RAM
What is RAM?
- RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the CPU and holds the data and instructions that are currently in use
- RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned off
- For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from secondary storage
- RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage
- RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to
- In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger capacity
Exam Tip
Just knowing what RAM is and what it stores is not enough, you must be able to apply your understanding of RAM to real world contexts where RAM is a component, e.g. TVs, game consoles and other smart devices
Worked example
A smart television allows the user to search the Internet and watch videos online.
The smart television uses RAM
Give two examples of data that the smart television could store in RAM [2]
How to answer this question
- Think about the main function of a smart television, watch channels, use apps to stream content and browse the web etc
- For each function, try to think of what data would have to be in the RAM whilst you were actually doing it (in use!)
Possible answers
- Current channel being watched
- Current volume
- Current video/file/tv program being watched
- Web browser/applications that are running
- Data being downloaded/buffered
Exam Tip
Examiners will accept anything reasonable when answering these style of questions BUT brand names will not be be awarded without giving an example
