Characteristics of Main Memory

Main memory is as vital as the processor chip to a computer system. Fast computer systems have both a fast processor and a large, fast memory. Here is a list of some characteristics of computer memory. Some characteristics are true for both kinds of memory; others are true for just one.

Characteristic	True for Main Memory	True for Secondary Memory
Very closely connected to the processor.
Holds programs and data that the processor is actively working with.
Used for long term storage.
The processor interacts with it millions of times per second.
The contents is easily changed.
Relatively low capacity.
Relatively huge capacity.
Fast access.
Slow access.
Connected to main memory.
Holds programs and data.
Usually its contents are organized into files.