What is Computer Memory?

A computer requires memory in order to run applications (RAM/DRAM), handle basic functions (ROM), as well as process all video functions (VRAM). It is vital to a computer to have memory in order to process all of the commands that are entered either physically or programatically.

Firmware is ROM (Read-Only Memory) that resides on the motherboard (the main board in the computer that contains the CPU, bus, and slots for the cards to be plugged in to). Firmware stores basic command information in order for the motherboard to communicate with the CPU. It is called firmware because it resides on the motherboard and is never (practically) removed or replaced. It is ROM, because it cannot be rewritten. This is important as it is what allows the electronics of the motherboard (ie. +/- 5V) to be translated into 0s and 1s for the CPU.

RAM/DRAM (Random Access Memory/Dynamic RAM) is used to store programs while they are running. Programs (applications) are stored in RAM and presented to the user based on the user's requests. The firmware/CPU will "page" the application into RAM/DRAM as needed, so the more RAM/DRAM that you have the better off you are. "Paging" is a feature that allows large programs that don't fit into the RAM/DRAM available on the motherboard to "page" in the necessary piece of the application when it is needed. For example, if you have 512MB of RAM/DRAM and the program that you are running is 1GB in size, only 1/2 of the program can be stored at any given time, thus it will be paged into memory (RAM/DRAM) as neede (this a very general way of looking at RAM/DRAM, not to be taken literally). RAM/DRAM is also used by the CPU to handle internal O/S (Operating System) issues. RAM/DRAM is critical to the motherboard and the operation of a computer. RAM/DRAM therefore is not ROM, as it can be (and is) rewritten over and over again during the course of a user's session on the computer.

The last form of memory that I want to discuss in this article is VRAM (Video RAM). This generally is stored on a video card that is plugged in to the motherboard (NOTE: more and more motherboards are coming with VRAM installed on them so that you don't need a special card for it). Basically VRAM is RAM specifically for rendering graphics on a screen of some sort (monitor, TV). VRAM is very important for you gamers out there. The more VRAM that you have the faster the computer tends to be able to render your graphics. If you are not using your computer for gaming then VRAM is nominally necessary.

As we have seen from this article, ROM, RAM/DRAM, and VRAM all have important roles to play in your computer's operation. Without any one of these pieces, you will be hard pressed to have a running computer.

Happy computing,
Mike Kolar
mkolar99@yahoo.com
http://www.BowlersEverything.com

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