Avery Dennison 6035 Programmer Manual Rev.A 7/98 - Manual (Page 31)

7/9/98 Using ROM-DOS 6.22 2-19
Computer Memory: RAM and ROM
There are two basic types of internal memory in the computer: RAM
and ROM.
RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is the working memory
in the system. Random access memory can be written to, read from,
erased, rewritten, and so on. RAM is an electronic workspace for your
computer's use during operation.
RAM is also called volatile memory. Its storage ability is temporary in
nature, only holding information while the system's power is on. If the
power is turned off or interrupted for any reason, everything stored in
RAM is lost.
Within limits, the amount of RAM in a system can be changed.
Typically, embedded systems have 512KB, 640KB or 1MB of RAM.
Greater amounts of RAM are also possible. In desktop systems 4 MB
and 8 MB are common.
ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is far more permanent in
nature than RAM; information is electronically burned into a ROM chip
before the chip is installed in the computer. Information stored in ROM
remains intact whether the system power is on or off.
Disks and Disk Drives
Computer disks can be classified into two basic groups: diskettes (the
portable 5.25" floppies and 3.5" disks) and hard drives (also called
fixed drives).
Diskettes
A diskette is a circular disk-shaped piece of magnetic material much
like audio recording tape.