Sequential access memory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:15, 15 December 2006

Revision as of 12:40, 15 December 2006

Line 1:

{{expand}}

In computing, '''[[sequential access]] [[computer memory|memory]]''' ('''SAM''') is a class of [[data storage device]]s that read their data in sequence. This is in contrast to [[random access memory]] (RAM) where data can be accessed in any order. Such devices are usually a from of [[magnetic memory]].

While sequential access memory is read in sequence, accesses can still be made to arbitrary locations by "seeking" to the requested ___location. This operation, however, is often relatively inefficient (see [[seek time]], [[rotational delay]]).

SequentialMagnetic sequential access memory is typically used for [[secondary storage]] in general-purpose computers due to their higher density at lower cost compared to RAM, andas thewell factas thatresistance suchto memorywear is typicallyand [[non-volatile memory|non-volatilevolatility]]. Examples of SAM devices still in use include [[hard disk]]s, [[CD-ROM]]s and [[magnetic tape]]s. Historically, [[drum memory]] has also been used.

==See also==