1.1

1.1

1. Main memory

   • RAM - Random access memory
     • Holds instructions and data being used currently by the processor.
   • ROM - Read only memory
     • Instructions etched onto a ROM chip
     • When power is turned off - the instruction remain on the ROM chip.

2. Secondary Storage

   • Used for long term storage of data and instructions
   • Examples - hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory etc

3. Each processor has a "core" in which instructions are executed.

4. Typical speeds have spanned across MHz and GHz

   • Processors can be multi-core
     • Dual core Quad core 8 core
   • Each core executes instructions independently.
   • Measured in Hertz
     • 1 GHz = 1 billion instructions per second 2 GHz = 2 billion instructions per second