Computing-RAM and ROM

Computing-RAM and ROM

1. RAM

   • If power is lost, then all the information inside the RAM is also lost.
     • If you don't save text documents when power is lost, then you will lose all the work you typed since you started.
     • In the 21st century computers have a new feature called 'hibernate', which automatically switches off when your computer is low on power, whilst also saving all the data inside your RAM onto a file before switching off.
   • Random-access-memory
   • Volatile

2. ROM

   • If the power is turned off, the the information that is saved in the ROM, will not be lost because it is stored permanantly
     • If you save a document and straight afterwards lose power, then your saved document will still remain on your computer because it is saved on your ROM.
   • Read-only-memory
   • Non-Volatile
   • Once files are saved or written to ROM, it cannot be altered/changed by a user or programme. It can only be read from by the user.

3. Differences

   • RAM is much faster than ROM
     • The reason why ROM is slower, is because it takes time to modify items which have been saved
   • RAM requires power to work, whilst ROM doesn't need power to save.
     • RAM requires electricity because it is constantly working when your are on the internet or typing up you homework, whilst ROM is only loading and saving parts