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What is RAM (Random Access Memory)? What are its types? How does it work?

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What is RAM (Random Access Memory)? What are its types? How does it work?

While purchasing an electronic gadget like a smartphone or computer you may have noticed the RAM specified in the packaging. But you may ask, what is Random Access Memory (RAM)? Well, to begin from its basics RAM is also known as Random Access Memory and works as a main memory for different computer systems.


Like any human brain, your computer also needs some source to store its computed data and that’s where the function of RAM comes in. RAM primarily stores information securely in its memory for the short term. By short term, we mean that through the help of RAM, your device will instantly recall the inputted instructions and based on which it calculates them. So, stay with us to know about types of RAM, how RAM works, and more.


What is Random Access Memory (RAM)?

As shared earlier, RAM is defined as a kind of computer data storage system. The innovative part about the RAM device is its potential of accessing the stored data in random order. This ultimately makes the task of finding a particular kind of information speedier. You can easily distinguish the RAM storage from other kinds of storage like a CD or hard disk drive as the later types do not permit random access.

RAM speeds are generally measured in terms of MegaHertz or MHz. Its speed is measured when it completes millions of cycles in a second and then is compared to the clock speed of the processor. An average PC or laptop’s speed ranges between 1333 MHz to 2135 MHz.

 

How Random Access Memory (RAM) works?

The RAM devices are securely placed among the main memory of the computer systems. However, when there’s no power supply the RAM stored information will get simply misplaced because it’s a volatile memory.   To prevent your data from getting lost, a computer system also needs a CPU or Central Processing Unit for storing that information when the power is on. A CPU does not stock up data forever, so make sure you have an alternative backup means to avoid the risk of losing important data.

Having short-time memory, a particular RAM is framed to work with small bits of data at a single point in time. Like, every time you tap on any link to visit the website then, many of the transistors and capacitors act like switches and turn on and off the circuit board. And this turn on and off for the circuit board would enable the computer to translate the link to the web page you are trying to visit.


Functions of RAM.

Now that you know what is RAM and RAM as volatile memory, let’s move on to know about the basic functions of RAM. Some of the primary functions of RAM on daily basis include –


  • You can load or browse the internet while using RAM.
  • RAM enables you to edit your office spreadsheet.
  • While sitting in front of your computer, you perform multiple tasks and often switch among tasks all these are because of the in-build RAM device in your computer.

To explain the last feature a bit more, when you switch between different tasks, this random memory remembers at what point you were in the previous task while you switch to another task. Remember, the fast RAM capacity of any operating system often deteriorates because of long stored junk files and other extra data-consuming files. You can prevent such a scenario by regularly using a junk remover tool to maintain the cleanliness of your computer system.


So, the bottom line is that the more memory your Computer RAM possesses, the better it is for you to handle diverse tasks. So, next time the system is slowly working or not responding properly to your instructions then maybe you need a memory upgrade!





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