| In this article we're going to review the | | | | Extended Data Out Dynamic Random Access |
| different types of computer memory as they do | | | | Memory. This is very fast memory which |
| not all function the same way.The most common | | | | doesn't wait until processing of the first |
| and most often used computer memory is your | | | | bit is completed before moving on to the next |
| RAM which stands for Random Access Memory. | | | | bit. Then we have SDRAM, which is |
| Random Access Memory is considered random | | | | Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. |
| access because you can access any cell of the | | | | This type of memory takes advantage of the |
| memory at any time for any piece of | | | | fact that in most cases the data that needs |
| information either for retrieval or storage | | | | to be accessed is sequentially stored and |
| if you know the row and column that intersect | | | | therefore using a very fast method of |
| at that cell. For example: let's say we are | | | | accessing this memory. The rate of this |
| working within an Excel spreadsheet and we | | | | memory is about 528 Mbps, which is extremely |
| want to change the value in cell A1 from 100 | | | | fast.The opposite of RAM is SAM, or |
| to 90. In order to do this the computer has | | | | Sequential Access Memory. This is memory |
| to know where on the RAM chip that cell's | | | | that has to be accessed in sequence, one cell |
| contents are located. Fortunately for the | | | | at a time until the location the user is |
| user, it does and the user doesn't have to. | | | | looking for is found. This memory is very |
| Once the change is made the computer replaces | | | | good for buffer memory because items stored |
| the contents in RAM, which was the value 100, | | | | in the buffer are usually stored sequentially |
| with the new value of 90 and leaves it in | | | | anyway as the user continues his work. SAM |
| that location until the user decides to | | | | is slower than RAM as far as access time |
| change the value again or closes up the | | | | goes.Another type of memory is what is known |
| spreadsheet itself. Once that happens, the | | | | as ROM or Read Only Memory. Read Only Memory |
| contents in RAM of that particular location | | | | is also known as Firmware. This is an |
| are lost. Hopefully before doing this the | | | | integrated circuit programmed with certain |
| user will have saved his spreadsheet to his | | | | data when it is manufactured. ROM is not |
| computer's hard drive.RAM can also be broken | | | | only used in computers but in a number of |
| down into different types. First there is | | | | electronic devices like your Xbox or any |
| SRAM, which is Static Random Access Memory. | | | | video game console box. Without ROM just |
| This type of memory is usually used for a | | | | about any electronic item today that has |
| computer's cache memory. Then there is DRAM, | | | | built in functions simply wouldn't work.There |
| which is Dynamic Random Access Memory. This | | | | are many other different types of memory but |
| type of memory has memory cells with a paired | | | | these are the most common. In future |
| transistor and capacitor which need constant | | | | articles we'll go more deeply into how memory |
| refreshing. Then there is EDO DRAM which is | | | | in your computer and other devices works. |