differentiate RAM from ROM.?

Question

please heLp m..this is my homework to be passd tomorrow...thanx

Answer 1

RAM is Random access memory
ROM is Read only memory

hese days, it's hard to function without knowing how to use a computer. They've become indispensable tools in most schools, at many jobs, and even at home. It seems that there are few machines, from telephones to cars to cash registers, that can't be hooked up to computers in order to make them more efficient. And if computers aren't already complex enough to strain our brains, the folks who work with them seem to have a fondness for impenetrable acronyms: RAM, ROM, CPU, DIMM, SIMM, IDE, CMOS, BIOS, TSR, MHz -- the list goes on. Plus, they have a penchant for using the same units of measurement for different things.

The most glaring example of the latter is the use of the term "byte" and its larger relatives to describe three different (if related) issues: RAM, ROM, and storage capacity. All are important to understand if you really want to know how your computer works, and unfortunately it's easy to get them confused. The most common error is to assume that the RAM and the disk drive storage capacity are the same; they're not, and ROM is something else altogether. All are memory of a sort, but not the same kinds of memory. The purpose of this article is to clarify the differences between them, in language that's easy to understand.

Let's start with basics: the units used to measure the different flavors of computer memory. A byte (B) consists of a grouping of eight binary digits ("bits"), and is typically considered the smallest addressable unit of data. A byte is usually enough to indicate a single character in a file -- say, a letter or a number. A grouping of 1024 bytes is called a kilobyte (KB); 1000 KB, or 1,024,000 bytes, equals a megabyte (MB). Larger units include the gigabyte (GB), which equals 1,000 MB, and the terabyte (TB), which is way up there at 1000 GB -- 1,024,000,000,000 bytes. In the old days (before 1990), KB were usually sufficient for discussing the capacity of an everyday computer. Back then, a computer with a MB ("meg") of memory or storage capacity was a manmade wonder right up there with the Pyramids. No more: MB and GB are necessary now, and it seems that terabyte-level computers are just around the corner.

So if the compugeeks of the world are capable of creating computers of such power and complexity, why did they decide to use the same units of measure for different things? The answer is twofold. First off, the usage got entrenched in the industry early on, and is now impossible to root out. Secondly (and most importantly), the phenomena the units measure is quite similar, whether you're speaking of RAM, ROM, or capacity. Bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes always describe computer memory. The memory, however, is used for different things.

RAM is short for Random Access Memory, and comes from hardware components wired into or attached to the motherboard, the main circuit board of your computer. RAM is used to run certain basic programs and functions that your computer needs to operate correctly, and functions only while the computer is receiving power. Programs you're using are written in RAM temporarily while the computer is processing them. Think of RAM as a playing field, a large open area where your programs function. Each program takes up a certain amount of space; the field can accommodate one or several different programs at one time, but its capacity is limited. When you shut down a program, it disappears from RAM and (ideally) the space it occupied can be reused. Sometimes some operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, won't relinquish the RAM space even when a program is closed. However, because stuff in the RAM is retained only while the computer is powered up, turning it off will always clear the RAM.

If you want a larger playing field in real life, you have to add onto the field by acquiring more property. With RAM, you do this by adding additional memory. In most cases, this memory comes in the form of "RAM sticks," small rectangular cards studded with memory modules. These fit in special slots in the motherboard. Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs) are still used, but Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs) are becoming the standard.

ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, a type of unchangeable memory residing in chips on your motherboard. ROM contains the bare minimum of instructions needed to start your computer. Because it's used for critical functions, it can't be removed short of ripping it out of the motherboard; adding to it is just as difficult. Think of it as analogous to municipal utilities, such as gas and electricity. If you want a different configuration, you'll have to "move on" to a different motherboard or computer. Incidentally, the term "ROM" is also used, not entirely correctly, when referring to some kinds of storage media that can't be modified, such as CD-ROMs.

The term "storage capacity" is most often used to describe disk drives, which tend to be permanent, though many forms of storage media are removable: the various types of floppy disks, high-capacity Zip disks, CD-ROMs, and tape cartridges, to name the most common types. To extend the real-estate analogy used previously, your storage memory -- also known as secondary storage -- can be thought of as a series of warehouses, some of them mobile, where you can store programs. Programs come in various sizes, from a few KB on up to several hundred MB. A particular storage "warehouse," such as a disk drive, has a finite amount of space in which to store programs. Depending upon its capacity, any given storage warehouse might be packed tight, or it might contain one tiny program stuck off in a corner. If one particular "warehouse" gets full, you can always construct or bring in another.

That's it in a nutshell. Basically, RAM is the size of your playing field, and can be increased as you purchase more "real estate"; ROM is equivalent to your utilities, the hardwired bare necessities needed to operate your computer, and is fixed in size; and storage capacity can be thought of as warehouses of various size, some of them mobile, which can be trucked in or constructed as circumstances warrant. It would take a book the size of a dictionary to cover everything about RAM, ROM, and storage, but hopefully this article will provide you with the basics you need to cut through any initial confusion. Good luck -- when it comes to computers, you'll need it!

