Difference between RAM and ROM – What is their use?

There are various places in a computer where we can store data. The hard drive is the main storage device used to store all the necessary data like OS files, applications, music, videos etc. Apart from the hard drive, we also have the memory RAM, ROM, etc. But what is the difference between RAM and ROM?

What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?

After the hard drive or SSD, RAM is the largest storage medium in computer hardware. RAM is used to store programs and data that the CPU uses in real time. Data in RAM can be read, written, and erased as many times as we want. RAM is a “volatile” memory, which means that the data stored there disappears the moment the power supply is turned off. This is one of the reasons why we cannot use RAM for permanent storage, despite the fact that it is much faster than traditional hard drives. All modern operating systems that we use have built-in ways to deal with RAM volatility. All work performed is constantly saved to the hard drive to avoid situations where an unexpected shutdown of the system would lead to data loss.

Types of RAM

SRAM (Static RAM): It stores each bit of data using a memory cell with six transistors. SRAM is much faster than DRAM but more expensive.DRAM (Dynamic RAM): It stores each bit of data using a pair of transistors and capacitors, which make up a DRAM memory cell

What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?

Another notable type of memory found in computers is ROM. As the name suggests, the data in the memory can only be read by the computer. So what is the purpose of this memory? ROM is a non-volatile memory. It does not lose its data even if the power supply is removed. ROM is used to store firmware for hardware that receives almost no updates, for example the BIOS. Data in the traditional form of ROM is hard-wired, i.e., passed in at the time of manufacture. Over time, this memory has been developed to support erasing and rewriting of data, although it cannot achieve the performance level of a RAM chip.

Types of ROMs

ROM Mask: In this type of ROM, data is written during the manufacturing of the memory chip.PROM (Programmable Read-only Memory): The data is written after the memory chip is created. It is non-volatile.EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory): Data from this non-volatile memory chip can be erased by exposing it to high-intensity ultraviolet radiation.EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory): Data from this non-volatile memory chip can be erased electrically using electron emission (Fowler-Nordheim tunneling). Modern EEPROMs are quite efficient in terms of read and write capabilities. Optical storage media such as CD-ROM are also a form of read-only memory.

RAM vs ROM: What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Both memories have their advantages and disadvantages.

ROM is cheap and can hold data permanently but has its limitations. On the other hand, RAM is quite useful but costs more. ROM is more useful than you think. Flash memory that we find in removable storage media such as SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, etc. is an advanced implementation of the EEPROM type of memory. The derivative provides a faster storage solution than traditional hard drives.