What Do RAM & ROM Mean?

USB thumb drives contain a special type of ROM memory.

RAM and ROM refer to various types of computer storage. Both RAM and ROM are integral components of a computer system. Despite the similarities of their acronyms and their common role in computer storage, in actuality they are used in completely different capacities.

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RAM Basics
- SD-RAM is a common type of RAM storage found in PCs.
  
  RAM is an acronym for "random access memory." RAM is a form of computer memory storage. RAM technology allows for data storage in integrated circuits that can be stored and accessed at random, regardless of position or relevance to other data.
ROM basics
- Compact discs are common forms of ROM storage.
  
  ROM is an acronym for "read only memory" and is a form of computer data storage. Data stored in ROM, as opposed to RAM, cannot be edited easily. The most popular version of ROM is the compact disc, or CD-ROM. Once a CD-ROM has data written to it, the data cannot be changed. A rewritable CD (CD-RW) technically is neither ROM nor RAM.
Differences
- Data is written to RAM by a computer system whenever it needs to. Data can be deleted, moved and modified in any way without difficulty, essentially the complete opposite of ROM. RAM is commonly used in computer systems as means of temporary memory. A computer's operating system will write data to RAM to use later. Once the power to the computer is shut off, however, the data is erased. ROM data is permanently stored unless the ROM module is damaged.
Types of RAM
- RAM commonly comes in the form of "RAM sticks," sticks of integrated circuits with RAM modules affixed to them. There are many types of RAM sticks, such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) or double data rate ram (DDR SDRAM).
Types of ROM
- The most popular type of ROM is the CD-ROM. Some flash memory modules are considered ROM, such as EEPROM. Many ROM modules are semiconductor-based, affixed to computer motherboards or television control boards. Most contain instructions for software to reference for proper operation.

Photo Credit USB Flash image by Andruxa from Fotolia.com ram 2 image by PeteG from Fotolia.com closeup cd-rom in hand image by Terrapanthera from Fotolia.com

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What Do RAM & ROM Mean?

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