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The importance of RAM

1. What RAM is

2. RAM and Microsoft� Windows�

3. Types of RAM

4. Choosing RAM: Aim high

What RAM is

RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, the working memory in your PC. As your computer runs programs and works with data, it uses RAM to store the program information. RAM is usually measured in megabytes (MB). More RAM allows your computer to run more complex programs and to do so faster. RAM also allows you to "multitask," or work among several open programs. For example, working on a Word document as you surf the Internet and listen to MP3 music files can be very draining on your computer's RAM. After the processor, RAM is the second biggest factor in overall system speed. If you work with large spreadsheets or digital images, having more RAM is a big help.

RAM and Microsoft� Windows�

When Microsoft Windows runs out of RAM to use for programs, it uses the hard drive as temporary storage for program information. Because this temporary storage is not "real" memory, it is referred to as virtual memory. While virtual memory keeps the system from crashing, using virtual memory slows the system down, even if you have a fast processor and powerful hard drive.

Types of RAM

Just as computer processors have evolved and improved over the years, so has RAM technology. There are many different kinds of RAM, and your motherboard and processor determine the type you need. Most computers now come with DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-SDRAM), which is an upgrade of the standard SDRAM format. While SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) can perform at different clock speeds, and perform much faster than older memory types, DDR-SDRAM truly does double the efficiency of standard SDRAM. DDR-SDRAM effectively complements the faster and more versatile processors, however, it's important to remember that SDRAM and DDR-SDRAM won't perform faster than your system's bus, and in fact, they synchronize with the bus to match its rate.

Choosing RAM: Aim high

Choosing RAM is similar to choosing a processor; keep in mind your future needs. Also similar to processors, graphics and digital imaging, as well as gaming and multimedia software, tend to require the most RAM to run smoothly and effectively. You may be able to run the hottest new games with out-of-date RAM, but game play might play slow, or some game features may be disabled in order to free up memory. Likewise, graphics files are comparatively much larger than text files, and can slow your system down if you have insufficient RAM. Another factor to keep in mind is whether you'll be multitasking�a memory robbing practice that can often go unnoticed by the user, especially when programs such as virus protection don't make their presence known. The Internet is another drain to RAM, especially when you open multiple browser windows, some of which may be featuring sites packed with animation and graphics.

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