ROM and RAM

Cards (18)

  • What type of memory is read only memory (ROM)?
    Non-volatile primary memory
  • What happens to the contents of ROM when the computer is turned off?
    The contents are not lost
  • Can ROM be written to?
    No, it can only be read from
  • Why is ROM ideal for storing instructions and data needed for the computer to run?
    Because it cannot be overwritten
  • What is an example of a program stored in ROM?
    The BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
  • What does the BIOS do when the computer is switched on?
    It checks that the hardware is functioning correctly
  • What is the purpose of the bootup or bootstrap program?
    To load the computer's operating system from the hard drive into RAM
  • What type of memory is random access memory (RAM)?
    Volatile primary memory
  • What happens to the data and instructions held in RAM when the computer is switched off?
    They are lost
  • Why is RAM referred to as 'random access'?
    Because data can be stored and accessed from any location within the memory
  • What is RAM used for in a modern PC?
    To hold the operating system and any open documents and programs
  • Can RAM be written to?
    Yes, it can be read from and written to
  • How can the contents of RAM be changed?
    By overwriting them with other data and/or instructions
  • What happens when a user closes one document and opens a second in RAM?
    The contents of RAM are overwritten with the new data
  • What is the relationship between the amount of RAM in a computer and its performance?
    The more RAM a computer has, the more data and programs it can hold simultaneously
  • Can RAM be upgraded easily?
    Yes, it can be upgraded easily
  • What are the key differences between ROM and RAM?
    • ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile.
    • ROM can only be read from, while RAM can be read from and written to.
    • ROM stores instructions needed for booting, while RAM holds data and instructions currently in use.
  • What is the role of the BIOS in the computer system?
    • Stored in ROM
    • Runs at startup
    • Checks hardware functionality
    • Initiates the bootup program to load the operating system into RAM