RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory and ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory and each has become a vital element in today’s computer system.

Random access memory is used for a number of reasons and its necessity has grown over the years. With the design of more complex systems and software the necessity for larger amounts and faster speeds of memory have grown. RAM offers a very fast memory access. This is the memory that computer programs load data to when they are running and need quick access to ensure smooth operation.  When the computer is turned off all the data in RAM is wiped. It may be wiped at various times during operation too.

ROM, or read only memory, is generally slower than RAM. Most computer systems have a far greater amount of ROM than they have of RAM. Read only memory is the memory that software and data files are written into. This memory exists in the form of a hard drive in most systems, while RAM exists in the form of chips. Your system has to have sufficient ROM to hold the operating system and the programs you use. Speed remains important though since the program must be loaded from the ROM to the RAM. This memory remains when you turn the computer off, though it is constantly updated while the computer is on. For example each time you save a file or install or remove software, ROM is updated.

There is one interesting application of ROM that has no real parallel in RAM. ROM can be used as virtual RAM.