RAM, ROM and Virtual Memory

RAM, ROM and Virtual Memory

1. RAM

   • Also know as Random Access Memory
   • Volatile
   • Used by programs that are running
     • Programs store information required to run
   • It is used to store instructions that are sent to the CPU.

2. ROM

   • Also know as Read Only Memory
   • It stores instructions that cannot be changed
   • Usually a hard wired chip on the motherboard
   • An example of a ROM is the BIOS

3. Virtual Memory

   • Volatile
   • It is an extension of RAM
   • Used when the RAM is full
   • It is part of the Hard Drive
   • Made with a page file
   • Usually double the size of RAM
   • It is extremely slow