There are many parts to a modern computer, most of them critical in some way or another.
One of the core parts is memory.
Without memory, a computer wouldnt be able to store any data.
Several computer components fit the basic description of memory, but the term generally only refers to system RAM.
An SSD uses solid-state flash memory to store data permanently.
This data can persist without requiring an active power source.
An HDD has the same purpose as an HDD but uses magnetic fields to store data on spinning platters.
HDDs are much slower than SSDs because of their moving parts.
Memory is used to store data for the currently running processes.
Where possible, the RAM is not queried.
This cache is much faster still than the RAM but has a much lower capacity.
Sometimes it isnt possible to have the data ready in the cache, so the request goes to RAM.
It consisted of a cathode ray tube beaming a pattern onto a screen.
While a few other technologies were developed, none were commercialized until magnetic core memory in 1955.
Core memory encoded data in the magnetic fields of a set of magnetic cores and wires.
Magnetic core memory remained in use until it was superseded in the early 1970s.
Technology at this point had advanced to allow small DRAM chips.
These were placed directly on the motherboard in DIP packages in early use.
This meant that a memory upgrade required the replacement of a large number of DRAM chips.
It also took up a lot of space on the motherboard.
Eventually, memory chips were moved to a secondary board called a SIMM.
The DIMM later replaced this.
Both the SIMM and DIMM are small daughterboards that stick up perpendicular to the motherboard.
They contain DRAM chips.
The difference is in connectivity.
SIMMs essentially have one set of pins.
The start-up sequence of a computer is programmed to check that memory is present.
Computers will refuse to boot up without any memory installed.
Windows 11 requires at let 4GB of RAM installed to launch.
If you venture to use the minimum amount of memory, you wont have a good time.
The operating system requires RAM, as do all running programs.
Generally, better to have at least 8GB of RAM in a modern computer.
Conclusion
In computing, the term memory tends to refer to system RAM specifically.
The CPU cache, likewise, tends to be referred to as cache or cache memory.
Memory is used to store the data relating to the currently running programs.
Modern computers have memory physically located on DIMMs that plug into specific slots on the motherboard.
At least 4GB of memory is quired for Windows 11 to run.
Generally, more memory is better for performance.
Once youve got more than you need for your workload, more becomes unnecessary.
