ComputersEquipment

What is computer memory?

No computing device can work without the installed memory. Even a conventional pocket calculator stores in its memory cells entered numbers and calculation results, especially when it comes to a full-fledged computer. Unfortunately, modern users do not always want to know the device of their electronic assistant. This is the trend of development: people always strive to effectively solve the tasks, and not to delve into the specifics of the equipment. Therefore, this article is designed primarily for curious owners of computers that want to expand their horizons and find out what is the memory of the computer and what it is.

Many newcomers will be surprised, but only a RAM is installed in the computer and laptop. Remember: only one type! Entering the electronics store and asking the consultant to show the computer's memory, one should not wait for questionable guiding questions, like "which one" (this is in the future), but showcases with RAM modules.

Physically, operational memory is a series of microcircuits placed on a rectangular plate of textolite called "memory module." On one side of the plate there are sliding copper contacts, allowing you to insert the module into the connector of the motherboard of the computer. In some cases, the chips themselves are not visible, since they are hidden under a metal "clothing" that protects them from accidental contact and static damage, mechanical strength also increases, and, of course, the "clothing" performs the functions of a radiator, removing heat from hot microcircuits. The computer memory differs by type (SDRAM, DDR, DDR2 and 3), the presence of the ECC correction block, the form factor (for notebooks the size of the plate is reduced) and the volume in gigabytes. Of course, it can also be attributed to the developer.

The computer's operative memory serves for temporary storage of the results of the operation of the central processor, all programs are performed in its volume. After turning off the power, all data contained in it is lost. An exception is S3 sleep mode . For this reason, the RAM is volatile. With certain reservations, RAM can be equated with human memory.

In addition to this, various sources often indicate a non-volatile memory of the computer. Although the word "memory" to such devices is only partially applicable and not entirely correct, it is necessary to tell about it. Obviously, the data stored in it is not lost when power is cut off. A vivid example is a hard disk (hard drive). He is a distant relative of the magnetic cassette tape familiar to many people. Of course, there is no film in it, but the surface, magnetized by the recording heads, remained. The installation of programs and the operating system is performed on the partitions of the disk. Another carrier, to which the term "memory" is sometimes used, is the familiar CD-ROM.

After all, these devices should not be called memory. By analogy, they can be compared with a notebook in the hands of a man, and of course no one calls a book "memory."

All of the above applies to real devices. But besides them there is a system memory. It represents the whole volume of cells, formed from the memory modules installed in the computer. For example, connected two modules of 2 gigabytes each - in the amount of system memory was 4 GB. Sometimes this term is used in a narrower sense, which implies the indication of the bit-rate of the operating system used: even with the 4 GB installed, the 32-bit operating system allows you to work with only 3.25 GB. Versions of 64-bit are much more available, but this is a completely different topic ...

By the way, speaking of increasing the computer's memory, it means increasing the amount of RAM, not the hard disk. It's that simple.

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