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RAM
(Random Access Memory):
What You Need To Know
by my-tech-guide.com
All
computers possess the ability to store information in its
memory, also called Random Access Memory, or RAM.
Some computers can hold small amounts of stored data in the
memory and others have the ability to store massive amounts
of information. Whether looking at memory for your next computer
or trying to improve the memory on an existing computer,
there are five basic rules for memory.
Knowing
about RAM is the first rule for computer memory. Random
access memory is a type of computer storage that allows
files and information to be used. This process allows quick
access to data that programs use. Most computer users have
a version of Windows, such as Windows 95 or Windows XP
as their operating system. Those who have Mac programs
use another operating system. When looking at RAM for your
computer, it is important to look at the size. Most computers
users need a minimum of 128 MB. However, the larger the
MB size, the better the computer will operate.
New
computers with newer versions of Windows will need a higher
RAM to run smoothly while an older version of
Windows will require less RAM. Also, while a minimum amount
of RAM will allow the system to operate, it may not perform
at as well as it should.
Another
rule to remember when thinking about computer memory will
be to become familiar with cache and how cache works. Cache,
pronounced “cash”, is a special type of high-speed memory.
The cache is a buffer between the processor and the main
memory. It will send data into the processes. This allows
the computer to do the same functions over and over again.
When the computer is called on to retrieve data, it will
search the internal cache first. If the information is not
found in the cache, it will search in the external cache
chips next and then in the RAM last.
A
cache holds all redundant information to save memory space
and help the computer increase the speed. When
the computer becomes slow, it is often recommended to clean
the cache files and cookies that have been stored. By clearing
space from these places, it allows the computer to process
information faster. When it cannot locate the information
in the cache, it will look in external cache chips and
in the RAM. An example of how cache works is when a page
on the Internet has been stored into the computer. This
allows the user to go back to the last page or forward
to the next.
Knowing
what makes a computer work fast is another good rule for
computer memory. Megahertz (MHz) is the speed
measuring how fast a computer can think. Computers come
in a wide variety of megahertz. This measurement of chip
performance is expressed as millions of cycles per second.
The higher MHz a computer has, the faster it will run.
This directly affects how fast the computer can operate
computers and commands. Some speeds on computers are measured
in gigahertz (GHz). Gigahertz is measured in billions of
cycles per second. One GHz is the same as 1000MHz. Computers
with GHz are often used with programs that use multimedia
applications.
The
last two rules of computer memory involve keeping the computer’s
memory clean and free to store more information and updating
memory. Computers take a lot of memory to keep going. Storing
too much information on a system is the number one way to
slow the computer down. Having too much stored in
the memory bogs the computer down and will often cause computers
to crash as well. When a computer becomes slow, it
is often necessary to clean the computer’s memory by defragging
the system or deleting unnecessary files and programs.
Computer
users can find out how much memory their computers have by
checking the system control panel in Windows. That information
can be located in the About This Computer menu on a Mac.
This can also tell the user how much RAM the computer can
handle and what type of memory and the speed of the RAM.
New memory for an older computer can be updated easily and
inexpensively if more is needed.
Most
computer technicians can install more memory into the computer
with minimal cost. When looking to hire someone
to install computer memory it is recommended to purchase
upgraded RAM from a vendor that gives a good guarantee.
Make sure to back up all files on a disk before having
the memory upgraded.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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