MEMORY is part of the Central Processing Unit, or CPU, where data and information are stored. There are two main types of memory in a computer – RAM & ROM. RAM is a critical element of processing hardware. It is often referred to as “Primary Storage” or “Main Memory”.

The speed at which data is stored and accessed in memory is called memory speed. Memory speed is usually measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Most motherboards are built to support memory with a speed of up to 1 GHz.

The amount of memory determines the number of programs a computer can run at one time and how fast programs will operate. Memory size is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). –With each keystroke or character a byte of memory is used.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM is temporary because it holds data, program instructions, and the operating system while they are being used so it can all be quickly accessed by the CPU.

When information is changed and replaced, it goes on a computer chip called a RAM chip. RAM holds information that you can read, edit, erase, and move to a new location. RAM memory is like a chalkboard because the information stored on RAM is constantly being erased and rewritten as files are being opened or closed. If you are creating a Word document and have not saved it yet, it is sitting on the RAM chip. If the power suddenly goes out, your document’s content is lost too. This is a good reminder to save often! Info changes on these chips – If you don’t save, you loose it!

RAM is often called main memory. It is installed on individual chips. RAM is where the CPU temporarily holds data before and after it is processed. The data stored in RAM is volatile. It disappears when you turn off the computer or if power is lost. The Motherboard determines RAM type and capacity. RAM capacity is expressed in megabytes or gigabytes. Personal computers typically feature between 128 MB and 2 GB of RAM.

If RAM gets full, data can temporarily be stored on the hard drive, called virtual memory. The hard drive is much slower than RAM. Typical RAM is actually millions of times faster! RAM speed is often expressed in megahertz. Adding more RAM can increase a computer’s performance. The more RAM, the quicker the computer will be able to operate.

If you are having problems with a slow-as-molasses computer, check out the quickest way to troubleshoot a SLOW computer? RAM Have you had any problems with slowdowns of your computer system at home? If so, what did you or your parents do about it? Don’t live with it….fix it! A RAM chip to increase computer memory

ROM stands for “Read Only Memory.” It is information in the computer that cannot be changed or erased. You have your own ROM memory too. It is information that you don’t forget and doesn’t change. If someone asks your name, you never forget it. That’s like a computer’s ROM chip. No one can change it or erase any of it’s information. ROM on motherboard It’s permanent, unchanging information

ROM chips hold information that the computer needs each time it runs. It instructs the computer how to load the operating system from the hard drive into the computer’s memory. Don’t confuse the hard drive with ROM – the hard drive is an internal backing store (storage device).

Unlike RAM, ROM stores data that is permanent and cannot be changed, meaning it is non-volatile. ROM stores basic instructions that help prepare the computer for usage each time you turn it on, such as how to start up and work with hardware and software. It is a type of memory circuitry containing instructions for : –starting the computer –running system diagnostics –controlling BIOS (Basic Input Output System) The BIOS (stored permanently in ROM) tells the computer how to access the hard drive, find the operating system, and load it into RAM.

RAM vs. ROM RAM - Random Access Memory contains programs, data, and processed results until transferred to hard drive or removable storage. sometimes called the main memory ROM - Read-Only Memory contains the system software which are basic programs for computer operation. could be a set of memory chips, or a separate device, such as a CD ROM Both RAM and ROM are direct access devices!

The quick answer is NO. Some people mistakenly confuse the terms MEMORY and STORAGE. To avoid the confusion, remember that there are two key differences between STORAGE and MEMORY. Go to the next slide to find out more.

1. Work differently… –Memory in the case of RAM uses chips to temporarily store information. It needs a constant supply of power. Otherwise, when the power is lost, the chips lose their contents. –Storage uses different methods to store data permanently, so it is not lost when the power is off. 2. Different storage capacity… –A personal computer has more storage capacity than memory. For example, a computer may have 1GB of RAM, but the hard drive capacity will be much larger.

hard drive – (C:drive) the primary device a computer uses to store information. ROM chips instruct the computer how to load the operating system from the hard drive into the computer’s memory every time you turn on your computer. megahertz (MHz) – millions of cycles per second. Used to measure speed of computer devices. gigahertz (GHz) – billions of cycles per second. Used to measure speed of computer devices. TERMINOLOGY

memory – part of the CPU where data and information are stored. There are two types of memory chips – RAM & ROM. RAM – Random Access Memory; temporary memory that is erased when the computer is shut down ROM – Read Only Memory; permanent memory. TERMINOLOGY