Difference Between RAM and ROM

• RAM is Random Access Memory, while ROM stands for Read Only Memory.

• RAM is volatile and is erased when the computer is switched off. ROM is non-volatile and generally cannot be written to.

• RAM is used for both read and write while ROM is used only for reading.

• RAM needs electricity to flow to retain information while ROM is permanent.

• RAM is analogous to a blackboard on which information can be written with a chalk and erased any number of times, while ROM is permanent and can only be read. One example is BIOS (basic input output system) that runs when computer is switched on and it prepares disk drives and processor to load OS from disk.