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Computer Science
Storage
ROM and RAM
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Created by
Caleb Ward
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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