| Random Access Memory, commonly known as RAM, | | | | integrated circuit. DRAMs capacitors slowly discharge |
| is an essential part of data transfer and storage for | | | | energy so their power must be periodically refreshed. |
| every computer. Allowing for every byte of data to be | | | | With each bit only needing one capacitor DRAM can |
| accessed, from data values to complex computer | | | | reach a much greater density than SRAM. SRAM |
| programs, RAM proves its worth each time you | | | | (Static Random Access Memory) requires six |
| access something or more to the point anything on | | | | capacitors per bit, but unlike DRAM refreshing is not |
| your computer. The random in RAM simply means | | | | necessary. DRAM and SRAM are listed as volatile |
| that any part of the data can be accessed and | | | | memory because its data is lost when the computer |
| returned in constant time. Constant time is the amount | | | | loses power, however for a short time after power |
| of time needed to bring forth the information requested | | | | lose DRAMs data can still be retrieved. |
| when the amount of data being brought forth is not | | | | SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access |
| factor. RAM usually deals with volatile types of | | | | Memory) is classified as solid state computer memory; |
| memory, which is deleted when the computer is turned | | | | meaning it relies completely on semiconductors, |
| off. | | | | transistors, and chips. SDRAM reacts as quickly as |
| Read-Only Memory, commonly known as ROM, is | | | | possible as the input it receives changes. (Ex. Typing in |
| another form of RAM. Information and data stored in | | | | a new web address and pushing enter, while the |
| ROM is semi-permanently stored, in which that it is | | | | current web page is still loading, SDRAM stops loading |
| difficult and time consuming to modify. ROM is normally | | | | the initial site and starts loading the new site as quickly |
| used to store and distribute firmware. Firmware | | | | as it can, this process is also known as pipelining.) |
| consists of software usually tied directly to a | | | | Reacting to data changes so quickly is possible |
| component of hardware, such as a mouse driver, that | | | | because SDRAM is directly connected to the |
| doesn't require excessive updates. Mask ROM is the | | | | computers processor. |
| oldest form of ROM in a solid state; meaning that it | | | | Pipelining allows for a set amount of time to pass |
| can never be modified. More advanced ROM, such as | | | | before the requested data is shown. The delay |
| EPROM and EEPROM, have the capability to be | | | | between when the data is requested and when the |
| erased and re-programmed multiple times. Because | | | | data is shown is known as latency. Latency occurs |
| the task of re-programming is a long and slow process | | | | because the computers Central Processing Unit, also |
| that rarely occurs, and it often limits individual memory | | | | known as the CPU, is a great deal faster than the |
| locations from being written by random access which | | | | SDRAM thus the computer is waiting for the SDRAM |
| is possible with reading ROM. | | | | to catch up before it continues. Latency is one of the |
| Further extensions of RAM are DRAM and SRAM. | | | | most important factors in choosing your computers |
| DRAM (Dynamic Random Access) uses separate | | | | SDRAM. |
| capacitors to store each bit of data within an | | | | |