Basic Computer Memory Types Essay Example for Free

Basic Computer Memory Types EssayRandom Access Memory ( mug up) RAM is a location within the computer remains which is responsible for stacking away selective information on a temporary basis, so that it can be promptly accessed by the processor. The information stored in RAM is typically loaded from the computers hard disk, and includes data related to the operating system and certain applications. When the system is switched off, RAM loses all the stored information. The data remains stored and can be retained only when the system is running. When the RAM gets full, the computer system is more likely to operate at a slake peed.The data can be retrieved in any random order. Generally, there be two types of RAM namely Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM). When many programs are running on the computer simultaneously, the virtual memory allows the computer to see in RAM for memory portions which havent been utilized lately and replicate them onto the hard drive. This act ion frees up RAM space and enables the system to load different programs. Read Only Memory (ROM) This type of memory is active, regardless of whether the system is turned on or is switched off.It is a frame of permanent non-volatile storage memory. As the name read only suggests, the contents in it cannot be changed or modified. It is an integrated circuit which is pre-programmed with important data that should necessarily be present for the computer to carry out its normal functionalities. Cache Cache is a kind of RAM which a computer system can access more responsively than it can in regular RAM. The central processing unit looks up in the cache memory before searching in the central memory storage area to determine the information it requires.This rules out the need for the system to search for information in larger and bigger memory storage areas, which in turn leads to a faster extraction of data. Computer Hard Drive These devices are important data storage components that are installed in the CPL. Their memory ranges widely, and a user may choose the memory depending on the data needed to be stored and accessed. Nowadays, hard drives having a memory capacity of 120 gigabytes to 500 gigabytes are normally used. Flash Memory This is a non-volatile kind of memory which is intended to erect to portable torage and a convenient transfer of data from one computer to another.The data in it can be erased and re-programmed as per the users requirements. It only has a special(prenominal) number of erase and write cycles that it can withstand, after which it creates a tendency to lose out on the stored information. Memory cards and USB flash drives These are entirely the common and main computer memory types which facilitate memory and data storage. However, there are many subtypes which are sorted out according to the memory-related functionalities they achieve and the requirements they serve.