To have a better understanding of CPU and memory, we need to have a basic understanding
of memory types in general.
The first memory type used in many computers and electronic devices is RAM. RAM stands
for Random Access Memory. Why is it called that? To answer that question, let's take a look
at some common data storage media, such as CDs, DVDs, or earlier types like audio tapes.
With these methods, reading and writing data can only be done in a predetermined order. This
means that, with these types of data storage media, the time to access saved information varies
significantly depending on its physical location within the storage media. This is not the case
with RAM. In Random Access Memory, the stored data is accessible in nearly the same
amount of time for any storage location. In other words, the saved data can be accessed
quickly in any random order. You don’t have to wait to access a specific stored file, hence the
name "Random Access Memory."
You use RAM every time you use a computer. For example, when you open a Microsoft
Word document on your computer, the file is initially located on the hard disk. But when you
open it, the file is sent from the hard disk to the computer's RAM. Then, when you're done
with the file, you send the edited file back to the hard disk by saving it.
The main thing that sets RAM apart from the memory on your hard disk is that RAM is a
temporary type of memory. Let’s say you're working on that Word document, and the
electricity suddenly cuts off before you’ve saved the file. In this situation, all the hard work
and editing you just did is gone. Why? Because the file is stored in the RAM while you're
working on it. Since RAM is a temporary type of memory, cutting off the electricity causes
the RAM to reset and clear its memory of any unsaved data.
Accessing data on RAM is fast because it isn't affected by data location. However, all data is
lost if there's any interruption in the power supply, as it is temporarily used for viewing and
updating files.
ROM, on the other hand, stands for Read-Only Memory. When files are stored in ROM
memory, the stored data is readable but cannot be modified. Unlike RAM, ROM is a non-
volatile memory. It stores files in a solid and stable format that is always located in the same
place and available. This means it retains its data regardless of whether there’s an interruption
in the power supply.
EEPROM, or Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is another type of non-volatile
memory. Like ROM, the files stored in EEPROM can only be read. However, EEPROM
allows us to edit, erase, and store new changes. To erase an EEPROM, it must be exposed to
ultraviolet light, which can be time-consuming and challenging to perform.
EEPROM, or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is also a type of non-
volatile memory similar to EEPROM. The difference is that this kind of memory can be
erased electrically instead of with ultraviolet light. This type of memory has a limited
lifespan, meaning the number of times it can be erased and reused is restricted to tens or
hundreds of thousands of cycles.
Flash EEPROM is a further development of EEPROM. This type of memory is much faster,
can store more data for a longer time, and can be reused more often than standard EEPROM.
