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Difference between RAM and ROM
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1. RAM
(RAM pronounced ramm, acronym for Random Access Memory,): This is
the same as main memory. When used by itself, the term RAM refers to read
and write memory; that is, you can both write data into RAM and read from RAM.
RAM
can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without
touching the preceding bytes.
RAM
is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as
printers.
There
are two basic types of RAM:
·
Dynamic
RAM (DRAM)
·
Static
RAM (SRAM)
The
two types differ in the technology they use to hold data, dynamic RAM being the
more common type.
Dynamic RAM
needs to be refreshed thousands of times per second.
Static RAM
does not need to be refreshed, which makes it faster; but it is also more
expensive than dynamic RAM. Both types of RAM are volatile, meaning they
hold data only when the power is on. When the power is off, RAM's contents are
lost.
2. ROM
(Read
Only Memory): Computers almost contain a small amount (a few thousands of
bytes) of ROM that holds instructions for starting up/ booting the computer and
perform diagnostics. Unlike RAM, ROM cannot be written to. In fact, both types
of memory (ROM and RAM) allow random access. To be precise, therefore, RAM
should be referred to as read/write
RAM and ROM as read-only RAM.
PROM
(Pronounced
prom, an acronym for Programmable Read Only Memory).
A PROM is a memory chip on which you can store a program. But once the PROM has
been used, you cannot wipe it clean and use it to store something else. Like
ROMs, PROMs are non-volatile.
The difference between
a PROM and a ROM is that a PROM is manufactured as blank memory, whereas a ROM
is programmed during the manufacturing process. To write data onto a PROM chip, you need a special device
called PROM programmer or PROM burner. The process of
programming a PROM is sometimes called burning the PROM.
EPROM (Acronym for Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory and pronounced ee-prom). An EPROM is a special type of ROM that can be
erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light.
The ultraviolet light
clears its contents, making it possible to reprogram the memory. To write to and erase an EPROM, you need a special
device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.
An EPROM differs from a
PROM in that a PROM can be written to only once and cannot be erased. EPROM’s
are used widely in personal computers because they enable the manufacturer to
change the contents of the PROM before the computer is actually shipped. His
means that bugs can be removed and new versions installed shortly before
deliver.
EEPROM (Acronym for Electrically
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and pronounced double-ee-prom
or e-e-prom). An EEPROM is a special type of PROM that can be erased by
exposing it to an electrical charge. Like other types of PROM, EEPROM retains
its contents even when the power is turned off. Also like other types of RM,
EEPROM is not as fast as RAM.
EEPROM is similar to flash
memory (sometimes called flash EEPROM). The principal difference is
that EEPROM requires data to be written or erased one byte at a time whereas
flash memory allows data to be written or erased in blocks. This makes flash
memory faster.