ROM stands for Read Only Memory and RAM stands for Random Access Memory. ROM is non-volatile which means that it stores the information on it permanently and read-only. It stores the information and instructions needed to boot-up the computer. RAM is volatile which means that its storage is temporary. Once the computer is turned off, any information stored on the RAM is wiped immediately. RAM allows the computer to run applications. The storage size of the RAM will determine how fast the computer will run to retreive the data needed to run applications and the system.