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What is Memory or RAM?
Requested and Answered by Gene Amtower [pcbgene] on 25-Feb-2009 12:47 (3098 reads)
RAM stands for "Random Access Memory" and is sometimes just called "memory" within the computer industry. RAM is a piece of hardware within any modern computer that serves as a temporary storage of information while it is being used during computer operation.

RAM can refer to the system memory that the system software uses when programs are run or files are opened for any type of work. It can also refer to data storage components within a particular piece of hardware in a system, as with video cards or other hardware that manages data in any way. Video cards have memory to temporarily "hold" the information that is being displayed on-screen at a particular point in time. Hard drives and processors (CPUs) contain dedicated RAM, sometimes called "cache memory" that serves an even more temporary function during some type of data transfer to or from other hardware, minimizing any delay that might occur while waiting for the data be transferred.

The amount of memory, either system memory or device memory, determines how much information can be managed at any point in time, so more memory usually increases the ability for a system or device to properly manage data without incurring issues or delays. Because the amount of memory determines the cost of a system or device, there is a trade-off between adding memory and increasing cost. However, memory technologies are continually improving, which results in an ever decreasing cost for a given amount of memory. This is why newer systems continue to provide more and more memory capacity over time than previously-available systems for the same cost.

For this reason, when deciding between different memory options in a system or device, the determining factor usually comes down to how much you want to pay. In terms of memory, you get what you pay for, and more is always better!

Memory is one of the easiest ways to help extend the life of an older computer, providing slight increases in performance and usability before a system finally must be replaced. Let us know here at PC Backup if we can help you with any memory issues you may be experiencing.


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