RAM, ROM and Virtual memory

RAM, ROM and Virtual memory

1. RAM is Random Access Memory

   • SRAM is much more complex and expensive than DRAM

2. ROM is Read Only Memory

   • ROM contains the BIOS which is the Basic input output system
   • The BIOS contains the Bootstrap which is what leads the PC to the operating system

3. ROM is non-volatile

4. RAM is volatile

   • DRAM is Dynamic RAM and SRAM is Static RAM
   • SRAM is much faster than DRAM and is non- volatile when used for flash memory in storage and ROM

5. Virtual memory is created when the PC is running too many processes at once and RAM is running low

   • Virtual memory is volatile
     • Using virtual memory slows the PC down as it takes longer to copy onto the hard disk

6. The purpose of ROM is to store the boot up instructions and use this to get the device running

7. The purpose of RAM is to store temporary data such as apps open on the device when it is on

8. Volatile means the memory is lost once the power is off.

9. DRAM is usually used for the main RAM and it's charge needs to be refreshed every few seconds

10. Registers, Cache, RAM, Virtual memory. (Primary memory listed in order of closeness to CPU)