| An Overview Of Computer Memory | | Print | |
Random Access Memory, or RAM. Some computers can hold small amounts of stored
data in the memory and others have the ability to store massive amounts of
information. Whether looking at memory for your next computer or trying to improve
the memory on an existing computer, there are five basic rules for memory.
Knowing about RAM is the first rule for computer memory. Random access memory
is a type of computer storage that allows files and information to be used.
process allows quick access to data that programs use. Most computer users have a
version of Windows, such as Windows 95 or Windows XP as their operating system.
Those who have Mac programs use another operating system. When looking at RAM
for your computer, it is important to look at the size. Most computers users need a
minimum of 128 MB. However, the larger the MB size, the better the computer will
operate.
New computers with newer versions of Windows will need a higher RAM to run
smoothly while an older version of Windows will require less RAM. Also, while a
minimum amount of RAM will allow the system to operate, it may not perform at as
well as it should. Another rule to remember when thinking about computer memory
will be to become familiar with cache and how cache works. Cache, pronounced
“cash”, is a special type of high-speed memory. The cache is a buffer between the
processor and the main memory. It will send data into the processes. This allows the
computer to do the same functions over and over again. When the computer is called
on to retrieve data, it will search the internal cache first. If the information is not
found in the cache, it will search in the external cache chips next and then in the
RAM last.
A cache holds all redundant information to save memory space and help the
computer increase the speed. When the computer becomes slow, it is often
recommended to clean the cache files and cookies that have been stored. By clearing
space from these places, it allows the computer to process information faster. When
it cannot locate the information in the cache, it will look in external cache chips and
in the RAM.
An example of how cache works is when a page on the Internet has been stored into
the computer. This allows the user to go back to the last page or forward to the next.
Knowing what makes a computer work fast is another good rule for computer
memory.
Megahertz (MHz) is the speed measuring how fast a computer can think. Computers
come in a wide variety of megahertz. This measurement of chip performance is
expressed as millions of cycles per second. The higher MHz a computer has, the
faster it will run. This directly affects how fast the computer can operate computers
and commands. Some speeds on computers are measured in gigahertz (GHz).
Gigahertz is measured in billions of cycles per second. One GHz is the same as
1000MHz. Computers with GHz are often used with programs that use multimedia
applications. The last two rules of computer memory involve keeping the computer’s
memory clean and free to store more information and updating memory. Computers
take a lot of memory to keep going. Storing too much information on a system is the
number one way to slow the computer down. Having too much stored in the memory
bogs the computer down and will often cause computers to crash as well. When a
computer becomes slow, it is often necessary to clean the computer’s memory by
defragging the system or deleting unnecessary files and programs.
Computer users can find out how much memory their computers have by checking
the system control panel in Windows. That information can be located in the About
This Computer menu on a Mac. This can also tell the user how much RAM the
computer can handle and what type of memory and the speed of the RAM. New
memory for an older computer can be updated easily and inexpensively if more is
needed.
Most computer technicians can install more memory into the computer with minimal
cost. When looking to hire someone to install computer memory it is recommended
to purchase upgraded RAM from a vendor that gives a good guarantee. Make sure to
back up all files on a disk before having the memory upgraded| Users' Comments (0) |
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