory is RAM and cache memory. Non-volatile memory, on the other hand, is permanent and continues in the machine even after it is turned off. Non-volatile memory (ROM) and hard disc drives (HDD) are two types of non-volatile memory.