RAM, ROM and Cache

Question 1

What is RAM, is it volatile or non-volatile and why is it called…

Answer 1

Random Access Memory stores programs and data currently being used by the computer. Could be part of OS and Application Software.

Volatile- temporary storage

It’s called Random Access because it can access any memory location in the same length of time.

Question 2

What is Cache, is it volatile or non-volatile and why is more a good thing?

Answer 2

Cache is used to store recently or frequently accessed instructions. Form of high speed RAM. Sits close to the processor allowing faster access.

Volatile

Using cache memory can greatly reduce processing time, therefore the larger amount of cache memory the faster processing time will be.

Question 3

What is ROM, is it volatile or non-volatile and why is it called…

Answer 3

Read Only Memory stores the boot up instructions which run when the computer turns on.

Non-volatile - permanent

Means contents can be read from but not written to. The contents are permanent and can’t be altered. e.g. a shared google doc.