Good luck with your HW

Answer 2

RAM or random access memory - is usually either SRAM (Static) or DRAM (Dynamic). These can be written to multiple times, but need power to be permanently connected to maintain the data stored. RAMs are typically differentiated from ROM or Flash memory in terms of the very fast read and write times taht are possible, making these very suitable for applications such as computer graphics or intensive calculations.
A new class of RAMs called MRAMs or magnetic RAMs provide the speed of DRAM chips but without the need for a power supply to retain the data.

ROM or Read only memory, does not need a constant power source to maintain the data. These include EPROM (Electrically programmable Read only memory), EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read only memory), Flash memory (which is a type of EEPROM). Contrary to its name these can be written to and read from. However the number of writes may be limited, latest Flash memory chips from AMD and Intel for instance are specified up to 100,000 read and write cycles. Also the erase time can be orders of magnitude longer than that of RAM chips. These are typically used for PDA and digital cameras. Others allows maybe 10-20 rewrites and are used for storing software programs.
The original use of ROM was a Mask ROM, where the data is written by a special mask in the manufacturing process, and can never be rewritten, these are used to store for instance the operating system of a small microprocessor, as in the earliest home computers.
Other types of read only memory that are not based on semiconductor manufacturing include CD-ROM, DVD-ROMs, though even versions of these CD-RW, DVD-RW also allow multiple writes, and should not strictly be called Read Only Memories.

Answer 3

RAM (Random Access Memory) Can be used by programs running on the computer.

ROM (Read Only Memory) Is used to hold Hardware related programs, Such as CMOS which stores the settings of the motherboard and how the hardware talks to each other. The information can not be accessed by programs installed on the Hard drive, and can not be altered.

Answer 4

RAM = Random Access Memory or the memory your system works on while you access the internet, play games, work on documents, etc. ROM = Read Only Memory or the memory your system uses to start your system like your CMOS etc. This memory is stored in your bios and tells the computer to start the windows program, your cd player etc. It holds the memory of how to access these different features.

Answer 5

wow the others gave a lenghty definition heres mine
RAM-Random Access Memory
its where data is stored temporarily such as results of processing.data is usually lost the power cuts down..so its volatile
Whereas ROM-Read Only Memory
its where data is stored permanently....for eg some programs such as microsoft words are permanently stored on the ROM chip...making ROM non-volatile...its doesn't lose its data when power is cut off

Answer 6

R.A.M. stands for random access memory & R.O.M. stands for read only memory.

R.A.M.
Random-access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) refers to data storage formats and equipment that allow the stored data to be accessed in any order — that is, at random, not just in sequence. In contrast, other types of memory devices (such as magnetic tapes, disks, and drums) can access data on the storage medium only in a predetermined order due to constraints in their mechanical design.

Generally, RAM in a computer is considered main memory (or primary storage): the working area used for displaying and manipulating data. This type of RAM is usually in the form of integrated circuits (IC). These are commonly called memory sticks or RAM sticks because they are manufactured as small circuit boards with plastic packaging and are about the size of a few sticks of gum. Most personal computers have slots for adding and replacing memory chips.

RAM is typically erased when a computer is shut down, though some RAM chips maintain data indefinitely without electrical power. Technically, RAM devices are not limited to memory chips, and random-access memory as a storage format is not limited to use as working memory. In a broad sense, modern storage devices for long-term or secondary storage, including magnetic media and laser-readable CDs and DVDs, are forms of random-access memory.


R.O.M.
Read-only memory (ROM) is a class of storage media used in computers and other electronic devices. Because it cannot (easily) be written to, its main uses lie in the distribution of firmware (software that is very closely related to hardware, and not likely to need frequent upgrading).

Modern semiconductor ROMs typically take the shape of IC packages, i.e. "computer chips", not immediately distinguishable from other chips like RAMs but for the text printed on the chips. "ROM" in its strictest sense can only be read from, but all ROMs allow data to be written into them at least once, either during initial manufacturing or during a step called "programming". Some ROMs can be erased and re-programmed multiple times, although they are still referred to as "read only" because the reprogramming process involves relatively infrequent, complete erasure and reprogramming, not the frequent, bit- or word at a time updating that is possible with RAM (random access memory).

Answer 7

RAM is random access memory, it basically stores memory temporarily for fast access but the data does not remain their forever

ROM is read only memory, the data will always be there, it cannot be overwritten or deleted

Answer 8

RAM=random auxiliary memory =saving the data only during
the PC is on
ROM=saving the data 4 ever like:
VIP data about CPU ,motherboard,operation system
i hope u will get it

Answer 9

Differentiate Ram And Rom

Answer 10

Random access memory.
CD rom.