What do people usually refer to as computer memory?

What people usually call computer memory refers to RAM (random access memory). RAM can be read and written at any time (except when refreshing), is very fast, and is often used as a temporary data storage medium for the operating system or other running programs.

What people usually call computer memory refers to RAM (random access memory).

Random Access Memory (English: Random Access Memory, abbreviation: RAM), also called main memory, is an internal memory that directly exchanges data with the CPU.

It can be read and written at any time (except when refreshing), and it is very fast. It is usually used as a temporary data storage medium for the operating system or other running programs.

When RAM is working, information can be written (stored) or read (retrieved) from any specified address at any time.

The biggest difference between it and ROM is the volatility of data, that is, the stored data will be lost once the power is turned off.

RAM is used in computers and digital systems to temporarily store programs, data and intermediate results.

Features

Random access

The so-called "random access" refers to when the data in the memory is When reading or writing, the time required does not depend on the location of the information or the SRAM location to which it is written.

In contrast, when reading or writing information in a Sequential Access (Sequential Access) storage device, the time and location required are related. It is mainly used to store the operating system, various applications, data, etc.

When RAM is working normally, data can be read from RAM or written to RAM. Compared with ROM, RAM has the advantages of easy reading/writing and flexible use. It is especially suitable for situations where data is frequently and quickly changed.

Volatile

RAM cannot retain data when the power is turned off. If data needs to be saved, they must be written to a long-term storage device (such as a hard drive).

The working characteristic of RAM is that after power is turned on, data information can be accessed at any location at any time, and the internal information will disappear after power is turned off.

Sensitive to static electricity

Like other delicate integrated circuits, random access memory is very sensitive to electrostatic charges in the environment. Static electricity can interfere with the charge of the capacitors in the memory, causing data loss or even burning out the circuit. Therefore, before touching the random access memory, you should first touch the metal ground with your hand.

Access speed

Modern random access memory has the fastest writing and reading speeds among almost all access devices, with access delays and other mechanical operations involved. It is also insignificant compared to other storage devices.

Requires refresh (regeneration)

Modern random access memory relies on capacitors to store data. A fully charged capacitor represents a 1 (binary), and an uncharged capacitor represents a 0.

Because the capacitor has more or less leakage, if no special treatment is done, the data will gradually be lost over time.

Refresh means to read the status of the capacitor periodically, and then recharge the capacitor according to the original status to make up for the lost charge. The need to refresh explains exactly the volatile nature of random access memory.

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