Computer Science : S3 : L6 : ROM and RAM

Primary Storage

The category of storage devices that includes ROM and RAM.

ROM

Read Only Memory, a type of non-volatile storage that holds startup instructions for the computer and cannot be changed.

RAM

Random Access Memory, a type of volatile storage that holds data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU.

Non-volatile

Refers to storage that retains its data even when the power is switched off.

Volatile

Refers to storage that loses its data when the power is switched off.

Secondary Storage

The category of storage devices that includes devices with slower read and write speeds compared to RAM, such as hard disks.

Tertiary Storage

The category of storage devices that includes devices with even slower access speeds compared to secondary storage, such as tape drives.

BIOS

Basic Input and Output System, firmware stored in ROM that manages the data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices.

Read and Write

The ability to both retrieve data from and store data to a storage device.

Random Access

The ability to access any location in memory with the same speed, without any impact on performance.