A451 - 1.2: Memory

A451 - 1.2: Memory

1. Memory

   • There's ROM and RAM
   • ROM: Read-Only Memory
   • RAM: Random-access Memory

2. ROM

   • It stores the instructions used for when the computer is booted up
   • It retains memory after being switched off, it is non-volatile
   • The memory is important as it is needed to boot up the computer
   • It is 'read only' it cannot be edited by the user

3. RAM

   • RAM is volatile, it is cleared when it loses power
   • RAM is needed to have multiple applications on and to switch between them
   • If too many apps are open, the computer may begin to slow down, the RAM is getting full, therefore performance can be improved with more RAM
   • There is static RAM and Dynamic RAM

4. RAM and Performance

   • When RAM gets full, the computer crashes or stops responding
   • Some computers resort to using 'Virtual Memory' but this is much slower and just slows the computer down when RAM is full