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The Curious Bag
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RAM, also known as random access memory or volatile memory, is used to store information used by the computer's central processing unit. RAM stores this information for quick recall and then ditches it once the program using specific information is closed.
Basics Of RAM
RAM stores groups of data in memory cells placed in a grid format. This memory is in the form of binary code (1s and 0s). As the computer's CPU requires information, it requests that information from the RAM and then processes that information as needed.
Processing Large Amounts Of Data
Computers cannot read entire hard disks at one time, RAM allows "chunks of data" to be moved into a single sector, which can then be read by the computer's CPU by requesting that data from the RAM.
Data Removed at Shutdown
RAM is known as "volatile memory" because all information held in RAM is removed when the computer is turned off. When a reboot occurs, RAM is once again populated as required by each program the user opens. The user's operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) also uses RAM to operate correctly.
Types Of RAM
Types of computer RAM include SIMMs, DIMMs, SO DIMMs, MicroDIMM, RIMM and SO-RIMMs.
What RAM Looks like
Computer memory can come in various shape and sizes. However, RAM typically looks like a flat green stick that has tiny black boxes attached to the outside of the stick.
Source:
ComputerMemoryUpgrade.net: RAM Influence On Computers
Kingston: Different Types Of Memory
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