.: Computer Memory A Vital Part of a PC
By:Paul MacIver
Category:Home / Computers / Hardware
Any device that holds data for a computer for a short period of time is called computer memory. If you have spent even just a little time with any computer, you will hear about RAM, Hard Disks, or CD's and DVD's. All these are means to store the information from a computer. The capacity and speed of storage varies much in these kinds of memory.
The Central Processing Unit of a computer is connected to the main memory. This main memory component is useful in storing the data and programs that are currently being run in the CPU. In modern computers the random access memory (RAM), a solid-state memory, is attached to the CPU using a memory bus. A memory bus is also called an address bus.
In addition to RAM, there may be a cache memory also, which contains small chunks of information that is to be used by the CPU soon. The idea is to reduce the fetching time, and thereby speed up the working of the CPU. Cache memory increases the throughput of the CPU, affecting the performance of the computer. In general, the RAM is the most important part of computer memory. RAM is made from integrated semiconductor chips.
RAM and Other Types of Memory:
The primary characteristic that separates RAM from other types of memory is the fact that any memory location RAM can be accessed at almost the same speed in a random manner. This is vastly different from the accessing approach used in other devices like the sequential one, used in tapes etc. Some RAM chips are volatile, meaning that as soon as the power supply is switched off to these chips, they lose all the data.
Some computers use a shadow RAM as well, which copies data present in ROM to make data availability faster, thereby helping increase the computer's speed and efficiency.
Cost:
In earlier times, the cost of computer hardware was enormous, so whenever an upgrade was required, it was much cheaper to buy the parts and do an upgrade rather than to buy a new computer. This has changed. Now the cost of hardware has gone down, and it is easier to replace the whole computer than to buy a few parts.
This fall in prices is applicable to the desktop computers used by simple homeowners only. Replacing servers and high-end computers is still very expensive, so in the case where any new function or capacity expansion is required, it is easier and cheaper to replace parts such as computer memory.
RAM Configurations:
RAM chips are available in various configurations ranging from 128 MB to 1 GB for laptops and desktops. For normal usage, this much RAM is enough. If you wish to play many games, watch movies, or work on graphics, then you will need to have more RAM as all these applications are memory hungry. In such cases, buying a new system altogether is not a very logical solution. All the computers and laptops come with internal expansion slots that can be used to expand the memory.
An optimal amount of computer memory is essential, as unlike earlier times, our memory needs have grown. Normally, we have an email client, messenger, and music already running when we sit down to work on our computers. All of these have taken their share of memory already, leaving little behind for the application we want to launch for our work. These days 512 MB RAM is the recommended norm.
Article keywords: computer memory, computer memory upgrade, computer memory chip, computer memory module, cache memory, random access memory, RAM
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Paul MacIver has been working with computer hardware for many years, and provides further computer memory info at Computer Memory Guide - Visit Innovative Info for more resources.
.: New Hardware Articles
1). Computer Recycling: What You Need To Know
Overall disposing of computers correctly by recycling parts and components could result in a better cleaner less toxic environment. Cleaner environment means less global warming, habitat destruction and deforestation. Also reducing the amount of raw materials needed in order to produce these machines.
2). How To Keep A Cleaner, Longer Running Computer
One of the more neglected aspects of owning a PC is following some simple preventative maintenance procedures. Preventative maintenance procedures are commonly recommended for most all mechanical and technological gadgets.
3). What is the WEEE Directive?
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 2006 directive concerns the responsible disposal of electrical and computer equipment by companies and individuals, and is now enshrined in European Law.
4). Edgeline Printer Technology Will Change Office Printing Forever
Imagine print speeds as fast as 70 pages per minute. Imagine color output as good as the best inkjet technology. Now combine that with the best operating costs available today. Sound too futuristic to be possible? Find out why this technology could be in your office by mid-year.
5). Ink Cartridges: How to Buy the Best Value Printer For Them
Printers, ink cartridges and other computer peripheral hardware are any everyday part of life at home and work today
6). HP Ink Cartridge Refill Kits Are Smart Buys
For those who need HP ink cartridge refill kits, the news is good. There are many companies that make these tools.
7). Find The Best Computer Printer Ink Price Ranges
However you can not find much difference in computer printer ink price ranges in the stores. Even you may not found the exact price to the same products in different stores. That is why the ultimate solution to get the exact price may in some cases you will get discount price.
.: Top Hardware Articles
1). Acer Aspire 3004WLCi - A Quick Review
I recently found myself in need of a new laptop. With a tight budget and moderate needs, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to find a product that would do what I wanted and still be in my price range.
As a Network Technician and a Web Designer, I needed a machine that would have enough storage to store all my software, projects for my clients, and still be able to handle an occasional temporary operating system backup from a client's machine.
2). IBM Computer Diagnostics: Error and Beep Codes
The following table includes some of the more common printed error codes that might be displayed when your vintage or non vintage IBM computer is performing the power-on self test (POST).
- record error codes that are displayed. If you need to call for help it will be best to be able to provide the error codes.
- if you get multiple error codes , always work to solve problems in the order in which the error codes are displayed.
3). Find your laptop drivers easily!
Many people, especially beginners, struggle in finding drivers for their laptops. In this article, I will illustrate two ways to help you find your laptop drivers quickly, and easily.
The first method we will consider is to visit a company's website, and attempt to find a 'Drivers' or 'downloads' link. If a similar link is not immediately apparent, look for a search box.
4). Canon Pixma inside out the iP4200 Photo Printer
So you might have already heard about the new Canon Pixma iP4200 thats doing the rounds in the computer hardware industry nowadays. Everybody is reviewing it, including us.
Canon has been keeping mum over the longest-lasting-photo-prints debate for sometime now. Possible explanations include the newly released Pixma iP4200, with built-in duplex printing; individual cartridges; two paper-input trays; easy operation; inexpensive; great-looking photos; and 100-year print life.
5). How To Properly Install A New Motherboard
The motherboard is the most expensive computer component so be sure to treat and handle it with great care.There are a few things you should do to ensure no motherboard damage occur as you prepare for the installation.
Be sure you have a clean,well lit,and level work place.Relax your mind and make this task both fun and educational.You will need such tools as a phillips screwdriver,maybe some needle nose pliers and the manual that came with the board.
6). Why do we defrag the Hard Disk?
What is Defragging?
Defragging is process done to a hard disk in order to improve performance and recover some lost disk space. Defragging is an essential part of a PC's upkeep as it keeps all the data on your hard disk in an easily readable order. If a hard disk is left without defragging, then over time the disk will begin to lose performance and also slowly reduce the available capacity to data.
7). USB Memory - Tips on Booting Your USB Device
The arrival of this miniature hard disk was a great timing just as computing is in need for memory drives that can solve the problem of the aging floppy disk.