Difference between main memory and secondary storage:
Main Memory | Secondary storage |
In Main memory or Random Access Memory (RAM), the data is directly accessed by the processing unit. | In secondary storage, the data is transferred to the main memory and then routed to the processing unit. |
Main memory is volatile, which means the information stored in the memory would be erased when the computer is turned off. | Secondary storage is non-volatile, which means the information stored in the memory is not erased when the computer is turned off. |
Main memory has a limited storage capacity. | Secondary storage can store bulk amount of data in a single unit. |
Main memory devices are more expensive when compared to the secondary storage devices. | Secondary storage devices are less expensive when compared to the main memory devices. |
The examples of main memory are,
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The examples of secondary storage are,
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