Components of computers
RAM – Random Access Memory
This is the computers temporary working space. It is VOLATILE, meaning the contents is lost when the power turns off.
RAM holds OPEN programs and data.
The more RAM a computer has, the more programs and data you can use quickly at one time.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
The “brains” of the computer. Remember that software is just a list of instructions – the CPU takes the instructions and “processes” them. This means it does what the instructions tell it to. This is what makes the whole computer work.
ROM – Read Only Memory
ROM CANNOT BE CHANGED. You cannot save anything to it, you cannot store work there! It is NON-Volatile.
ROM holds a piece of software permanently. It usually holds the BIOS in a PC or the Firmware in other devices. This is simply the piece of software that runs as soon as the power is turned on – it “boots” the device
Backing Storage
Backing storage is a large, non-volatile, permanent method of storing data and programs.
Backing storage is needed so users can have a permanent copy of their data and programs when the power is turned off.
Backing storage can be a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a USB memory stick or similar
This is the computers temporary working space. It is VOLATILE, meaning the contents is lost when the power turns off.
RAM holds OPEN programs and data.
The more RAM a computer has, the more programs and data you can use quickly at one time.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
The “brains” of the computer. Remember that software is just a list of instructions – the CPU takes the instructions and “processes” them. This means it does what the instructions tell it to. This is what makes the whole computer work.
ROM – Read Only Memory
ROM CANNOT BE CHANGED. You cannot save anything to it, you cannot store work there! It is NON-Volatile.
ROM holds a piece of software permanently. It usually holds the BIOS in a PC or the Firmware in other devices. This is simply the piece of software that runs as soon as the power is turned on – it “boots” the device
Backing Storage
Backing storage is a large, non-volatile, permanent method of storing data and programs.
Backing storage is needed so users can have a permanent copy of their data and programs when the power is turned off.
Backing storage can be a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a USB memory stick or similar