storage

storage

1. RAM

   • short for random access memory
   • it is a place in a computer where all the programs and data that are in use are stored
     • these are stored in RAM when they are in use as this allows the computer to quickly access them
       • this is because RAM is quicker to read to and write from than any other storage in a computer, such as a hard disk

2. PRIMARY STORAGE

   • primary storage typically refers to random access memory (RAM)
   • RAM, commonly called "memory," is considered primary storage, since it stores data that is directly accessible by the computer's CPU.

3. SECONDARY STORAGE

   • refers to any storage- either internal or external to a computer -that is not under the direct control of the CPU
   • an example of internal storage would be the hard disk; an example of external storage is needed to storage (often refered to as offline storage) would be a CD or an external hardrive
   • a computer needs secondary storage to store data long-term. it is volitile memory so its contents are lost when the computer is turned off
   • three types of secondary storage; these are optical, magnetic and solid-atate

4. ROM

   • short for read-only memory
     • it is called this as the computer only reads from this memory and doesn't write to it
   • the place in memory where the "boot-up" programs are stored

5. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERANCES

   • ROM
     • stores the programs needed to boot up the computer
     • can only be read from
     • non-volatile
       • meaning it is permanent. this means the content of the ROM remains permanently in the memory in the memory, even when the computer loses power
     • smaller in memory capacity
     • contents not lost when computer turned off
   • RAM
     • stores programs and data in currently in use
     • can be written to and read from
     • volitile
     • larger in memory capacity
     • content lost when computer turned off