RAM(1)                           DICTIONARY                           RAM(1)

RAM, ROM, DISK ROM.

 
            RAM : Computers have different types of memory. The one generally
      referred to to characterized the size of a computer is called RAM
      (Random Access Memory) which can be both read and written into. This
      is the most important part of memory of a computer because it can be
      modified by the computer directly. The Amiga has two types of RAM
      memory named CHIP and FAST mem. The CHIP memory is the part of memory
      that can be accesses by both the custom chips, and the main processor.
      FAST RAM can only be accessed to by the processor.
            The main disadvantage of RAM is that its content is completely
      erased when the computer is switched off.
 
            ROM (Read Only Memory) is a type of memory that can only be read.
      On the Amiga it is called KickStart, and contains the procedures
      necessary for the Amiga to boot up, but also the operating system
      including libraries like exec and intuition. The content of such memory
      is written on the chip when it is manufactured, and is not erased
      when the computer is switched off.
 
            CD ROM is a new type of device similar to floppy drives, except
      that they can read Compact Disk instead of floppy disks. As their
      name suggest CD ROM can only be read. This means that they can be used
      to store programs, data files, pictures ... but cannot be modified by
      the users.  Each CD can hold about 600Mb, that is over 700 times the
      content of a single floppy disk and they can be read much faster that
      floppies. CD ROM constitutes the essential part of CDTV and Multimedia
      computers.

SEE ALSO
      Agnus, Paula, Denise.