| Computer memory refers to either of two types | | | | but 8MB runs far better.Beyond operating |
| of computer storage. Volatile memory refers | | | | system demands, the amount of RAM required |
| to RAM that needs to be constantly refreshed | | | | depends on the applications to be run. For |
| to be retained. Static memory is permanent | | | | example, heavy graphics, real time video, and |
| storage that is retained even after the | | | | such need more RAM to keep things from |
| computer is turned off.RAM or Random Access | | | | slowing to a crawl or stop. Generally, |
| Memory is volatile memory that is erased when | | | | off-the-rack machines come with 8 to 16MB, |
| the power goes off. Program instructions | | | | more than enough for a general purpose |
| and data held in RAM can be accessed and | | | | computer.With improved handling of memory, |
| saved much more quickly than that held in | | | | reduced access times, and lower cost have |
| permanent storage. Therefore, files needed | | | | conspired to make larger amounts of RAM |
| to run a program and data that is being | | | | practical. Which in turn has given |
| processed are held in RAM while they are in | | | | programmers free rein to add more bells and |
| use. The amount of RAM you need depends at | | | | whistles. This also helps programmers to |
| least partly on the operating system( a | | | | become more creative in writing programs that |
| program that directs all the basic functions | | | | require more RAM. There is reason to |
| of a computer such as accepting commands from | | | | believe that this trend will continue.As for |
| a keyboard, displaying input on a monitor | | | | static memory, you don't have to be very old |
| screen, and controlling disk drives and some | | | | to remember buying a computer without a hard |
| other peripheral devices) you select as well | | | | drive, then later installing a 20MB hard |
| as the type of programs you intend to | | | | drive, unable to imagine ever needing more |
| run.When you boot up the computer, in other | | | | storage than that. Today, a 250MB hard |
| words turn it on, the operating system or | | | | drive is popular; however, most new computers |
| part of it is loaded into the RAM along with | | | | are in the 500 to 1000MB( 1 gigabyte) range. |
| a variety of utilities required for normal | | | | And you may need all of that MB and then |
| operation. Therefore, programs and data are | | | | some.Computer Memory fact #1: For the faint |
| loaded into what's left. As little as | | | | of heart, when programs or data files are |
| 2MB(megabytes) total will suffice for most | | | | called up from permanent storage, they are |
| DOS( disk operating system-a proprietary | | | | not moved, they are merely copied. If the |
| program that controls all the basic functions | | | | power goes off during processing, programs |
| of a computer) programs. In a Windows 3.x | | | | generally are safe. The only loss will be |
| environment, 4MB is the recommended minimum, | | | | data that was changed since the last save. |