A memory diagnostic is a test to check if a computer’s RAM is working properly. It can be done at home or by a technician. Operating systems have built-in diagnostic utilities, and standalone versions are available. If the memory fails, it should be replaced to avoid problems. A memory diagnostic is a test that is […]
Memory errors occur when something goes wrong with the internal data storage areas in a computer, resulting in incorrect interpretation of data. Errors can be physical or software-related and range from minor to severe. Prevention includes buying quality systems with pre-installed software to detect and fix memory errors. Random Access Memory (RAM), or memory, is […]
A computer’s memory is like a filing cabinet with a virtual file called a memory map. The map contains information about each “tray” of memory, preventing memory errors and overwriting. It informs the operating system of the total amount of memory and is essential for virtual memory and debugging programs. While it might seem like […]
Uniform Memory Access (UMA) is a network architecture where all processors have equal access to memory. Each processor has a personal memory cache, and less programming is required. UMA is used in networks with two or more users, and standalone computers have access to uniform memory. Uniform Memory Access (UMA) is a type of network […]
Memory leak is a condition where computer memory is lost due to malfunctioning programs. It can be caused by any program, including essential operating system files, and can eventually cripple a system. Operating systems and antivirus software can help prevent and deal with memory leaks. Memory leak refers to a condition in which there appears […]
Memory refresh is a process that recharges a computer’s RAM periodically to prevent data loss. DRAM requires more frequent refreshing due to its capacitor unit for each piece of data. Refreshing occurs automatically, but high rates drain power and slow down the computer. Memory refresh is a recharging cycle that a computer’s random access memory […]
Non-volatile memory stores data without power, making it permanent and easy to archive. Examples include ROM, optical media, and flash drives. However, costs and technological changes can make accessing data a challenge. Non-volatile memory is secondary to volatile memory, which is faster but temporary. CDs and DVDs are a form of non-volatile memory, but accessing […]
Texture memory is a read-only memory used for quick access to images in 3D graphics. Dedicated graphics cards offer the best texture memory, but RAM or hard disk space can be used as virtual texture memory. Texture memory improves scene rendering speed and can also be used for photo editing software and floating point calculations. […]
Virtual memory allows access to a larger volume of memory, freeing up RAM space by copying dormant applications to the hard drive. Paging and page tables manage this process. It is a cheaper alternative to upgrading RAM. Virtual memory is found among all computer operating systems and offers some very practical benefits to PC users. […]
CPU storage refers to the different types of memory used to save data in a computer. Primary and secondary memory are internal, while tertiary is external. Volatile memory needs power, non-volatile does not. CPU storage can also refer to furniture used to store computers. There are many different types of CPU storage, and which type […]
Sensory memory involves the interaction of senses and memory, with smell being particularly evocative. It is also used in acting to fully inhabit a character. Affective memory is a controversial technique, with some believing it to be a crutch. The term “sensory memory” is used in two very different ways. First, it involves the interaction […]
Buffered memory controls electrical current to and from memory chips, increasing stability but slowing down speed. A hardware register sits between the computer and memory chips, maximizing data handling while preventing overload. Buffered memory is used in servers for data processing, not personal computers. “Buffered memory” and “registered memory” are interchangeable terms, while “fully buffered […]
A memory bank is a computer component that stores and allows access to data. It is designed for timely and logical data access, and can be organized in various formats. RAM and flash memory are examples of memory banks. The configuration and structure of the memory bank are important for computer memory. A memory bank […]
Volatile memory is temporary RAM that holds active program and operating system files, but loses contents when a computer shuts down. It is useful for quick storage and access, but can cause data loss. Non-volatile memory, such as hard drives and flash memory, provides permanent storage. DDR memory is fast and used in both desktops […]
A memory card reader transfers data from flash memory cards to computers. They come in single or multiple card readers, with the latter being more versatile. They save batteries and wear and tear on devices and are available in various sizes and formats. Some computers, printers, and monitors already have built-in card readers. When purchasing […]
The memory hierarchy is a triangle of storage devices in a computer, with larger, cheaper, and slower devices at the bottom and smaller, more expensive, and faster devices at the top. Programmers must manipulate the hierarchy to build faster computers, but cannot move the sections. Well-crafted programs can predict where memory will be stored or […]
Flash memory is a type of EEPROM that stores information without a power source. It’s used in portable electronics and removable storage devices. Flash memory can erase data in whole blocks, making it faster than regular EEPROM. It’s non-volatile, solid-state, and highly portable, but has less capacity and is more expensive than traditional hard drives. […]
Memory sticks were developed by Sony as an alternative to floppy disks for data storage. They have evolved over time and can now store large files like music and videos. The original design had a capacity four to ten times that of a floppy disk and used a ten-pin connector. Adapters were later developed to […]
Computer memory includes RAM, virtual memory, cache, registers, and flash. RAM is fast but volatile, while virtual memory is a cheaper alternative. Cache speeds up data transfer to the CPU, registers hold data for the ALU, and flash is non-volatile and used in digital cameras and mobile phones. Computer memory can refer to many types […]
Memory grade is a construction protocol for DRAM chips, consisting of a 64-bit bus and an 8-bit chip. A memory rank is an array of connected DRAM chips, with ranks ranging from single to octal. JEDEC established the 64-bit bus and 8-bit ECC chip standard. The more layers a rank has, the more memory it […]
