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