Different Kinds of Memory
Read only memory (ROM)– In most computers it is useful to have some of the instructions or whole programs permanently stored inside the computer. There are particular kinds of chips which enable us to do this so that the memory is not lost even when the machine is switched off. These are called ROM chips. ROM stands for “read-only memory”. The word “non-volatile” is often used to describe this kind of memory – meaning that it is not destroyed when the power is switched off.
Random-access memory (RAM)– The other kind of memory found inside computers is called RAM. Another name for it is “read/write memory”. RAM chips are the kind which lose their contents when the power is lost – so this kind of memory is sometimes also described as “volatile”. In the computer, RAM is the working memory.
Back-up memory– The last kind of memory which concerns us is “back-up” memory. This is memory outside the main body of the computer in which programs can be kept for future use or in which data can be kept until the computer is ready to use it. It could be a cassette tape or a magnetic disk.
VOCABULARY
Chip= dispositivo que contém muitos transistores e outros componentes montados sobre uma peça de silício
Enable us= capacita-nos
Random Access memory= tipo de memória da qual a informação pode ser instantaneamente copiada, não importando onde ela esteja localizada; memória de acesso randômico ou aleatório
Concern us= diz respeito a nós, concerne a nós
