Memory

Memory

1. RAM

   • Large in comparison to ROM
   • Volatile
   • Can be read/written to
   • Used as main memory - stores files, data and programs when in use
   • OP system is copied from secondary storage to RAM when computer turned on
   • When apps and files are open they are copied from secondary storage to RAM. They stay until closed

2. ROM

   • Non-volatile
   • Can be read
   • Chip built into the motherboard
   • Contains all the instructions a computer needs to boot up (BIOS)
   • Tells the CPU how to boot up
   • Computer turns on, CPU reads instructions from the ROM, ROM performs self checks and sets up the computer

3. Virtual Memory

   • When RAM is full it moves data that has not been recently used to virtual memory
   • Used if too many applications are open at one time
   • If the CPU wants to read data on the virtual memory it must move it back to the RAM first