9
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Memory is the most essential element of a computing system. Computer memory is of two basic types – Primary memory (RAM and ROM) and Secondary memory (hard drive, CD, etc.). Random Access Memory (RAM) is primary-volatile memory and Read-Only Memory
(ROM) is primary-non-volatile memory. RAM is also called read-write memory or the main memory or the primary memory. The programs and data that the CPU requires during the execution of a program are stored in this memory. It is a volatile memory as the data is lost when the power is turned off. RAM is further classified into two types – SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The characteristics of DRAM are: inexpensive, slower than SRAM, uses less power, generates less heat, used in the main memory, requires recharge. The characteristics of SRAM are: expensive, faster than DRAM, uses more power, generates more heat, used for cache, holds content if power is available.
Read-Only Memory (ROM) stores crucial information essential to operate the system, like the program essential to boot the computer. It is not volatile. Always retains its data. Used in embedded systems or where the programming needs no change. Used in calculators and peripheral devices. ROM is further classified into four types – MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM