What is RAM?

Author: Michael Freeman

Author: Michael Freeman

RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. It constitutes what most people usually think of when they say memory in relation to their computer. RAM is the component largely responsible for a computer being fast or slow. It is also one of the most frequently-upgraded pieces of computer equipment. It is very easy to upgrade these components. RAM, processor power and hard drive speed are three of the biggest factors where a computers overall speed is concerned. RAM is the easiest of these aspects to improve upon and, especially at present, it is one of the least expensive of all computer components.

RAM essentially works as a scratchpad where the computer can store information temporarily. It is particularly important when working with applications that use very large files. For this reason, computers used by graphic designers and accountants will usually have a very large amount of computer memory installed. The computer uses this resource to keep pieces of data instantly accessible. It is largely the random aspect of RAM that gives it its real value. It is also the fact that it is instantly rewriteable from which a great deal of its flexibility is derived.

If one were to take apart a hard drive, one would find something rather akin to an old record. There are metal platters in these devices which are read by a stylus. Other forms of storage, such as a compact disc or DVD, have the same characteristic makeup. This means that, in order to find information, the computer must scour through the files on the media in a specific order, from first to last. With RAM, the access, as the name implies, is totally random. If computer data were a book, RAM would constitute the ability to instantly open up that book to any desired piece of information on any given page rather than paging through it one by one.

RAM tends to need upgrading more frequently than do other the components on computers. Most often, new programs will require more RAM than did their predecessors. This is simply because computers expand in power at a regular rate and manufacturers want to take advantage of that power. Every computer will have a ceiling limit on RAM. When purchasing computer memory, make sure to stay within these limits and to make sure that one doesnt purchase too much. Over purchasing simply constitutes wasting money.About the Author:

House of Memory specializes in Apple memory products as well as computer memory products for PCs, including Acer, HP, Dell, Sony, Toshiba and more. We have all of your computer and laptop memory products, as well flash memory cards and hard drives. Visit HouseofMemory.com for more information on computer memory.

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