RAM and ROM Memory

RAM Memory

The Random Access Memory is the memory where the processor receives instructions and saves the results .

Is used as a working memory for the operating system, programs, and most software . That's where all the instructions the processor running and other computational units are loaded. They are called " random access " because you can read or write to a memory location with a timeout equal to any position, they need not follow an order to access the information as quickly as possible. When starting up the computer , the POST routine verifies that the RAM modules are connected correctly. If there are no modules or may not be detected , most motherboards emit a series of beeps indicating the absence of main memory. Completed this process, the BIOS memory can perform a basic test on the RAM showing major faults in it.


ROM Memory

The Read Only Memory , also known as ROM is a storage medium used in computers and electronic devices , which allows only reading the information and not your writing, regardless of the presence or not of an energy source .

Data stored in ROM can not be modified , or at least not quickly or easily. It is mainly used to contain the firmware ( software that is closely tied to specific hardware, and unlikely to require frequent updates ) or other content vital to the functioning of the device , such as programs that implement the computer and perform diagnostics.

In its strictest sense, ROM refers only to mask - in English - MROM (the oldest type of solid state ROM) , which is made with the data stored permanently, and therefore , its content can not be modified in any way . However, the latest ROM , EEPROM and Flash comoEPROM indeed can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly , despite being described as " read only memory " (ROM). The reason for that is the continue to call so that the reprogramming process is generally infrequent , relatively slow and often , writing is not allowed in random locations in memory. Despite the simplicity of the ROM , reprogrammable devices are more flexible and economical , so the old ROM masks are not usually found in hardware produced from 2007.