Name and describe the three types of memory chips.

Memory is high speed electronic storage for a computer.  Three types of memory chips include:

RAM – Random Access Memory – used to hold data and instructions for the active application program.  It is volatile memory, meaning if the power is lost, the contents are also.

ROM – Read Only Memory – used to store permanent System information.  Programs can be “burned in” during the manufacturing process, to provide quick, reliable loading of key features.

CMOS – Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor chips are used to store programs that change on occasion, such as the computer’s BIOS – Basic Input Output System.