Random Access Memory

RAM is the acronym for Random Access Memory. This is the primary working memory of the computer. RAM is temporary memory, or volatile memory, as it is known. When you are using an application program such as a word processor, once you open the program you are working from a copy of the word processing program in RAM. Any documents that you create with the program are also stored in RAM. When after saving the information you close the document, it is erased from this memory. When you close the word processing program, those instructions are erased from RAM (Not to worry, they are safely stored elsewhere.). Information contained in RAM is also erased when power to the computer is lost, either when you turn off the computer, or from a power outage. This is why you will hear people telling you to “SAVE YOUR WORK FREQUENTLY” when you are using a computer. Anything not saved to a more permanent form of storage is lost if the computer stops working due to a glitch (called a crash) or power is lost.

To further confuse the issue, there are two basic types of RAM: dynamic RAM, known as DRAM, (pronounced D Ram) and SRAM, or static RAM (pronounced S Ram). DRAM is the more common and the least expensive, however, it requires more frequent bursts of electricity (called refreshing) than SRAM which is faster and more expensive. Anything contained in either form of RAM is gone when the computer is turned off. DRAM is the type of RAM found in most personal computers.

The measurement unit that is used at this writing to describe RAM is megabtyes, but don't be surprised to see it expressed in gigabytes in the not too distant future. As the functions that software performs increase both in number and quality, the amount of RAM needed keeps creeping upward. In 1997, 16 megs of RAM was felt to be adequate, but computers with 128, 256 or 512 megs are becoming the new standards. The more RAM your computer has the more functionality, and often speed, it will have. Lack of RAM is one of the causes of computer “crashes.”

Another feature that increases the amount of RAM needed is that users are no longer satisfied to have just one application open at a time. Users may want to move data from their spreadsheet to their word processor or data base, or capture information from the Internet and use it in a presentation. This is termed multi-tasking. Additionally, those working with graphic files, or multimedia, need a large amount of RAM because graphic files are very large.

Generally, the amount of RAM that a computer needs depends on the usage to which it will be put. Keep in mind, however, that for many people, once they have a computer, they discover more uses for it than they had originally considered. Although RAM can be added at a later date, you may have to replace the entire RAM memory to upgrade. A good rule of thumb is to buy a little more RAM than you think you will need.

Last Updated: March 18, 2003

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