RAM is Random Access Memory. ROM is Read Only Memory.

RAM is the memory available for the operating system, programs and processes to use when the computer is running. ROM is the memory that comes with your computer that is pre-written to hold the instructions for booting-up the computer. RAM requires a flow of electricity to retain data (e.g. the computer powered on). ROM will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered off). RAM is a type of volatile memory. Data in RAM is not permanently written. When you power off your computer the data stored in RAM is deleted. ROM is a type of non- volatile memory. Data in RAM is permanently written and is not erased when you power off your computer.
SNR Margin and Line Attenuation - What do they mean?
There have been many posts regarding SNR and Line Attenuation. SNR SNR means Signal to Noise Ratio. Simply put divide the Signal value by Noise Value and you get SNR. You need high SNR for a stable connection. In general, a higher signal to noise ratio will result in less errors. 6bB. or below = Bad and will experience no line synchronisation and frequent disconnections 7dB-10dB. = Fair but does not leave much room for variances in conditions. 11dB-20dB. = Good with little or no disconnection problems 20dB-28dB. = Excellent 29dB. or above = Outstanding Note that most modems display value as SNR Margin and not pure SNR. SNR Margin You can think of SNR margin as the measure of quality of the service; it defines the ability of the service to work error free during noise bursts. This is a measure of the difference between your current SNR and the SNR that is required to keep a reliable service at your connection speed. If your SNR is very close to the minimum required SNR, you are more likely to suffer intermittent connection faults, or slowdowns. You need a high margin to ensure that bursts of interference don't cause constant disconnections. With traditional broadband, the higher the SNR Margin, the better. With MaxDSL the faster speeds are only available as a trade-off with what your line can reliably support. The Target SNR Margin is about 6dB. If yourbroadband is provided through an LLU (Local Loop Unbundled) network, this target SNR Margin may be as high as 12dB.

Line Attenuation In gerneral, attenuation is the loss of signal over distance. Unfortunately, dB loss is not just dependent on distance. It also depends on cable type and gauge (which can differ over the length of the cable), the numberand location other connection points on the cable. 20bB. and below = Outstanding 20dB-30dB. = Excellent 30dB-40dB. = Very Good 40dB-50dB. = Good 50dB-60dB. = Poor and may experience connectivity issues 60dB. and above = Bad and will experience connectivity issues Line attenuation also affects your speed. 75 dB+: Out of range for broadband 60-75 dB: max speed up to 512kbps 43-60dB: max speed up to 1Mbps 0-42dB: speed up to 2Mbps+