Computer memory is a critical component in computing. Computer memory is a resource that your computer uses to store data, both for running programs and storing data, allowing you to multitask smoothly. Unlike hard disk space, memory is a much more finite resource. The more memory a computer has, the more data it can process without using virtual memory. Memory can be expanded either by adding memory modules or by replacing modules with greater capacity.
There are two main types of memory in a PC: random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). RAM is used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on. The computer itself uses ROM at start-up. This means that data stored in RAM will not be present once the computer has been turned off.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is generally referred to as “memory” or “system memory.” RAM is volatile, which means when the computer powers off, RAM loses its data. When you open programs and files, they get loaded from storage into RAM so that you can use them.
Your computer needs enough RAM to support all the programs you want to run simultaneously; if it does not have enough, it will run slowly or crash altogether.
Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a non-volatile memory that retains its contents even when the computer is switched off. ROM chips are typically used for booting and firmware updates, so most computers have some amount of Read-Only Memory.”
Why do you Need Computer Memory?
Computer Memory provides a temporary place to store data because the CPU cannot directly access information from the hard drive. Instead, data must be processed must be first transferred into primary memory (RAM) and then processed by the processor. After the process is completed, the output is stored back into the RAM before it gets transferred onto the hard disk.
How Does it Work?
When you open a program, file, or document on your computer, it copies from long-term storage into RAM so that your computer can process it faster. (You can think of this as copying something from a filing cabinet into a clipboard.) Once you close the program, file, or document, that information disappears from RAM and goes back into storage while waiting for the next time you need it.
Without memory, each time your computer needed an item of data stored on its hard disk drive, it would have to locate and read that information from the disk before continuing with its task. This would make performing any operation extremely slow. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why computer memory is an integral part of any computing system.
Computer memory has many different names, but they all have the same purpose: temporary data storage while a computer is running.
RAM (random access memory) is the most common type of computer memory. RAM stores all the data your computer is currently accessing and using to be accessed quickly and easily.
For example, if you’ve got a Word document open, RAM stores all that text and formatting so that you can edit it without having to reload it from your hard drive (or solid-state drive). RAM can only store information while a computer is switched on – as soon as you turn off your computer, any information in RAM will disappear.
Computer memory allows for short-term data access. Data is retrieved in a random-access manner, meaning individual data blocks can be stored or retrieved in any order and not just sequentially.
Computer memory operates at high speed, for example, random-access memory (RAM), as a distinction from storage that provides slow-to-access information but offers higher capacities. If required, contents of the computer memory can be transferred to hold for longer-term preservation of information.
When you open up a program, it creates a process that starts to use up some of your computer’s memory. The more processes you have running at once, the more memory they use, as each process needs its chunk of memory to function correctly.
At any given time, your computer has a lot of different processes running simultaneously, from system processes that are always running (like the operating system itself) to background processes that keep things like your antivirus software or Dropbox folder syncing and updated.
Then there are the programs you’ve opened yourself, like Microsoft Word, Chrome, or Spotify. All of these need their chunk of memory to run correctly.
So why does any of this matter? Well, if you’ve run out of memory, meaning that other processes have taken up all the available chunks, your computer won’t be able to create new processes until existing ones have been completed and freed.
Types of Computer Memory.
Memory can be split into two categories: Primary and Secondary Memory. There are many different types of Primary Memory, each one fulfilling a specific purpose. Some types of Primary Memory are;
Cache Memory. Data from the Secondary Memory will temporarily be stored for quicker access from the Processor before being either discarded or transferred back to the Secondary Memory to free up space for other data on the Cache.
Dynamic RAM. DRAM is a semiconductor memory that stores data or program code that allows a computer processor to operate.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is another type of primary memory that allows for faster transfer between processors and shorter wait times. This is due to its ability to access any storage location directly without delay from retrieving information from other devices such as hard drives, optical disks, etc.
Virtual memory. Virtual memory allows a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily moving data from RAM to disk storage using hardware and software. Secondary memory can be used as part of the main memory in this memory management strategy.
Static RAM. SRAM can store data bits in its memory for as long as it is powered. SRAM does not need to be updated frequently, unlike DRAM, which keeps bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor.
Double Data Rate SDRAM. In theory, DDR SRAM is a type of SDRAM that can boost memory clock speeds to at least 200 MHz.
Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous Dynamic RAM. Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) is a synchronized type of RAM, and dynamic DDR4 RAM is a form of DRAM with a high-bandwidth interface that succeeds DDR2 and DDR3 RAM.
DDR4 RAM has a lower voltage need and a higher module density than DDR3 RAM. It has faster data transfer rates and supports up to 64 GB of dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).
Programmable ROM. ROM that can be programmed. A PROM is a type of ROM that a user can change just once. It allows users to customize a microcode program using a PROM programmer, a specific computer.
Read-only memory. Memory that can only be read. ROM (read-only memory) is a kind of computer storage that contains non-volatile, permanent data that cannot be written to but can generally only be read. The programming that allows a computer to start up or regenerate each time it is turned on is stored in the ROM.
Erasable PROM. EPROM stands for programmable read-only memory, which may be wiped and reused. It’s a PROM that can be erased. The memory chip is erased by beaming a strong UV light through a window built into it.
Rambus Dynamic RAM. It is a type of dynamic RAM. According to the manufacturers, DRDRAM is a memory subsystem that can transport up to 1.6 billion data per second. RAM, the RAM controller, the bus that connects RAM to the microprocessor, and the devices in the computer that utilize it make up the subsystem.
Electrically erasable PROM. This is a PROM that can be erased electrically. EEPROM is a type of user-modifiable ROM that can be erased and reprogrammed several times using a higher-than-normal electrical voltage. Unlike EPROM chips, EEPROMs can be reprogrammed without having to remove from the computer. On the other hand, an EEPROM chip must be erased and reprogrammed completely, not selectively.
How Can You Upgrade Computer Memory?
Memory upgrades can be one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your computer’s performance.
While a desktop computer is usually easy to get into, laptops are another story. Some manufacturers make it simple by putting access panels on the bottom that let you get at the RAM without tools, while others require you to remove several screws and pry off the keyboard first.
That’s not always as bad as it sounds, but if you have never opened up a laptop before, consider hiring a professional to do the work for you.
If your computer is running slowly, you’re receiving error messages that indicate low memory, or you want to run more programs at once, your first solution might be adding more memory – also called RAM – to your system.
However, there are a few things you need to know about upgrading computer memory before you get started:
It’s usually easy to add RAM. It’s unnecessary to have the extensive technical knowledge or open up your computer. Instead, most modern computers have user-accessible memory slots on the motherboard where you can easily remove old modules and add new ones yourself.
You need the right kind of memory for your computer. Not all types of RAM are compatible with all computers, so check the specifications for your motherboard and operating system before purchasing any modules. You can also use Crucial Advisor or Crucial System Scanner tools to determine what type of memory your computer uses.
You might need a new heat sink if you upgrade with high-performance modules. This special metal device attaches to the top of some types of RAM to dissipate excess heat generated by the modules during operation.
Computer memory can be confusing, especially since you’re probably only hearing about it at the moment you have to upgrade your PC. However, once you understand which is which and why you need to upgrade, it shouldn’t be too hard to look into different types of memory.