4 Memory Facts For Computer Users

Introduction

A computer's memory is an amazing thing, as it closely mimics the human brain, both in its structure, and ability to memorize things long and short. So we are going to give you a look into how the 4 memories that are most important in a computer work.

If you have ever wondered what ROM is, and what a RAM is, and what a CPU is? What's a computer's normal storage amount? Well, worry no more, we will answer all of these questions and provide some interesting facts and tidbits along the was as well.

 

 

History

It might interest you to know, that when computers first started out in the 1940's, they were the size of a sitting room, and required an entire crew to operate it manually. We've come very along way since then, from big desktops, to laptops to smartphones and tablets, the idea that a computer was an actual room is now rather unbelievable.

So, how did this stunning evolution come about? Well, it started with memory management, computer "crews" were eventually, and slowly at first, replaced with small piece of hardware, that could hold more memory, and manage that memory efficiently. In time, the modern computer became defined by 4 memories that are major elements, its RAM, its ROM, its HDD and finally its CPU.

If the above 4 memory elements had to be translated into human thought processes, I suppose they would look something like this; RAM is short term memory, HDD is long term memory, ROM is instinct and CPU is intelligence.

RAM is where an open program is temporarily stored, so that important information and tasks can be carried out quickly. HDD (hard drive disk) is basically where things are stored, like in an attic. All your files, movies, games and music etc., are stored there, just waiting to be opened up and stuffed into the RAM.

ROM is an actual chip, physically embedded into the computer, that runs a very specific set of base level operations, such as switching on the RAM, telling the computer to make that sound when it first boots up, and loading the OS itself. Most modern laptops have gotten rid of ROMs, but smartphones and smaller computers still actively use ROMs.

A CPU of course, being the brain, does all the running around, thinking, obeying and organizing. Have you realized it yet? A computer is very similar to the human brain.

Features

So what are the features of these 4 memory types? Well, RAM memory deal with short term memory execution, and is available in DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 types, post 2009 laptops all use DDR3.

ROMs, of course are now not really in the spotlight anymore, but they are still used in smartphones.

HDDs, of course, vary in size and speed. You can get sizes that range from 80 GB (gigabyte) upto 4 TB ( one terabyte equals 1,000 gigabytes). What really makes one HDD stand apart form another, is it's rotation speed, right now you can choose between 5,200 RPM (rotation per minute) and 7,500 RPM (rotation per minute). There are no in-between speeds.

As for CPUs, anyone of Intel's new iCore Series is a very good choice. There are three options, ICORE3 , ICORE5 and ICORE7. The bigger the last number, the fast and smarter the CPU.

 

 

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