MVvsdataF

Memory Variable

The memory of a computer is organized into a regular pattern of containers for information. These containers for information are called "words". Each one has a numeric address and each one is the same size as each of the others. For most applications, it is inconvenient to refer to portions of memory by their numeric addresses, so programming languages allow us to allocate portions of memory by name. When we store information in the memory of a computer we need to decide on how much we need for various purposes and on how it will be organized. Programming languages provide mechanism for "types" of information in memory. They also provide mechanisms to identify repetitive arrays of items of the same type and to aggregate possibly heterogeneous types under a common name.

 

Portion of word	Number of bits
nibble	4
character	8 or 16
byte	8
octet	8
half-word	16
word	32

The ambiguity on the size of characters is because we are in a time of transition to richer and more complex character sets for which the limit of 256 characters imposed by an 8-bit character size is inappropriate. We may also be starting on a transition to 64-bit words. Time will tell.

Data Field

A data field is a place where you can store data. Commonly used to refer to a column in a database or a field in a data entry form or web form.

The field may contain data to be entered as well as data to be displayed.

The data-store is composed of a number of data records which are, in turn, composed of a number of predefined data fields. Each of these data fields must be defined within the Load Definition File with a unique name.

TEMCONTRAST

Information vs Data
-information as a concept has a diversity of meanings, from everyday usage to technical settings.
Generally speaking, the concept of information is closely related to notions of constraints,
communication, control, data, form, instruction, knowledge, meaning, mental stimulus, pattern, perception, and representation.
-data are pieces of information that represents the qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable or set of variables.


Computer Storage vs Computer Data Storage
-computer storage; memory, components, devices and media that retain digital computer data used for computing for some interval of time.
Any data storage device; that records(stores) or retrieves (reads) information(data) from any medium itself.
-computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time.


Operating System vs Computer System
-operating system(commonly abbreviated to either os or o/s) is an interface between hardware and user; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer.
-computer system - A complete, working computer. The computer system includes not only the computer, but also any software and peripheral devices that are necessary to make the computer function. Every computer system, for example, requires an operating system.

Primary Storage
1. RAM -Random Access Memory
-has no exact order
2. ROM
3. Cache Memory - Buffer
4. Virtual Memory - Extended memory
- Emulate the RAM

Secondary Storage
1. Hard Disk Drive
2. Flash Drive
3. Floppy Disk
4. Compact Disc
5. Digital Video Disc

Tertiary Memory
1. Zip Drive
2. External Drive