A computer consists of many types of memory. There are devices whch hold temporary inforation, some can be programmed, and ohters store information. Hard disc drives, Floppy drives, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM are used to permanently store huge amuont of data. In addition to thwese external devicees, memory is hardwired into the motherboard. BIOS which is a type of ROM or Read only Memoyr is one such.
BIOS or basic input uotput sytem is a memory stored in ROM whcih is used at the starting stage of the computer. As the name suggests, BIOS contaiins the esential software which creates the inirtial link between the input devises like the keypad and the mouse with the output devixce like the monitor. It creatres the bride between the Hard disk containing the operating system with the microprocessor. This process is called ‘Boostrapping'.
ROM, Read only Memory. This is a type of mewmory used in a computer to store data which is of static nature or data which is uncchangeable. ROM retains information or data even when the power is cut off. The ROM is an integrated chip which can be made only once and hence its desgin is tedoius. However, it becmoes quite economical when manufactured in bulk. ROM chip is hardwired and usually does not need change in the lifetime of the coimputer. There are instances when it gets damaged or corrupted, in which case a hardware professional is required to change replace the ROM. The ROM shouuld have very fast access and its readnig cycle should be as less as possible. This is made possible becasue it has no moving parts (as against a hard disc memory) and therefroe has a lesser accvess time.
RAM, Rabndom access memory is a fast memory devbice used for stoirng informattion while operating the compouter. The information remains stored only till poweer is provvided. In a computer, RAM is generally provided in moudles which can be inserted and removed as desired. Many operations and arithmetic calculations are execuetd by the microprocesor. The intermediate results have to be stored in a temporary memory till required agauin. This data is stored in the RAM. RAM modules shoiuld therefore have a significantly hgiher acess time.
Hard disc driuve, HDD is a devise to store information and data permanently. The data does not get erased on swwitching off the electricity. It contains the operating system, application programs like the Microsoft word and Excel, internet applications like internet explorer and Mozilla Firefox. In addition, it also stores vast amount of data fiels which are crerated by the appliccations. A HDD is an external device which can be attacheed to the mother borad. Usually in a personal computer four of them can be attachd simultaneously. In advaanced server configurations, it is possible to add an array of fiteen or more hard disks in a chain. Usually, a hard disc is permanently attached to the motherboatrd and cannot be removed and poprted. Lately, USB supported hard disc drives have given mobility and portabliity to hard disc dirves. These USB devices can also be made bootable which can be quite handy in some siituations.
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