Memory

Computer memory basically comes in two forms RAM and ROM.Random Access Memory (RAM) is termed "Volatile" because it loses its contents when the power is switched off. By comparison,Read Only Memory (ROM) retains its contents even when no power is supplied to it.

These two types of memory are rather like your own short and long term memory. Your own name remains with you throughout life and is unlikely to be forgotten and this long term information is rather like the computer's ROM.

If you have an event to recall during the day,such as an appointment,you will only need to recall this up until the event has passed,in which case you can erase it from your memory. This process is rather like the computer's RAM.

The computer's RAM will be measured in Mb (Megabytes) and can be "upgraded",meaning that extra memory can be added to the PC to help it run large programs. This is often the case if the computer has to handle large images when photo-processing or dealing with fine graphics such as when it runs a reality simulation game. Upgrading the memory requires the case of the computer to be opened and a  new circuit board to be added. Unless you have been trained to do this,it is not recommended that you carry out this process yourself.

There are many different types of memory and  to find out about them click on the Wikipedia links below.

Points to remember about Memory:


See Also:  Computer Storage,RAM,ROM