Random Access Memory

The cyber world is prone to such a state of affairs where change is the only thing constant. A computer by itself can not meet the purpose. You have to modify your computer with the accessories that increase its efficiency. Computer savvy users understand that the most important thing in a computer besides storage capacity and processing speed is the RAM memory capacity/speed.

Occasionally, people confuse their hard drive with RAM. The hard drive is simply a storage system for the data on your PC computer – the software you run as well as the documents and files you store. The information on your hard drive cannot be accessed at random. When information from the hard drive needs to be accessed, entire blocks of data are transferred to the RAM. Once the information is in the PC computer’s RAM, it is randomly accessed used by the processor as needed.

RAM is a moniker for Random Access Memory. It acts as a short-term memory much like the human brain to store a wealth of information. The RAM is accessible through the computer's brain called the CPU which stands for Central Processing Unit. RAM has the capability of being retrieved only while a computer is on. When the computer is turned off the RAM is no longer accessible. ROM chips along with BIOS (computer boot firmware) allows the RAM information to be retrievable when the computer is rebooted.

RAM serves the very important function of retrieving information that must be accessed in a quick manner. This operation is very similar to the human brain's function in retrieving necessary facts from short term memory. Open files and the utilization of applications on a computer systems requires the assistance of RAM. Users that play a lot of video games with detailed graphics or keep a lot of folders open while on their computer, will need the use of additional RAM. This will allow them to better access the information they need when the time comes. RAM is held onto a limited time, but it allows the information to come up quickly and without much fuss on the part of the computer user.

Adding Computer RAM is very easy. All you need to do is unscrew the user access door at the bottom of the computer and insert the stick of RAM. RAM is the same for PCs and Macs, but of course you still need to get the right type for your machine, just as you would have to for a PC. Until recently, Macs used DDR (double data rate) RAM. DDR-Short for Double Data Rate-Synchronous DRAM, a type of SDRAM that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle (the rising and falling edges), effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput. DDR-SDRAM also consumes less power, which makes it well-suited to notebook computers. DDR PC2700 Memory runs on a 333MHz bus speed. The latest Power Macs and iMacs use DDR2 memory. I can’t give directions for you on how to Add IMAC Memory. Fortunately, you can find that information online. Apple has instructions for installing RAM on many of its desktops.

So, if this all sounds like gibberish to you it is recommended you contact a computer technician to inspect your computer and do the upgrade which can help your computer run faster and will definitively help you avoid headaches.