Computer Memory - How it Works

By: Terro White

Computer have mades our lives so much easier. From setting alarms, to organizing schedule sot being the store house of large amounts of data, they have become a tool that we cannot do without on many occasions. Computer refers to devices for storing programs or to store data. This information is stored on the computer temporarily or permanently for later use in a digital format. Computer runs on binary code. all of the information is processed and worked on by the computer through the use of two digits which are 0 and 1. memory right now is composed of silicon transistors running through integrated circuits. There are two basic types in computer - volatile and non volatile.

Volatile memory is that which needs power to keep the information stored. Currently we use Static Ram or Dynamic Ram in computers for volatile memory. There is also the non-volatile memory in computers. This includes a lot of different magnetic storage devices such as CD's hard drives, USB Drives, Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory and more in computer.

 It is not possible for the memory to access the hard drive each time it needs information, this would slow it down quite a bit. On occasion the computer also accesses information from what is called a cache, for temporary storage and retrieves information regarding what is to be down form what is called a 'register'. When you turn the computer on a large number of operations are taking place in the different memory areas of the computer.

Firstly, it loads itself from the ROM or read only memory and perform various quick checks to ensure all is in order for the systems to be up and running. Next it checks information about basic storage devices, plug and play, boot sequences and such from the Basic Input/output system or BIOS from ROM. The next step is where the RAM comes into play where the basic operating system is loaded. When you open any application as your system is done starting up it is initially opened in RAM. When you hit the save button following completion of the task, it is stored into the specific location and all data is purged from RAM.