What's the difference between RAM and ROM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile and temporary, while ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile and stores permanent data.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is used to store and access data that is being actively used by the computer. It is called 'random access' because any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is volatile, which means that it requires power to maintain the stored information; once the power is turned off, all data in the RAM is lost. This is why we lose any unsaved work when a computer unexpectedly shuts down. The data stored in RAM can be read from and written to, making it a very flexible form of storage. However, because it is volatile, it cannot store data permanently.

On the other hand, ROM, or Read Only Memory, is a type of non-volatile memory, meaning it can retain the stored information even when the power is turned off. The data stored in ROM is mostly firmware, a type of software that is closely related to hardware and is unlikely to need frequent updates, such as the BIOS in a computer. As the name suggests, Read Only Memory can only be read from, not written to. This makes it less flexible than RAM, but its non-volatility makes it ideal for storing permanent data.

In terms of speed, RAM is faster than ROM. This is because RAM is directly connected to the CPU and is designed to have a very fast data transfer rate to support the high-speed operation of the computer. ROM, on the other hand, is slower because it is not usually accessed directly by the CPU.

In summary, the main differences between RAM and ROM lie in their volatility, the type of data they store, their flexibility, and their speed. RAM is volatile and stores temporary data that can be both read from and written to, while ROM is non-volatile and stores permanent data that can only be read.