PRAM is a type of non-volatile RAM for Macs, containing important information. Resetting it can cause loss of customized settings. Phase change RAM is an experimental type of PRAM with faster processing power and lower power requirements, set to be available in the next few years.
Depending on how far behind you are in the computing tradition, you may come across more than one definition of PRAM. The former is a type of internal computer memory for Macintosh only. The second is more modern and, actually, still experimental.
PRAM in Mac Land stands for Parameter Random Access Memory (RAM), which is a type of non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). PRAM contains a variety of very important information, including settings for your computer’s startup disk and boot volume, time zone, and speaker volume. Earlier versions of the Mac operating system stored display and network settings in PRAM. Mac OS X has eliminated this feature, so users who have problems with network or display settings should reset the PRAM.
The problem with resetting the PRAM is that the procedure resets the machine to factory settings. Users who like to customize their machines down to the last detail will find themselves spending quality time recreating all sorts of settings. However, the alternative is worse.
PRAM on a Macintosh is similar to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) on a Windows machine. NVRAM is best known as the foundation of Flash memory, which is currently dominating the portable electronics market, powering iPods, cell phones and digital cameras. None of these devices have PRAM, however.
The other meaning of PRAM, the more modern and experimental one, is phase change RAM. This type of PRAM is supposed to be the next generation of Flash. It can rewrite data on a chip without having to erase all the data already on the chip. This is a significant improvement over NOR Flash memory chips, which still rely on the tried and tested two steps of Delete, Then Write.
Phase-change RAM is the idea behind rewritable CDs and DVDs and what makes them such a fast solution for repeatedly archiving data. It’s about speed and processing power, and this type of PRAM offers both. The other benefit of this type of PRAM is a lower processing power requirement. By eliminating the first erasing phase in the data transfer process, phase change RAM also requires less power. Less Power, Less Time: What’s Not to Love?
This type of PRAM should be available in the next few years. It has higher capacities and a longer shelf life than today’s NOR Flash. As expected, the giants of the world of chip manufacturing, including Intel and Samsung, are pursuing breakthroughs in this field.
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