Memory

Memory

1. RAM & ROM

   • RAM (Random Access Memory)
     • When a program is loaded from a computer's hard disk, its data and instructions are loaded into RAM
       • RAM is smaller but faster than the hard disk
         • RAM is volatile
           • The more RAM a computer has the more applications it can run at the same time
   • ROM (Read Only Memory)
     • Read only means the content cannot be edited or deleted
       • ROM stores data or instructions that will not need to be updated
         • ROM typically stores bootstrapping instructions which tell the computer how to find and start the O.S when the computer is turned on

2. Virtual Memory

   • If RAM isn't large enough to store all the data & instructions it needs to store, virtual memory may be used
     • When this occurs, part of the hard disk is used as an extension of RAM and is temporarily given memory addresses as if it were RAM

3. Cache Memory

   • Cache memory stores copies of data or instructions from RAM that are accessed very regularly
     • This means that these data or instructions can be accessed very quickly
       • Cache memory is usually very small (measured in Kb or Mb rather than Gb)

4. Flash Memory

   • Flash memory uses electronic chips as storage
     • Non Volatile (continues to store data without a source of electricity)
       • Portable solid state memory technonlogy
         • Commonly in two main forms - USB drives and Memory Cards

5. The Future

   • Hybrid Drives
     • Small amount of flash memory for frequently accessed files and a larger area of magnetic storage to increase the storage capacity

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