ROM and RAM

Main store (or computer memorymemory: used to store data) is divided into Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM).

ROM

ROM is memory that cannot be changed by a programprogram: a list of instructions written in a programming language or user. ROM retains its memory even after the computer is turned off. For example, ROM stores the instructions for the computer to start up when it is turned on again.

RAM

RAM is a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applicationsapplication: applications serve a specific purpose, eg Microsoft Word is used for word processing and datadata: information without context, eg a list of students with numbers beside their names is data, when it's made clear that those numbers represent their placing in a 100 metre race, the data becomes information are stored. Here are some examples of what's stored in RAM:

• the operating systemoperating system: an interface between hardware, eg a computer, and the user
• applications
• the graphical user interface (GUI)

If a computer loses power, all data stored in its RAM is lost.