RAM is slower than secondary storage
RAM is non-volatile
when software, applications and data are opened they are copied from secondary storage to RAM
When a computer turns on, the OS automatically loads
Main memory is where files, data and programs are being stored - even when switched off
Computers have unlimited amount of RAM storage
when RAM runs out, virtual memory is used
virtual memory is where uncommonly used programs etc are stored
virtual memory is needed when the computer switches off
The CPU can easily read memory in virtual memory
using virtual memory makes computers slow when switching between apps or using a memory-intensive application.
ROM is volatile memory
ROM is found on a flash memory chip in the motherboard
the BIOS is not found on ROM, but instead on the OS
as soon as the computer is switched on, the CPU reads the ROM instructions
ROM can be written to, despite its name
