RAM

Random Access Memory or RAM is the memory that the computer uses to temporarily store the "active" information as it is being processed. When the computer is turned on, the memory is empty. Each program or data file that is loaded uses part of the system memory. When a program is closed, the memory is freed up for other uses. Generally, the more memory the system has, the more things can be done with it simultaneously. Increasing the amount of memory in the system also improves performance in most cases. Most computers use RAM called SIMM's (Single Inline Memory Modules). Older computers use 30 pin SIMM's while modern computers use 72 pin SIMM's. The latest technology now being made available are 168 pin DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules). It is interesting to note that one of the first home computers used 64 kilobytes of RAM memory. Today's modern computers need a minimum of 64 MB (MegaBytes) to run Windows 2000. In most computers the memory can be expand with 4 Mb, 8 Mb, 16 Mb, 32 Mb, 64 Mb or recently even 128 Mb chips depending on the processor you have and the type of memory your computer uses. Usually the computer can only use the same types of chip so if your computer has 4 Mb chips you have to use 4 Mb chips. When you want to expand your memory you must remove them all and replace them with larger chips.