Different Types of Computer Memory

Computer memory refers to either of two types of Computer storage. Volatile memory refers to RAM that needs to be constantly refreshed to be retained. Static memory is permanent storage that is retained even after the Computer is turned off.

Different Types of Computer Memory

Different Types of Computer Memory

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Different Types of Computer Memory

Different Types of Computer Memory

RAM or Random Access Memory is volatile memory that is erased when the power goes off. Program instructions and data held in RAM can be accessed and saved much more quickly than that held in permanent storage. Therefore, files needed to run a program and data that is being processed are held in RAM while they are in use. The amount of RAM you need depends at least partly on the operating system( a program that directs all the basic functions of a Computer such as accepting commands from a keyboard, displaying input on a monitor screen, and controlling disk drives and some other peripheral devices) you select as well as the type of programs you intend to run.

When you boot up the computer, in other words turn it on, the operating system or part of it is loaded into the RAM along with a variety of utilities required for normal operation. Therefore, programs and data are loaded into what's left. As little as 2MB(megabytes) total will suffice for most DOS( disk operating system-a proprietary program that controls all the basic functions of a computer) programs. In a Windows 3.x environMent, 4MB is the recomMended minimum, but 8MB runs far better.

Beyond operating system demands, the amount of RAM required depends on the applications to be run. For example, heavy graphics, real time video, and such need more RAM to keep things from slowing to a crawl or stop. Generally, off-the-rack machines come with 8 to 16MB, more than enough for a general purpose computer.

With improved handling of memory, reduced access times, and lower cost have conspired to make larger amounts of RAM practical. Which in turn has given programmers free rein to add more bells and whistles. This also helps programmers to become more creative in writing programs that require more RAM. There is reason to believe that this trend will continue.

As for static memory, you don't have to be very old to remember buying a computer without a hard drive, then later installing a 20MB hard drive, unable to imagine ever needing more storage than that. Today, a 250MB hard drive is popular; however, most new computers are in the 500 to 1000MB( 1 gigabyte) range. And you may need all of that MB and then some.

Computer Memory fact #1: For the faint of heart, when programs or data files are called up from permanent storage, they are not moved, they are merely copied. If the power goes off during processing, programs generally are safe. The only loss will be data that was changed since the last save.

Computer Memory fact #2: If you decided to get a MAC computer, don't worry. The MAC computer comes loaded with a proprietary operating system and the proper amount of RAM to run it.

Different Types of Computer Memory

Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory

Photographic memory has been considered impossible to acquire since you need to be born with it to acquire it. However you don't need to remember everything using a photographic memory. You can use it just to remember certain things you want to. Here are 5 tips to improve your memory using a photographic memory.

Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory

Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory

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Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory

Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory

1. Associating Pictures

When you read some material and want to remember the facts, you can make up a story which explains the facts in a humorous way. For example, if you want to remember the components of a Computer, you can picture each component using a funny image.

The motherboard can have your mother's face on the side. That's easy to remember. The RAM (or Computer memory), can look like a battering ram, the CPU can look like a brain since it's the brain of the computer.

Using these images, you can picture in your mind, all these components together with the associated images. If you have a test on what are the components of a PC, you can imagine the picture and write out all the answers.

2. Remembering Faces

When you try to remember a person's name or face, you need to look at their features such as hAir, eyes, mouth, nose and shape of face. Then imagine their names on their foreheads.

You then need to imagine the picture in your mind of the this person. The more you practice doing this, the better your photographic memory becomes.

3. Photograph Games

A good exercise you can do to remember pictures is to play games where you train up your brain in relation to photographic images.

Take a picture of a magazine, look at it for a minute and then write down everything you can see. After playing this game for a few weeks, many people have stated that they have improved treMendously in remembering images they've seen.

Here you are training your brain on how to remember pictures you've seen when you concentrate on it.

4. Practicing Photographic Memory

Another game you can play to improve your photographic memory, is to look at your desk or room, for about 5 seconds and then close your eyes and think about the picture in your mind.

Can you recall all the details you've seen? Can you see all the colors of the items?

5. Concentration

If you want to improve your photographic memory, then you need to practice concentration. Let's say for the above games and exercises that have just been discussed - you won't succeed unless you focus on what you want your brain to remember.

Children have better photographic memories than adults. They also have a better short term memory. The reason is that they focus on what they see and thus it's easier for them to remember.

Adults prefer multi-tasking, where their thoughts jump everywhere and they're doing something with their hands simultaneously.

Focusing your attention on one task will improve your memorization of the task at hand. If you mutli-task or get disrupted, your memorization ability falls.

Having a photographic memory can be trained up. As long as you train your brain to remember images when you concentrate on a particular scene or objects. Having a complete photographic memory is impossible unless you are born with it.

But do you really want a true photographic memory? You'll remember everything you see. You'll go crazy. Practicing a photographic memory, is just one of the techniques to improve memory. You need to read up more on memory improveMent to understand other exercises and techniques so that you can improve your memory for the long term.

Photographic Memory - 5 Tips to Improve Memory