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Chapter 2 Assignment

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Chapter 2 Assignment

Introduction

The development of a computer is a major milestone in the field of computing and

Information technology. A computer provides a combination of hardware and software, which

are key in facilitating and providing efficiency in a workplace. Computers have transformed with

time, with virtually everybody knowing how to use a computer. However, not everybody knows

the components of the computer and their function on the computer. This paper will identify and

explain the difference between a computer's RAM and ROM components. The paper will also

define Solid-State Storage Devices.

Differences Between RAM and ROM

Definition: RAM stands for Random Access Memory, a technology that allows a computer to

store and access data immediately and temporarily. Rom, on the other hand, stands for Read

Only Memory, a type of non-volatile computer storage that permanently stores startup data for

computers on a read-only basis.

Cost: RAM is comparatively expensive on the market. A ROM, on the other hand, is relatively

cheaper on the market and, in most cases, comes with a computer, which can make it even

cheaper.

Volatility: The Volatility state of a RAM is different from that of a ROM. A RAM is more

volatile, making it less meaningful to store data where power is unstable. This is based on the

reasoning that when power goes off, the data on RAM is lost. However, this case can be

improved by consistently saving the file while working on it, which helps ensure it is saved on

the hard disk, making it retrievable whenever power goes off. To aid in this, modern computer
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programs such as Microsoft Word 2016 and above have an underground saving where the data is

saved while working on the file to help retrieve it if the power goes off abruptly. ROM, on the

other hand, is non-volatile. This means that data is not lost when power goes off. It is worth

noting that the data found on the ROM is read-only and thus is contained in the ROM and cannot

be modified, which helps protect the data in case of a power outage.

Functionality: The function of RAM in a computer is to ensure the normal running of a

computer. This is done by enabling the running of the computer operating system and all other

software besides drivers on the computers, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the

computer (Agrawal, et. al. 2018). A ROM, on the other hand, ensures the starting of a computer.

Rom stores the booting-up controls, which thus enables the computer to run diagnostics on the

computers during the startup before the Operating system can start running. When combined,

ROM and RAM successfully provide a computer's normal starting and operation.

State of the data: The data on the RAM is flexible. This means that the data on RAM can be

changed, written, and deleted. This is enabled through the other software running on the RAM,

thus allowing for more functionality on the computer. On the other hand, ROM has rigid data

where the data on the ROM is read-only; thus, no change or addition can be done.

Length of data storage: The length of data storage on both RAM and RAM is different. ROM

holds data for the computer's lifetime to enable the computer's start (Agrawal, et. al. 2018). On

the other hand, RAM holds data temporarily during the computer's running. RAM is responsible

for allowing the write and read features on the computer while the user is on the computer and

terminates the service once the computer is shut down.

Speed: The speed of the two is different. RAM is faster as compared to ROM. Despite the high

speed of the RAM, it has room for improvement, with a recommendation to use RAM with more

space to allow for much faster running. On the other hand, ROM is constant, and thus, the speed

cannot be improved.

Data Access by CPU: data accessibility by the CPU is much faster on RAM than on ROM. This

is because data is accessed directly from RAM by the CPU, while on ROM, the data must be

transferred to RAM before being accessed by the CPU (Agrawal, et. al. 2018).

Memory: The memory of a RAM has temporary data and can be easily destroyed. This is not the

case with the ROM, which has a rigid data and memory system that is virtually indestructible.

Definition of Solid-State Storage Device

SSD is an approach to data storage that achieves its purpose through an integrated circuit

system to store the data. SSD uses flash memory in storing the data in large quantities, which

improves the performance of the SSD, including the computer in which it is operating. The

speed, especially during the booting of a computer when using SSD memory, is one of the major

advantages of the components, which has contributed to the popularity of SSD memory

(Kasavajhala, 2011). The efficiency in SSD is created by the flash memory, which can maintain

consistency, use low power, and maintain low temperatures.

References

Agrawal, A., Ankit, A., & Roy, K. (2018). SPARE: Spiking neural network acceleration using

ROM-embedded RAMs as in-memory-computation primitives. IEEE Transactions on

Computers, 68(8), 1190-1200.

Kasavajhala, V. (2011). Solid state drive vs. hard disk drive price and performance study. Proc.

Dell Tech. White Paper, 8-9.