Peck Tech Designs - Introduction to Memory

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Introduction to Memory

There are two basic types of memory in a computer: RAM and ROM.

RAM, or Random Access Memory

RAM is the "changeable" kind of memory. It changes according to what's needed, just like you can put whatever you need in a "pigeonhole" box like that at the left.

If you're typing a letter or email on the computer, it's stored in this type of memory. Programs you're using are stored here as well.

Whatever is in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off unless it's first saved to a hard drive or diskette.

Memory usually comes in multiples of 64meg, or 64 megabytes (64,000,000 characters). Minimum memory to run today's programs with good performance is usually 128meg or preferably 256meg.

ROM, or Read Only Memory

ROM is a specialized type of memory that contains what was initially put there by the computer manufacturer; it never changes - similar to a book, which has what the publisher put into it.

Unlike RAM, it survives losing power.

ROM normally contains information needed by the computer to "boot up", or or start up, when it's turned on.

"Load" vs. "Save"

These common terms both describe moving information between memory (temporary, but changeable) and storage (permanent, but not changeable).

Load	copy from a hard disk or floppy into the working memory, so it can be viewed and/or changed storage --> memory
Save	do the reverse, i.e., to copy what's in memory onto a hard disk or floppy, so it won't be lost when the computer is turned off memory --> storage