RAM Memory

If one could explain RAM memory with an analogy, one could compare it to a tree. Random Access Memory is the trunk of the tree: stranding proud and strong, sturdy enough to hold almost anything. When the wind sways, the branches are able to stand the test. RAM is the best known form of computer memory as it is one of the most basic and the one most of the latest memory programs are made from.

Let's examine this memory piece by piece. It is entitled Random Access as memory cells may be access directly if you know the exact location it came from. A memory chip, which makes RAM, is an integrated circuit made from millions of transistors and capacitors. This chip can only manipulate what's in the main memory or RAM.

RAM memory has two huge branches: DRAM or Dynamic Random Access Memory and SRAM or Static Random Access Memory. Used in most personal computers, DRAM must be constantly refreshed to avoid losing data. SRAM is faster, less volatile, and is more reliable. The term "static" is used as it does not need refreshing. The disadvantages to this type of memory are that it needs more power and is more expensive. Because of the price, most SRAM is typically used as cache memory.

Please do not confuse the terms "memory" and "storage." These are two completely different items, but people understand them to mean the same thing. Memory refers to the amount of RAM that is installed in the computer itself. Storage is the capacity of the computers hard drive. Information stays in tact in storage even when the computer is off. It may look like a tree, but actually be just a twig.

Because these branches can bud, grow and develop leaves, memory is able to branch into unique types for your computer system. An upgrade, as this new branch is called, is a newer or latest version of a product to replace an older version.