RAMRandom access memory. This is volatile memory that is constantly being written to and read from. It does not retain its contents without a constant supply of power. When a computer is turned off, everything stored in its RAM is lost. is volatile memoryThe memory used to store computer program data while it is being executed. RAM is the main type of volatile memory. It is volatile because when power is switched off it no longer retains any data. primary memory. Once the computer is switched off, the dataUnits of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean. Data is often acted on by instructions. and instructionA single action that can be performed by a computer processor. held in RAM are lost. RAM is given the term ‘random access’ because data can be stored and accessed from any location within the memory.
The purpose of RAM in a computer system
RAM is used to hold data and instructions that are currently in use. In a modern PC, RAM is used to hold the operating systemThe software that manages the hardware and software resources in a computer system. and any open documents and programSequences of instructions for a computer. that are running.
The contents of RAM can be changed at any time, simply by overwriting them with other data and/or instructions. For example, a user might close one document and open a second, or run a different program.
The more RAM a computer has, the more data and programs it can hold simultaneously. RAM can also be upgraded easily, unlike other types of primary memory.
Question
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
ROM is read-only and non-volatile primary memory. RAM can be read from and written to, and is volatile primary memory.
