Knowing the differences between RAM and ROM is something that many users who know a little about computers want to know. This is because, despite the fact that the first one is more named and, in general, it is usually expressed clearly what its use is, the second is the great forgotten memory, constantly confusing with one and the other. / p>
ROM memory , as we say, is often confused not only with RAM because of the similarity of the acronym, but also with the hard disk due, among other things, to the fact that, like this one, the information it contains is permanent.
Be that as it may, this is the text that will allow you to know what RAM is, what ROM is, what they are used for and how they differ .
Index:
What is RAM and what is it for? Types and examples
RAM literally means Random Access Memory , translated as random access memory . This is a memory that is included in the devices to facilitate the ongoing work that runs on these . What it does is to store some of the information of the procedures that are executed over a period of time by the software we have installed, whatever they are.
Thus, we have that the information that is going to store is totally temporary, given by the tasks that we are carrying out at each moment. This changes continuously, writing and deleting all the time and in any position.
In addition, when it is a system in which it is located, it stops receiving energy, it vanishes ; it will not be maintained when the equipment is operated again, everything that was running will be finished and, with it, the temporary information that was in the RAM .
We can also indicate that also serves to free the hard disk of so much work , since the use of this information is constant, which would require that, if the information were found in the unit of storage, this had to be really fast to work with it, RAM is. The existing RAM types are SRAM and DRAM and their corresponding subtypes (NVRAM, MRA, SDRAM, ADRAM …)
What is ROM and what is the use of ROM? Types and examples
ROM means Read-Only Memory , which becomes, in Spanish, read-only memory . The ROM is a compendium of data and software that reads as soon as you start a system to enable booting , both through instructions and with data verification. This is the first and only unit read at this point; That is why this information is not found on the hard disk (in fact, some of that information is needed for it to be detected and therefore work).
Logically, this information cannot be temporary. This is a set of information that is completely necessary, specific to the system in question, so that must be maintained .
From this we also have that, although we run out of energy supply, this will be maintained forever, being available to enable starting at any time. It is unalterable , hence the name of read-only memory. It can only be modified by the manufacturer. The types of ROMs we encounter are ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM and their subtypes.
Main differences between the functions of the computer RAM and ROM memory
From both definitions you will have been able to deduce that, in spite of being two memory units, these have nothing more similar to each other, besides being part, of course, of the same team.
Let’s see what they have different in all aspects, with special intention in the functions they have for our computer equipment:
- Use : We have already verified that the two memories are used for very different things. RAM temporarily stores data on secondary software tasks that are being carried out while using the equipment. ROM is a memory that includes the minimum data necessary for the system of which it is a part to function.
- Continent: Memories are software, that is, logical components. Even so, they rest on physical continents. RAM is stored in elongated modules with pins; These are currently working in aesthetics, being a complaint for gamers. The ROM is much smaller in size and its design is reduced to the purely functional, without any added.
- Alterability: The RAM is easily alterable. In fact, it stores and deletes information automatically based on the tasks that are executed; That is its purpose. ROM memory is not alterable by the user, it is a compendium of information necessary for system startup, so that it must remain, by obligation, unalterable.
- Volatility: The difference is clear between RAM and ROM in this case; RAM is completely volatile, once all the information that it had is lost, it stops working. The ROM, due to its logical function, remains identical forever, being available on any boot.