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Computer Memory

The computer memory is a physical device used to store data or programs for use in a computer. Some types of computer memory include RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and page cache.

4,434 Questions

What can nonvolatile memory do?

Non-volatile memory can retain its contents through a loss of power, assuming the shutdown was properly performed.

Are there different types of memory loss?

Short term memory loss: which means when you forget what just happened like "Dory" in "Finding Nemo".

Long term memory loss when you forget things that happened a long time ago.

Amnesia: when you forget everything that's ever happened to you in your life.

What Most common memory technology used in today computers?

There are actually several. I'll cover them all.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the most common memory type in use for any, general purpose functionality. This is due to it's cheap manufacture, relatively high speed, reliability, and accessibility. RAM can be written to, read from, and erased rapidly without trouble. Other types may be Read Only, or may not be able to be written to on demand, or may have other unusual features that make it undesireable for specific applications.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is the most common individual RAM technology. There are MANY kinds, which I'll name later. It can read, write, and be erased easily and quickly. It is cheap to manufacture, and pretty reliable. However, it uses more power than some other kinds, and loses it's information if power is lost. RAM can reach speeds of up to 12,800 megabytes per second, depending on technology, frequency, and latency.

Types of DRAM:

FP-RAM, EDO RAM, BEDO RAM, SDRAM, RDRAM/Rambus, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, Window Ram, Bubble RAM, GDDR, GSDR, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR4, GDDR5, XRAM, XDRAM, RTRAM, (some) vacuum tubes, etc.

Static RAM and Cache RAM are used typically inside processors. SRAM (Static RAM) is much faster and smaller than DRAM, but also more expensive. It does NOT lose information if power is lost (however CPUs typically clear SRAM for reliability reasons.) SRAM is usually in sizes of 8 MB or less, and used for specific tasks. SRAM can reach as high as 32,000 megabytes a second. SRAM is the most reliable method of memory in existence as of now, which it has to be as it's under constant, heavy use even when the CPU is idle. A CPU's Cache SRAM may move as much as 1 TB (1 terabyte) per day! With a tolerance of *zero*, that means it has to be accurate every single time, or an error will result.

Types of SRAM:

SRAM, Cache, Buffer, Core Memory, (some) Vacuum Tubes, Mercuric Memory, Magnetic Memory, Delay Line Memory, etc.

There are also types of ROM (Read Only Memory) which can only be read from, typically.

PROM (Programmable ROM) can be written to only under special situations, typically during their initial manufacture, and cannot be changed by the system. PROM is permanent memory data, meaning it doesn't disappear without power even after a long period of time.

EEPROM (Electronically Eraseable ROM) can be erased electrically, including by the computer, and written to again in a single sequential block. CMOS/BIOS, Firmware, etc. typically use this to store data. The fastest EEPROMs and PROMs can push 200 MB/s. EEPROM and PROM are typically used for read-only functions, and as such, can be considered almost totally reliable for read tasks.

Flash and SD memory are types of PRAM (Programmable Random Access Memory). They use an electrical means to randomly read, write, and erase data. They can also be used for storage, such as Flash Cards, XD cards, Memory Sticks, USB Thumb Drives, and Solid State Drives. The fastest Flash and SSDs can push 2,000 MB/s. Most mp3 players and portable media players use Flash and SSD to store music and data, as it's smaller and faster than small HDDs. Flash and SD are also less reliable than DRAM and SRAM.

Virtual Memory is a term used to denote a storage device being used as RAM. Anything that can read/write randomly can be used as RAM, so many computers use Hard Drives to temporarily store data, usually to conserve DRAM or if the system runs out of DRAM. Hard drives are MUCH slower than DRAM, SRAM, and as of this writing, can push a maximum sustained rate of 120 MB/s. As such, this is not a desireable method of memory storage. The advantage is that Hard Drives are very, very large and quite inexpensive. However they are also far less reliable than DRAM and SRAM.

What is register counter?

A register is a device that can hold a binary number or series of bits. Most registershave the ability to shift, or rotate, the series of bits to the right or left. A counter is a similar device that does not shift bits but can be incremented by one or more of it's inputs (counting). A good way to see what they do is to look up digital logic devices and read about registers and counters.

What is history common memory?

The way historical events connect a culture or a nation. Apex

What is the composition of RAM in terms of transistors and capacitors?

Composition of ram: There are many transistors layed for addressing (accessing specific modules) then there are a series of transistors coupled to a capasitor. That allows for one bit of data to be stored.

Why is it more accurate to describe the CPU using the term Frequency rather than speed?

Frequency is a quantitative measure of the speed of a CPU. So it's much more specific than the other options of scales of 1 to 10, or slow, medium, and fast.

Which is the following terms means approximately 106 bytes. Terabytes Megabytes Gigabytes or Kilobytes?

A megabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to either 106 (1,000,000) bytes or 220 (1,048,576) bytes, depending on context.

Difference between interrupt and subroutine in computer?

interrupt is a signal caused by I/O devices where as subroutine is a part of the program which is excuted rapidly

What happens to the data if a hard drive is formatted?

Not much happens to the data on a hard drive at all when the hard drive is formatted other than making it harder to find and unprotected from being written over. Data that existed prior to reformatting will not be visible in the Windows Browser after formatting the hard drive, but it is still there and will remain until written over. It can be recovered by anyone unless you performed a wipe of the data which involves writing over it one or more times.

What are the steps that must be taken to upgrade the BIOS?

i would expect start by getting the program to upgrade it, at the manufacturer's website

How do you put a camera memory stick in a mac computer?

You put it in the side where normally the USB would go in. Then after you're done just make sure to press eject!:)

Hope I helped:)!

Can you Recover data from PS3 hard drive?

yes as a ps3 owner i have found many ways, you have to downoad the information to a harddrive ... that's the most effective way i have found

Which is fastest to slowest - CACHE memory - RAM - virtual memory - buffer?

  1. CACHE memory is a very highspeed RAM coupled with CAM, placed very close to the CPU so that data and instructions that were recently read from RAM will not have to be reread when again needed within some short period of time since last read.
  2. RAM is randomly accessible memory, it can be fast or slow depending on its implementation and the technology used.
  3. virtual memory is a rather slow simulation of RAM using OS software, special memory management hardware, and a reserved swap area on a harddisk. Its advantages include: ability to run programs requiring more RAM than the machine physically has, every program can view itself as being the only one using the machine, isolation so that one crashed program will not shut down the entire machine.
  4. buffer simply refers to any memory device that temporarily hold information generated by one unit before it can be consumed by another unit. Some buffers are very fast, some buffers are very slow, some buffers hold only a small number of bits (maybe even only one bit), some buffers are massive RAM or FIFO memories.
I'll leave the actual ordering to you as homework, it should be rather obvious from the above explanation.