Your Computer Memory Questions Answered

We would be lost without our computers. Businesses are able to operate, keep track of their inventory and order new supplies all through the use of computers. Personal computers keep track of our finances, allow us to surf the World Wide Web and provide ways to relax us through the use of video games. Computer memory is the most vital component that makes your pc run. Did you not know that? Do not feel bad because most computer users know just enough about their personal and work computers to know when something goes wrong. You can get ahead of the pack by this article. You can learn what computer memory is and how it affects the performance of your business or personal pc/laptop.

What is computer memory?

Computer memory is how your computer retrieves information. It starts with temporary storage and then moves from there. The more memory in temporary storage, the faster your computer will run. Think of it as this analogy: you save a phone number on a piece of paper near your phone. It is faster to look there then to have to go find the number again in a phone book. Computer memory works in the same fashion. Without the memory your computer would not run at all.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is very important to the ability of your computer to work. The amount of RAM determines how fast your personal computer or laptop is and how many programs it can run at once. Most computers come with a significant amount of RAM but you may need more depending on what you plan to do with it. Games require large amounts of Random Access Memory so if you intend to be an avid gamer with some of the more popular computer games you are going to have to consider putting some money into your RAM.

How can I tell how much RAM I have on my computer?

If you do not automatically know... what is wrong with you? That is a joke of course. Most people do not know the technical aspects of their computer right off hand. Most never need to know as long as it is working correctly but there is a way to find out very quickly. Simply find the My Computer or Computer icon on your desktop and right click once. A window will pop up, scroll to the bottom where it reads "Properties." Left click on Properties and a window will pop up with all of your technical information. You can look under "System" to find your processor speed and your memory.

What are the types of computer memory storage?

There are four different types of memory storage that you should know about. These four types of memory storage are: Primary storage, Secondary storage, Tertiary storage and Off-line storage. Each one may save information but it will be to a different location and will be a different method of storing the information.

What is non-volatile storage?

Non-volatile storage is memory stored that is actually saved to the hard-drive. When you power off your desktop computer or laptop the information is not wiped out. This type of storage is used for your important paperwork, any information you want to retain from assorted files or if you are saving your game information as you go along. Many times the computer will automatically save information for you temporarily. You have to physically save some information in order for it not to be lost.

What is volatile storage?

Volatile storage is any storage or items that were temporarily stored that will be cleared when you power down your computer. RAM is cleared each time you power your computer down and volatile storage acts in the same manner. It is the opposite of non-volatile storage where information is permanently saved to the hard drive of your desktop or laptop computer.

What is Random and Sequential Access?

Random access is the ability of the pc to draw on different storage randomly. The data does not have to travel a set path in order to be stored or accessed. Sequential access is the direct opposite. There must be a set data path in order for the computer to be able to access the information it needs in order to run properly.

Can the information found in a computer memory be changed?

Yes, information found in a computer's memory can be changed. RAM is deleted and cleared whenever you restart your pc. Long term storage can be deleted and changed to meet your specifications. If you do not know how to change your data, you can always seek out message boards specializing in data storage.

How is memory stored?

Memory is first stored in the primary storage. This is the most accessible memory that is short term. If this memory or RAM is used up the computer will begin to slow down as it has to access more long term memory bank and so most people rely on a larger RAM as they want their computer to run faster. The memory is stored by the processor who decodes the lines of code. It will keep the information stored so that the computer can access it much faster when it needs it.

How does the memory affect my computer's speed?

The more RAM, Random Access Memory, your computer has on hand that eliminates the need for it to retrieve from long-term storage, the faster your computer will become. It will allow you to surf the internet faster (provided you have a fast connection speed), open more applications with little wait time and even allow you to run more advanced software that you previously may not have been able to run before you upgraded your computer's memory speed.

Can different computers use the same memory?

As long as the computer has the same base components, it can use different memory module options. Some computers on a network may be able to be connected together so that they can use a larger RAM database. The database would have to be pretty large for more than one computer to be connected and all of them using the RAM.

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