Memory 1.2

Memory 1.2

1. RAM

   • Volatile: meaning that it does not retain it's data after being turned off
   • Stores programs and data currently in use
   • DRAM:DynamicRAM
     • Slower, more common and cheaper
   • SRAM:StaticRAM
     • Faster, less common and more expensive

2. ROM

   • Non-volatile: meaning that it reatins it's data once it's been turned off
   • Contains software and programs such as the boot-up sequence and programs like microsoft word and photoshop

3. Power On Self-Test(POST)

   • When power is turned on, POST is the diagnostic testing sequence that a computer's basic input/output system runs to determine if the computer keyboard, random access memory, disk drives, and other hardware are working correctly.

4. Virtual memory

   • Virtual memory is a section of volatile memory created temporarily on the storage drive. It is created when a computer is running many processes at once and RAM is running low.
   • Virtual memory is much slower than main memory because processing power is being taken up by moving data around, rather than just executing instructions.
   • Virtual memory is important because if your computer lacks the RAM needed to run a program, virtual memory compensates by combining the computer's RAM with temporary space on the hard disk

5. Flash memory

   • Disadvantages: Can get damaged easily, wear out, more expensive, can get damaged. Wears out over time but this is up to a million rewrites(enough for almost any application) Data can only be stored in chunks, not good as a main memory.
   • Flash memory is non-volatile so it is ideal for cameras and SSD's.
   • Advantages: Tough and won't break when dropped or exposed to heat.Reliable as there's no moving parts(data can be held for decades) Small and compact and can store gigabytes of data in a small space. Very fast because there is no moving parts to retrieve data

6. Solid state

   • Storage with no moving parts