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Computer memory
Memory is a vital part for an operational computer.
About computer memory
There are different types of memory in your personal computer and laptop. As technology advances many different types of computer memory are created. Here are samples of current types of computer memory. RAM, ROM, Cache, Dynamic RAM, Static RAM, Flash memory, Memory Sticks, Virtual memory Video memory, and BIOS. RAM is the type of memory in your personal computer that you will have to replace or upgrade to increase your computers performance.
In order for your computer to operate efficiently all the different parts of the machine must work together. Memory is one of the most vital parts in the system to help everything run smooth. Memory takes some of the load off the process or hard drive and CPU. Almost every process that goes on in your computer is first loaded into random access memory (RAM).
Each time something is loaded on your computer part of the process in stored in RAM. RAM is basically a temporary storage area for vital information of programs. Since the CPU has direct access to RAM it speeds processes up so the CPU doesn't have to access the hard drive. If an application is saved to permanent storage (hard drive) then RAM is cleared to make room for new data.
Here is a good example of how ram works. You open a word processing program. The most essential parts of the program that are needed for it to run are loaded into RAM. Other parts of the application may be loaded later as they are needed. You open a file called work.xxx, this file is loaded into RAM so it can be quickly accessed and worked with. You make changes to the file, save it to the hard drive and exit the program. RAM is cleared out and the memory is freed up for use with other applications. Remember RAM is only temporary storage so in this example if you do not save the file to a permanent storage place such as a hard drive any changes in information will be lost.
There are even different types of RAM found in computers: DRAM, SDRAM, and RAMBUS. We'll discuss each of these types of RAM later. The basic thing you need to know when upgrading and replacing your memory is the type of RAM your motherboard can support.
Each type of above memory also has different speeds. The higher the speed the better the RAM; however you should always read your computer manual to know what type and speed of RAM your motherboard can support. Once the type and speed of RAM your motherboard can support is discovered replacement and upgrade of memory is simple. The first step is to unplug your computer. Make sure you are "grounded" before taking the next step. The easiest way to do this is to touch the side of your computer case. Try to avoid working with your computer on carpet. The next step is to remove the case from your computer. Almost every computer case has a different way of taking the face cover off. Many older case models have screws that hold the case together. Newer models have clips or slide bars that hold the cover together. After you remove the cover you will see almost every vital part of your computer. This is where not only the memory is located, but other items including your CPU, hard drive, motherboard, video and sound cards, network cards, modems and other vital parts of the machine. Memory is very easy to spot and usually easily accessible.
Memory is a rectangle shaped object that is green in appearance. I can be located anywhere on the motherboard but is easy to spot. The memory unit will be held in with two clips located on each side of the memory. Push both clips down and the memory should pop up and be released. Once the memory is released you will also notice a small notch in the middle of the memory stick. When you replace the memory make sure the notch aligns with the notch on the mother board. Sometimes you have to use a small amount of force to get the memory back into the computer. Pull the clips back up into the side notches and you have just replaced the memory! Click this link to get more detailed instructions on how to install memory .