No computing device canwork without installed memory. Even the usual pocket calculator stores in its memory cells entered numbers and calculation results, especially when it comes to a full-fledged computer. Unfortunately, modern users do not always want to know the device of their electronic assistant. This is the trend of development: people always strive to effectively solve the tasks, and not to delve into the specifics of the equipment. Therefore, this article is designed primarily for curious owners of computers that want to expand their horizons and find out what is the memory of the computer and what it is.
Many newcomers will be surprised, but in the computer andThe laptop is installed only on RAM. Remember: only one type! Entering the electronics store and asking the consultant to show the computer's memory, one should not wait for counter-suggestive questions, like "which one" (this is in the future), but showcases with RAM modules.
Physically, RAM is aa number of microcircuits placed on a rectangular plate of textolite called "memory module". On one side of the plate there are sliding copper contacts, which allow to insert the module into the connector of the motherboard of the computer. In some cases, the chips themselves are not visible, because they are hidden under a metal "clothing" that protects them from accidental contact and static damage, mechanical strength is also increased and, of course, "clothing" performs the functions of a radiator, removing heat from hot microcircuits. The computer memory is different in type (SDRAM, DDR, DDR2 and 3), the presence of the ECC correction block, the form factor (for laptops the size of the plate is reduced) and the volume in gigabytes. Of course, it can be attributed to the developer.
The computer's operational memory is used fortemporary storage of the results of the work of the central processor, all programs are performed in its volume. After turning off the power, all data contained in it is lost. An exception is S3 sleep mode. For this reason, the RAM is volatile. With certain reservations, the operative can be equated with the memory of a person.
In addition to it, various sources often point tononvolatile computer memory. Although the word "memory" for such devices is only partially applicable and not entirely correct, it is necessary to tell about it. Obviously, the data stored in it is not lost when power is cut off. A vivid example is a hard disk (hard drive). He is a distant relative of the magnetic cassette tape familiar to many people. Of course, there is no film in it, but the surface magnetized by the recording heads remains. The installation of programs and the operating system is performed on the partitions of the disk. Another carrier, to which the term "memory" is sometimes used, is the familiar CD-ROM.
After all, these devices should not be called memory. By analogy, they can be compared with a notebook in the hands of a man, and of course no one calls a book "memory."
All of the above is trueexisting devices. But besides them there is a system memory. It represents the whole volume of cells formed from the memory modules installed in the computer. For example, connected two modules of 2 gigabytes each - in the amount of system memory was 4 GB. Sometimes this term is used in a narrower sense, which implies the indication of the bitterness of the operating system used: even with the 4 GB installed, the 32-bit operating system allows you to work with only 3.25 GB. Versions of 64-bit are much more available, but this is a completely different topic ...
By the way, speaking of increasing the computer's memory, it means increasing the amount of RAM, not the hard disk. It's that simple.
