Page 17 - Computer - 4

ROM

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. The manufacturer
uses laser technology to burn instructions for ROM into

the memory chip. ROM is called Read-only memory, as
the user is unable to make any changes or modifications
to it. ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that the
instructions stored within ROM will remain in the chip even

if the computer is turned off.
It is used to boot the computer system and perform basic initial tasks like loading the

operating system, getting the CPU ready, etc.
ROM can be of different types. Some common types of ROM are – Programmable ROM

(PROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable
ROM (EEPROM). The size of the ROM is determined by the processor inside the CPU.
Typical ROM capacities used in computers range from 4 MB to 8 MB.

Knowledge Discovery Subject Enrichment

A Motherboard, also called a system board, is the printed circuit board in an electronic
device. It contains slots on which the microprocessor, memory chips, and other components

can be attached.

RAM
RAM stands for Random-Access Memory. It

saves data and instructions that the CPU uses
to complete various operations. RAM is a read-
write memory. Data can be written to and read
from RAM at rapid speed.

RAM is volatile memory. It only stores
information for as long as the computer is

turned on. The information saved in RAM is
lost when the computer is turned off.

RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Size of RAM in modern computers
ranges from 4 GB to 256 GB. Some powerful computers can accommodate up to
12.2 TB of RAM. The quantity of RAM installed in a computer influences the number
and size of programs that can be run simultaneously.

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