Difference between RAM and ROM

What is difference between RAM and ROM???

Answer:

RAM:

             Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, Random Access Memory(RAM) is a computer storage location that allows information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations within DRAM on a memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like a CD or hard drive the computer is able to access the data much faster than it would if it was only reading the hard drive. However, unlike ROM and the hard drive RAM is a volatile memory and requires power in order to keep the data accessible, if power is lost all data contained in memory lost.

As the computer loads parts of the operating system and drivers are loaded into memory, which allows the CPU to process the instructions much faster and your computer to load faster. After the operating system has loaded, each program you open such as the browser you're using to view this page is loaded into memory while it is running. If too many programs are open the computer will swap the data in the memory between the RAM and the hard disk drive.

Over the evolution of computers there has been several different variations of RAM used in computer. Some of the more common examples are DIMM, RIMM, SIMM, SO-DIMM, and SOO-RIMM. Below is an example image of a 512MB DIMM computer memory module and what the typical desktop computer memory card will look like. This memory module would be installed into memory slots on the motherboard.

ROM:

               Short for Read-Only Memory, ROM is a type of "built-in" memory that is capable of holding data and having that data read from the chip, but not written to. Unlike Random Access Memory (RAM), ROM is non-volatile which means it keeps its contents regardless if it has power or not. A good example of ROM is EEPROM, which is a programmable ROM used for the computer BIOS, as shown in the example picture to the right.

Difference:

                              There is one major difference between a ROM chip and a RAM chip.

A ROM chip does not require a constant source of power to retain the information stored on it, whereas a RAM chip does require a constant source of power to retain the information. When a computer is turned on, and programs are being run, the programs information is stored in the RAM chip for better efficiency and speed. However, as soon as the computer is turned off any information stored in the RAM chip is lost. With a ROM chip, any information stored on the chip remains on it with or without power.

ROM chips are commonly used in gaming system cartridges, like the original Nintendo, Gameboy, Sega Genesis, and a number of others. The game cartridge stores the game programming on a ROM chip which is read by the game console when the cartridge is inserted into the console.

           ROM chips can also be found in computers, to store the programming            

        needed to begin the initial boot up process when turning on a computer. 

       Using non-volatile storage is the only way to begin the start up process for 

       computers and other devices that use similar a start up process. The most 

       common type of programmable ROM (PROM) chip in a computer is the BIOS.

       RAM chips are also used in computers, as well as other devices, to store     

       information of the programs currently running on the computer. However, 

      only volatile information can be stored on RAM chips, due to that fact that if 

      power is lost to the computer all information stored in the RAM is lost.

          The oldest ROM-Type storage media can be dated back to 1932 with drum    

       memory. Today, ROM-Type storage media is still used and continues to be 

       improved upon for better performance and storage capacity.

Very easy point which diffrentiate to the RAM and ROM,easily!!!

RAM	ROM
RAM is Random Access Memory	ROM is Read Only Memory.
RAM is the memory available for the operating system, programs and processes to use when the computer is running.	ROM is the memory that comes with your computer that is pre-written to hold the instructions for booting-up the computer.
RAM requires a flow of electricity to retain data (e.g. the computer powered on).	ROM will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered off).
RAM is a type of volatile memory. Data in RAM is not permanently written. When you power off your computer the data stored in RAM is deleted.	ROM is a type of non- volatile memory. Data in ROM is permanently written and is not erased when you power off your computer.
There are different types of RAM, including DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).	There are different types of ROM, including PROM (programmable read-only memory) that is manufactured as blank memory (e.g. a CD-ROM) and EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

Hope so you will get full knowledge about RAM and ROm....!!!