Memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process
Characteristics of ROM and RAM
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Volatility |
Non-volatile (retains data when powered off) |
Volatile (loses data when powered off) |
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Access |
Read-only (data cannot be modified) |
Read-write (data can be modified) |
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Main Purpose |
Stores essential instructions (e.g. BIOS) |
Stores data and instructions in use by CPU |
Differences between ROM and RAM
- ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
- ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
- ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use
Worked example
State two characteristics of RAM
[2]
Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to [1]
RAM is volatile memory [1]
RAM is temporary storage [1]
Exam Tip
- Make sure you know the difference between RAM & ROM - it's easy to get them mixed up
