Computer hardware pt. 2

Computer hardware pt. 2

1. RAM -random access memory

   • it is required for the OS
   • it stored data and applications that are currently being used.
   • quicker than accessing data from the hard drive
   • more RAM available better performance
   • when a program is loaded it is copied from the hard drive into the main memory.
   • the CPU access the data from here
   • volatile- needs to be saved or work may be lost

2. ROM- read only memory

   • used to store the boot sequence
   • set of intructions teh computer needs to get started and load the OS
   • non- volatile

3. Virtual Memory

   • Area of hard disk used for temporary storage
   • used instead of RAM because the computer will start to slow down if the Ram starts to be used up

4. flash memory

   • solid state memory in which data can be stored in a portable device
   • removable device in store data
   • slower access than RAM but faster access than magnetic hard disk