RAM and ROM are both internal memories of a computer system but the do vary in terms of their uses,storage capacity and their uses.
Random Access Memory(RAM)
RAM also called Random Access Memory. it is usually located on the motherboard of the computer. It is designed to store data, programs, and results of a program when a computer is switched on. It is the read and write memory of a computer as we can write information to it as well as read from it.
RAM is a volatile memory as it can't store data and instructions permanently. For example, when we switch on a computer, the instructions from the hard disk are stored in the RAM. These instructions include the operating system (OS) and other programs which are needed to run a computer. CPU uses these instructions to perform the tasks required to run the computer. This data is retained by the RAM as long as the computer is on, the moment you shut it down, the RAM loses the data. The reason for transferring the data to RAM is that it is easy and fast to read data from RAM as compared to reading it from the hard drive.
So in Summary these are the key features:
- It is a temporary memory of the computer.
- It is a read-write memory. The data can be written and read.
- It is a volatile memory as it temporarily stores the files as long as the computer is on and working.
- Data stored in RAM can be retrieved and altered.
- It is faster than ROM as it is a high-speed memory.
- It temporarily stores the files and data that the CPU needs to process the current instructions or work.
- It is costlier than ROM.
- Types: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
Read Only Memory(ROM)
ROM stands for read only memory. It is a non-volatile memory that stores information permanently, even when the power is turned off. Like RAM, it is also the primary memory of a computer. It is called read only memory as the programs and data stored in it can be read but cannot be written on it.
At the time of manufacturing, the manufacturer writes programs on ROM that can't be altered. So, you cannot reprogram, rewrite, or erase its data after it is manufactured.
Below are the key features in summary:
- It is the permanent memory of the computer.
- It is a non-volatile memory as it permanently stores the files even when the power is turned off, such as game cartridge and BIOS program stored in the memory of a computer, etc.
- We can only read the data stored in ROM. It cannot be altered.
- The data stored in ROM is used by CPU only when it is transferred to RAM.
- The stored data is not as easy to access as it is in ROM.
- Types include: PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable
programmable read-only memory), EEPROM( electrically erasable
programmable ROM), Mask ROM.