Question

BIOS is contained in ROM and not in RAM. Can you guess why?

Answer 1

Let's first understand the difference between RAM and ROM.

RAM [Random Access Memory]:

• It is a 'read/write' memory as it is possible to both read from and write to location within RAM.
• It is a volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the power's switched off.
• Stores data temporarily.
• Used to store data that has to be currently processed by the CPU [Central Processing Unit.]

ROM [Read Only Memory]:

• It is a 'read only' memory, as the data/instructions are placed in it at the time of its manufacturing and can't be changed later on.
• It isn't volatile, meaning it doesn't lose its contents when switched off.
• It stores data that is rarely changed permanently.
• Used mainly in the startup process of a system [booting of the system.]

Now, BIOS [Basic Input/Output System], is a part of the booting system, indicating that it lies in ROM and not RAM. The BIOS provides for a configuration for the functioning of the hardware components and the data cannot be changed.