What Is the Difference Between RAM and ROM?

What is the difference between RAM and ROM? While only one letter's difference separates these two acronyms, the components themselves couldn't be more different.

What is RAM?
"RAM" stands for "random access memory." RAM is memory that stores data in a random order, and it can be written to again and again. However, RAM is functional only when electrical current runs through it, so when your computer is powered down, it can't hold anything in the RAM. That's why your computer needs different types of memory; with only RAM, you'd never be able to store any data.

What is ROM?
"ROM" stands for "read-only memory." With ROM, you can only access the data stored on it. You can't write new data to ROM, except in a few select situations. You might run into a CD ROM that's got a computer program installed on it, or other types of ROM that contain data but to which you can't write data. Because ROM cannot be re-written, it's generally used for long-term storage.

What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM, or random access memory, is memory that you can write to again and again. However, every time you turn off your computer, the memory is erased. ROM is memory that can only be read. You generally can't write to ROM, except in a few select circumstances. However, ROM contains its data even without electricity, so ROM is ideal as good long-term storage.

How are RAM and ROM used?
You'll find both RAM and ROM in your computer. Your computer uses RAM to store data that it's using to work. Computer programs load data that they need to use into your computer's RAM for immediate or short-term access. The more RAM your computer has, the more data that it can store for short-term access, and the less frequently it has to access long-term storage devices. This reduction in access time generally makes your computer run faster, and it enables you to multi-task more effectively. That's why computers with more RAM are typically faster, and adding RAM can boost your computer's speed.

ROM is a long-term storage solution that you generally can't edit. You might see CD ROMs to load data or programs onto your CD. Technically, some audio CDs are a form of CD ROM. You'll also see ROM in your computer's BIOS, or the set of instructions that tells your hardware how to function and helps your computer load the operating system when it starts up. Some forms of ROM do allow limited editing, or the ability to make selections and program the ROM, but it generally is a storage-only device.