What do rom and ram mean?

ROM refers to read-only memory, which works in a non-destructive reading mode and can only read but not write information. RAM refers to random access memory, also called main memory, which is an internal memory that directly exchanges data with the CPU. It can be read and written at any time and is very fast. It is usually used as a temporary data storage medium for the operating system or other running programs. .

The operating environment of this article: Windows 7 system, Dell G3 computer.

Memory is a device or component used in digital systems to store large amounts of information. It is an important part of computers and digital devices. Memory can be divided into two categories: random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM).

rom (read-only memory)

Read-Only Memory (ROM) works in a non-destructive readout mode and can only be read but not written Enter information. Once the information is written, it is fixed and will not be lost even if the power is turned off, so it is also called fixed memory. The data stored in ROM is usually written before being loaded into the whole machine. It can only be read out during the operation of the whole machine. Unlike random access memory, the stored content can be rewritten quickly and conveniently. The data stored in ROM is stable and will not change after a power outage. It has a simple structure and is easy to use, so it is often used to store various fixed programs and data.

Except for a few types of read-only memories (such as character generators) that can be used universally, different types of read-only memories have different functions. In order to facilitate user use and mass production, different types such as programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrified erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) have been further developed. ROM is widely used. The hardware used in the startup program (operating system) of early personal computers such as Apple II or IBM PC XT/AT or the firmware in various other microcomputer systems is ROM.

The characteristic of read-only memory is that it can only read information but cannot write information. Usually, a basic input/output system is solidified in the ROM of the computer motherboard, called BIOS (Basic Input Output System). Its main function is to complete the power-on self-test of the system, initialization of each functional module in the system, basic input/output driver of the system and boot operating system.

ram (Random Access Memory)

Random Access Memory (English: Random Access Memory, abbreviation: RAM), also called main memory, is directly connected to the CPU Internal memory for exchanging data. It can be read and written at any time (except when refreshing), is very fast, and is often used as a temporary data storage medium for the operating system or other running programs. When RAM is working, information can be written (stored) or read (retrieved) from any specified address at any time. The biggest difference between it and ROM is the volatility of data, that is, the stored data will be lost once the power is turned off. RAM is used in computers and digital systems to temporarily store programs, data, and intermediate results.

For more knowledge about computer programming, please visit: Introduction to Programming! !

The above is the detailed content of What do rom and ram mean?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!