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Level

ICT Topics

Topic

Hardware

RAM and ROM

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)

Additional Reading

https://www.diffen.com/difference/RAM_vs_ROM

https://arith-matic.com/notebook/rom-ram-computer-memory

https://www.britannica.com/technology/RAM-computing

Suggested Videos

Understanding RAM 

Discussion Questions

Discussion for class/pairs/groups.

1. Are there any similiarities, from what knowledge you have of the brain, between how computer memory and our memory works?

2. If you were a heavy gamer which type of memory (ROM or RAM) would be more important? Explain your answer. Does RAM always speed a computer up? What do you think?

3. What are other questions you have about how computer memory works?

4. Why is it inaccurate to use the word "fast" when talking about different types of memory. Why is it better to talk in terms of "transfer of data speeds"

Research

Things you need to find out 

1. What is BIOS? How is this related to ROM and what misconceptions exist.

2. Explain how RAM is important for processing power

3. What is ROM. Provide examples

4. How does RAM work and how is it linked to the CPU?

Common misconceptions to consider:

1 Does ROM store the operating system

It is important to understand that this is NOT actually how it works. The operating system is stored on secondary storage. ROM holds BIOS which locates all of the hardware prior to the operating system loading. It will then get the processor to load the OS by pointing to where it is stored.

2 Does RAM always speed a computer up?

Nope, and that's because adding more RAM to a system will only help if the RAM that is currently installed is always filled to 100% and more space is needed.

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