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Knowledge is power! If you are a student struggling with your upcoming CCNA exam, you need to know the fine points and all of the information regarding the components of a Cisco router. Understanding computers and all of their complexity is something that can take years of education. But just knowing the basic fundamentals especially when it comes to Cisco CCNA is really all you need to have the confidence to make it though your exam.

ROM, RAM, NVRAM and of course flash memory can be slightly confusing if you are a new learner. Knowing that everything has its place can simplify the learning process and take the guesswork out of all of the similarities. Each differential has its own meaning and own terms as to the function it provides to assist and make the motherboard of your computer a true work horse!

Read only Memory means ROM. This basically means that this is the read only memory for your computer. The Rom has the complex job of storing the operating system components and software, storing the routers bootstrap program upon startup, the systems operating software and POST diagnostic systems.

Flash is the memory in your computer that stores the Cisco images that are based in your computer. This ROM can be reprogrammed and erased easily and safely. Your internet router stores this information when you reload and shut down your computer system. Random Access Memory is also called RAM. A Cisco router typically keeps important operational information about your computer such as routing tables and running files like the configuration file. Sometimes Random access memory can be lost when the router is being powered on or off.

Non volatile RAM is referred to as NVRAM, it is strictly considered as being non volatile meaning that it information stored can not be lost when a power outage is committed or when the power is turned off or on. NVRAM attaches the running configuration file.

When the RAM is running a configuration file, NVRAM puts the configuration file on hold, if the NVRAM is emptied at the time the router happens to reload the computer user is then prompted to enter a setup mode for safety purposes.

By educating yourself and knowing just a few key points you should have no problem being able to pass your CCNA exam with ease and straightforward ability. Knowing how your computer’s brain operates while utilizing the Cisco router and various components is the key to your overall success. Furthermore, when, in the course of studying for the exam a memory upgrade is needed, PC Wholesale provides a complete line of Cisco Approved and third party memory for every Cisco router or switch