Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, RAM (random-access memory) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. RAM is usually associated with DRAM, which is a type of memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like it is on a CD or hard drive, access times are much faster. However, unlike ROM, RAM is a volatile memory and requires power to keep the data accessible. If the computer is turned off, all data contained in RAM is lost.
Over the evolution of the computer, there have been different variations of RAM. Some of the more common examples are DIMM, RIMM, SIMM, SO-DIMM, and SOO-RIMM. Below is an example image of a 512 MB DIMM computer memory module, a piece of RAM found in older desktop computers. This memory module would be installed into one of the memory slots on a motherboard.
As the computer boots, parts of the operating system and drivers are loaded into memory, which allows the CPU to process the instructions faster and speeds up the boot process. After the operating system has booted up, each program you open, such as the browser you're using to view this page, is loaded into memory while it is running. If too many programs are open, the computer will swap the data in the memory between the RAM and the hard disk drive.
A computer's performance is largely attributed to the amount of memory contained within it. If a computer does not have the recommended memory to run the operating system and software programs being used, it will result in slower performance. The more memory a computer has, the more information and software it can load and process quickly.
Currently, the largest single stick of RAM is 128 GB.
The first form of RAM came about in 1947 with the use of the Williams tube. It utilized a CRT (cathode ray tube); the data was stored on the face as electrically charged spots.
The second widely used form of RAM was magnetic-core memory, invented in 1947. Frederick Viehe is credited with much of the work, having filed for several patents relating to the design. Magnetic-core memory works through the use of tiny metal rings and wires connecting to each ring. One bit of data could be stored per ring and accessed at any time.
However, RAM as we know it today, as solid-state memory, was first invented in 1968 by Robert Dennard. Known specifically as dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM, transistors were used to store bits of data.
By far, the best method of determining the memory (RAM) to use with your computer is through the computer or motherboard manufacturer documentation. If you do not have your product documentation, you can also find it online through the computer manufacturers or motherboard manufacturer website.
When handling memory, hold it by the sides at each end of the module. Be careful not to bend, flex, or drop the memory while handling it. When pushing the memory into the computer, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure. Doing so could cause damage to the memory module, as well as the slots on the motherboard. Finally, when installing the memory, distribute the pressure evenly by pressing on both corners of the memory module.
This question depends on what programs you run on the computer and how many windows and tabs are open at a time. A good idea is to look at the system requirements of the programs you run on your computer and double that number. However, below is the general recommendation for the amount of memory we suggest that today's (2019) computers have.
Several new types of non-volatile RAM, which preserve data while powered down, are under development. The technologies used include carbon nanotubes and approaches utilizing Tunnel magnetoresistance. Amongst the 1st generation MRAM, a 128 KiB (128 × 210 bytes) chip was manufactured with 0.18 µm technology in the summer of 2003. In June 2004, Infineon Technologies unveiled a 16 MiB (16 × 220 bytes) prototype again based on 0.18 µm technology. There are two 2nd generation techniques currently in development: thermal-assisted switching (TAS) which is being developed by Crocus Technology, and spin-transfer torque (STT) on which Crocus, Hynix, IBM, and several other companies are working. Nantero built a functioning carbon nanotube memory prototype 10 GiB (10 × 230 bytes) array in 2004. Whether some of these technologies can eventually take significant market share from either DRAM, SRAM, or flash-memory technology, however, remains to be seen.