What is is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while the program is running?

Since random-access memory (RAM) is principally used as temporary storage for the operating system and the applications, it does not much matter that some types of RAM lose data when they are powered off. What matters more is the cost and the read/write speed. There are mainly two types of RAM: one is DRAM (dynamic RAM), and the other is SRAM (static RAM). DRAM stores information in capacitors, and since the capacitors slowly discharge, the information fades away unless the capacitor charge is refreshed periodically. In practice, the data on DRAM need to be read and rewritten (i.e., refreshed) dozens of times per second. In contrast, SRAM needs no refreshing because it uses flip-flop circuits* to preserve the data. SRAM is more expensive than DRAM because of the complex circuitry involved, but is also faster.

*Flip-flop circuit: An electronic circuit that stores a single bit of data that represents either 0 or 1.

Difference between Volatile Memory and Non-Volatile Memory

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    Volatile Memory: 
    It is the memory hardware that fetches/stores data at a high-speed. It is also referred as temporary memory. The data within the volatile memory is stored till the system is capable of, but once the system is turned off the data within the volatile memory is deleted automatically. RAM (Random Access Memory) and Cache Memory are some common examples of volatile memory. Here, data fetch/store is fast and economical. 

    Non-Volatile Memory: 
    It is the type of memory in which data or information is not lost within the memory even power is shut-down. ROM (Read Only Memory) is the most common example of non-volatile memory. It’s not economical and slow in fetch/store as compared to volatile memory however stores higher volume of data. All such information that needs to be stored for an extended amount of time is stored in non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory has a huge impact on a system’s storage capacity. 

    Below are the differences between volatile and non-volatile memory:

    S. No.Volatile MemoryNon-Volatile Memory1.Volatile memory is the type of memory in which data is lost as it is powered-off.Non-volatile memory is the type of memory in which data remains stored even if it is powered-off.2.Contents of Volatile memory are stored temporarily.Contents of Non-volatile memory are stored permanently.3.It is faster than non-volatile memory.It is slower than volatile memory.4.RAM(Random Access Memory) is an example of volatile memory.ROM(Read Only Memory) is an example of non-volatile memory.5.In volatile memory, data can be easily transferred in comparison to non-volatile memory.In non-volatile memory, data can not be easily transferred in comparison to volatile memory.6.In Volatile memory, process can read and write.In Non-volatile memory, process can only read.7.Volatile memory generally has less storage capacity.Non-volatile memory generally has more storage capacity than volatile memory.8.In volatile memory, the program’s data are stored which are currently in process by the CPU.In non-volatile memory, any kind of data which has to be saved permanently are stored.9.Volatile memory is more costly per unit size.Non-volatile memory is less costly per unit size.10.Volatile memory has a huge impact on the system’s performance.Non-volatile memory has a huge impact on a system’s storage capacity.11.In volatile memory, processor has direct access to data.In non-volatile memory, processor has no direct access to data.12.Volatile memory chips are generally kept on the memory slot.Non-volatile memory chips are embedded on the motherboard.13.

    Advantages-

    • Fast speed
    • Low power consumption
    • Better system performance as it increases speed

    Advantages-

    • More reliable
    • Stores data permanently
    • Inexpensive memory
    • Helps in booting of operating system
    14.

    Disadvantages-

    • Expensive
    • Limited storage space
    • Stores data temporarily

    Disadvantages-

    • Slow speed
    • Can only read data

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    Volatile memory is the temporary random access memory (RAM) in a computer. This type of memory holds the program and operating system files that a user has active, but it does not keep its contents when the user shuts off the computer. RAM is considerably faster than the permanent storage devices a computer has, so it works well for its purpose. The temporary nature of volatile memory is a disadvantage, however, because a user will lose any unsaved data if his or her computer loses power unexpectedly or if the computer crashes.

    What is is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while the program is running?
    Larger memory sticks are used in desktop computers.

    All computers and many other devices use volatile memory, because it is useful for quickly storing and accessing operating system and program files and holds the information in the memory as long as the computer has power. When a user opens a program and starts to type a document, the program and its data run in the computer's RAM until the user saves the file to the hard drive, CD or floppy disk for permanent storage. This describes non-volatile memory. This includes hard drives, flash memory and read-only memory. Volatile and non-volatile memory work together to play a critical part in a computer's data storage and transfers.

    What is is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while the program is running?
    A program and its data run in the computer's RAM until the user saves the file to a storage device, such as a floppy disk.

    Volatile memory comes in various speeds and form factors that are used for both desktop and laptop computers. The larger memory sticks are used in desktop computers while more compact memory is reserved for laptop computers and for some all-in-one models. Double data rate (DDR) memory is relatively fast, is supported by most newer motherboards, and is available in form factors that fit both laptops and desktops. Some systems take advantage of dual-channel technology that noticeably improves the computer's speed and performance. In this type of configuration, a set of two sticks of the same kind of DDR memory is installed so both RAM sticks can work together effectively.

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    There are some downsides to temporary memory, but its benefits outweigh the negative aspects. A major concern is the data loss that can occur if there's a power outage, unexpected system reboot or power supply failure, but there are uninterruptible power supplies that can be used to lessen this threat. Another way to prevent data loss when one works on a document is to save the document as often as possible or to use a program that automatically saves changes to the hard drive.

    What is is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while the program is running?
    A user can lose unsaved data when a computer loses power or crashes due to the temporary nature of volatile memory.

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    Discussion Comments

    SkyWhispererOctober 4, 2011

    @miriam98 - I didn’t know that you could do that. I assume that he needed at least a little space on a floppy disk or something.

    Anyway, that approach would hardly be practical nowadays, with prices for hard drives, memory and everything else plummeting. I do agree that RAM is faster, especially when you add in the caching.

    Personally, I prefer non volatile flash memory to store a lot of my data. It’s fast, and not as susceptible to corruption and easy deletion as RAM is. Plus, flash drives have gotten much bigger in size, so I can use them to do an easy backup of my computer.

    miriam98October 3, 2011

    RAM is volatile, but it’s also fast, there is no doubt about it. I was using computers back in the late 1980s. I had a friend who was part of a Macintosh users group, and he was responsible for doing desktop publishing of the group’s newsletters and stuff like that.

    Back then he didn’t have a hard drive. But he kept his computer on all the time and was able to load everything into RAM. This included all of his software, everything.

    Of course that’s a risky proposition; if the computer shuts down, he loses everything. I asked him why he never bought a hard disk, but he just preferred constantly boosting his RAM size and keeping everything there.

    Is a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while a program is running and is erased when powered off?

    What is computer RAM? RAM is volatile memory, which means that the information temporarily stored in the module is erased when you restart or shut down your computer.

    What type of volatile memory is usually used only for temporary storage while running a program quizlet?

    RAM is a volatile memory used for temporary storage while a program is running. *A computer system consists of all of the following, exept___. You just studied 31 terms!

    What is a volatile type of memory?

    Volatile memory is a type of memory that maintains its data only while the device is powered. If the power is interrupted for any reason, the data is lost.

    Is ROM a volatile memory?

    Data present in Read-Only Memory (ROM) is not volatile, it is permanent. Data will remain unchanged even when there is a disruption in the power supply.