Search Result for "main memory":

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

main memory \main memory\ n. (Computers) The memory in a computer that holds programs and data for rapid access during execution of a program; it usually hold the largest quantity of rapid-access storage in a computer; -- also called RAM (random access memory. It is contrasted to ROM, disk data storage, cache, registers and other forms of data storage. [PJC]
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

main memory main store primary storage The storage device used by a computer to hold the currently executing program and its working data. A modern computer's main memory is built from random-access memory integrated circuits. In the old days ferrite core memory was one popular form of main memory, leading to the use of the term "core" for main memory. Computers have several other sorts of memory, distinguished by their access time, storage capicity, cost, and the typical lifetime or rate of change of the data they hold. Registers in the CPU are fast, few, expensive and typically change every few machine instructions. Other kinds are cache, PROM, magnetic disk (which may be used for virtual memory) and magnetic tape. (1996-11-04)