SLC S23 Week5 || Computer Repair - Memory (ROM)

Steemian Friends,
Today, I will write homework for @kouba01 sir's lesson in week 05 of Steemit Learning Challenge 23. The lesson name is SLC S23 Week5 || Computer Repair-Memory (ROM). I learned about a computer's ROM chip by reading today's lesson. I hope everyone likes my homework.

Design By Canva

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1️⃣ Understanding ROM:

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ROM:
ROM is the computer's permanent memory. ROM data is not deleted. ROM memory allows communication between input and output devices when the computer is turned on. Computers have different types of ROMs, such as Mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and Flash ROM. The ROM is updated based on the computer's usage. Currently, flash ROM is the most used.

Difference between ROM and RAM:

Sl. No	Subject	ROM(Read-Only Memory)	RAM(Random Access Memory)
1	Data Storage	ROM stores data permanently.	RAM stores data temporarily.
2	Volatile/Non-Volatile	ROM is called non-volatile because it retains data even when the power is turned off.	RAM is called volatile because data is lost when turned off.
3	Writing and reading	ROM can only be read but not written. However, currently some ROMs can be written and read.	RAM can be both written and read.
4	Speed	ROM Speed is slow.	RAM Speed is very fast.
5	Usage	ROM is used to load the operating system and store the firmware.	RAM is used for program execution and data processing.

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DDR3 RAM

ROM chip within RAM

We call ROM non-volatile because it can save data when the power goes out. Data in ROM is not lost, so it is used as permanent memory. ROM chips use technologies like EEPROM, Flash Memory, or Mask ROM that can hold data without power. ROM usually stores the important data of the computer's BIOS, firmware, and operating system, which is used to start the computer. This data is stored permanently as there is little need to change it.

We use ROM mainly to store permanent software to run the device, which requires very little modification. I have mentioned some important uses of ROM below.

• BIOS and Firmware Storage: This initializes the hardware when the computer is turned on. It also stores the permanent software of various electronic devices, such as mobiles, routers, and printers.

• In an embedded system, ROM stores the software of smart devices like TVs, ovens, and refrigerators.

• Microcontrollers and electronic devices: ROM stores the software of various sensors, vehicle engine control units (ECUs), and calculators.

• Mobile and smart devices: ROM stores part of the mobile operating system (Android firmware).

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2️⃣ Types of ROM:

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ROMs are of different types. They have been updated over the years based on user convenience and storage capacity. Nowadays, smartphones and computers use GB of RAM. Previous ROMs were very slow to erase and rewrite data. Currently, ROMs work very fast.

Compare EPROM, EEPROM, and Flash Memory:

SL. No	Characteristics	EPROM(Erasable Programmable ROM)	EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)	Flash Memory
1	Method of wiping	EEPROM is erased using UV.	EEPROM is erased using electrical signals.	Can be quickly wiped with electrical signals.
2	Reading/writing speed	EPROM write speed is slow.	Writing speed of EEPROM is slow. Write or erase one byte at a time.	The writing speed of Flash Memory is fast. Can be erased or written in blocks at a time.
3	Storage capacity	Storage capacity is limited to few KV to MB.	Medium ranges from a few MB to GB.	The storage capacity is very high. Ranging from a few GB to TB.
4	When writing new data	Old data must be completely deleted and new data must be written.	Delete data one byte and write new data.	Data has to be deleted and new data written in the form of block or page at a time.
5	Usages	Used in BIOS and firmware of older computers.	Used in microcontrollers, smart cards and BIOS.	USB drives and SSDs are used as SD cards and smartphone storage.

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Pixabay

Main Use:
EPROM:
Used to store BIOS and firmware of older computers and requires UV (Ultraviolet light) to erase.

EEPROM:
Used in microcontrollers, smart cards, and some current BIOS. Easier to erase and write than EPROM.

Flash Memory:
Used in USB drives, smartphone storage, and camera SD cards. As it is the advanced version, it is very fast.

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3️⃣ BIOS and CMOS Relationship:

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Relationship of BIOS and CMOS:

BIOS (Basic Input Output System):
BIOS is software stored in a ROM that initializes the hardware when the computer is turned on. It manages the boot process before the operating system is loaded.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) Memory:
CMOS is a small battery-powered memory where BIOS settings are stored. For example, date, time, boot order, hardware configuration, etc. are stored in CMOS.

Introduction of CMOS with ROM and BIOS:

Subject	BIOS(ROM)	CMOS Memory
Reserved space	As non-volatile on the ROM chip.	As low-power RAM on the CMOS chip.
Storage	BIOS stores software and firmware.	BIOS settings store the time, date, and boot options.
When the power goes out	When the power goes off, the data in the ROM remains.	If the battery is dead then the CMOS data is erased.
Battery	No batteries required.	CMOS requires battery.
Usages	Used to configure hardware and manage boot.	Used to save and change BIOS settings.

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4️⃣ Task: Checking Your Computer’s BIOS/UEFI Information

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Bonus: Record a short video demonstrating how to access and navigate BIOS settings.

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I have extracted the BIOS/UEFI information of my laptop and below shows the extraction method in two ways. I made a video with mobile and showed it.

First way:

I press the Windows + R button on the keyboard. Then, I see a text box called Run in the start bar. In the text box, I type msinfo32 and click the enter button. I have shown the red block in the screenshot below.

Picture has full description of my laptop. I have shown some important parts of my laptop in red blocks. Specifically the BIOS version I have shown with two arrows.

Second way:

I restart the computer, press the F12 key while Windows is running, and enter from the keyboard. Then, I see a text box on the screen called Main, Security, Advanced, and UEFI drives. Here, I get the information by pressing the right and left arrows from the keyboard at each point.

After restarting different types of computers, you have to click on F2, Esc, Del or F10. I have taken some pictures with my mobile below.