When you use computers you would do well to know about the function of RAM or random access memory. The RAM is able to retrieve data from the hard disk drive so that the input may lead to some output. When you do not have enough RAM, the functioning of your computer will get affected as you will have to free up space every now and the. Similarly, when the computer is used for multitasking its operations could get slowed down to a large extent leading to major problems in continued operations. If you use memory hungry programs and applications, it will make huge demands on your RAM and could also lead to shut downs, crashes as well as slower computer operations. This comes in the way of effective working because all the computer operations that your computer is expected to work on simultaneously are essentially dependent on the RAM.

If you want to speed up CPU, you will have to ensure that you know some important facts about RAM. For one, you should know that as far as operating systems go, Windows XP needs a lot of memory for effective functioning which is a fact that you should not ignore when looking out for computer or memory upgrades. You should also know that it is advisable for computer memory to be free to some extent, because if this is not the case, there could be problems with computer speed and perhaps shut downs also. When you are in the midst of an interesting game or perhaps working on a spreadsheet, it would be quite harassing if the computer conked off due to inadequate RAM. This is why you should always be clear as to what your RAM requirements are and the means of address these requirements effectively. It is also worth noting that more than 25-30% of the RAM of your computer should always be free without which the computer could slow down to a large extent.

When you are considering the computer RAM you should know that gaming as well as graphics are very memory hungry. This is not the case with using word processors as well as just using the internet which are relatively easier and lighter operations. This is why if your work needs some operations that need heavy downloads you need to ensure that the RAM in your PC is based on the memory requirement. If you find that the RAM is less, you can easily go in for memory upgrades that are easily done in this day and age, RAM can also be obtained at easy rates as prices of RAM have gone down substantially in the recent past. All you need to do is assess your requirement and buy the RAM from the computer mart, be it online or offline.

What is RAM?
The computer RAM memory stands for Random Access Memory. It means that it is a type of memory card or chip for computers wherein its memory cells are accessed arbitrarily. When the computer is in use, data are being stored and retrieved in a random manner. RAM is commonly used to perform tasks while the computer is turned on wherein it allows all the information to be accesses in any order at any location in an equivalent manner. The reverse occurs with Serial Access Memory, or SAM. With SAM, data are stored in a sequential manner.

How does RAM work?
RAM functions as a short-term memory storage only since it loses data once the computer is turned off. The long-term memory storage is located at the computer’s hard disk. When the computer is once again turned on, the hard disk would load the data to the RAM wherein the user can easily retrieve any file he wanted from any location.

A type of memory chip is called a DRAM which means Dynamic Random Access Memory. DRAM is an integrated circuit in which memory cells are made of millions of pairs of tiny transistors and capacitors. Each pair becomes a memory cell, which is represented as a single bit of data.

What is DDR SDRAM?
The latest DRAM type in use nowadays is referred to as DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. DDR SDRAM interface makes transfer rates higher since there is a stricter timing control with the clock signals and the electrical data. This type of integrated circuit is very powerful and works twice as much as compared to its older version, the Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM. For instance, a PC133 SDRAM can run at a speed of 133 Mhz. With a 133 Mhz DDR, it can reach a speed of 266 Mhz or 133 Mhz x 2. Another example is when there are 64 bits of data that are being transferred at one time, the DDR SDRAM will transfer that data at twice its memory bus clock rate multiplied to the number of bits to be transferred and divided by bits/byte number that can be transferred per second. Therefore, if the DDR SDRAM interface has a bus frequency of 100 MHz, it will transfer 64 bits of data at a maximum transfer rate of 1600 MB/s. That is 100MHz x 2 = 200 x 64bits = 12800 bits/8 bits per byte per second = 1600 MB/s. MB/s stands for megabyte per second. Take note that 8 bits represent each byte of data. Bit rate is also known as data transfer rate, which is the unit used in telecommunications. It refers to the average number of bits or characters passing per unit of time between equipment in a data transmission system.

What is DIMM? DIMM is an acronym that stands for Dual Inline Memory Module. So, what does it look like? A dual inline memory module varies in the number of memory components (the memory components are usually black in color) attached to a printed circuit board (the board is usually green in color). You will see gold pins or what we called the “integrated circuits” from the front and the back of the DIMM, they are not connected in any way to each other. If you will count the number of pins, it usually has ninety-four (94) pins in front and another ninety-four (94) pins at the back for a total of one hundred eighty-four (184) pins.

The DIMM which again stands for Dual Inline Memory Module is usually used in desktops and servers. There are actually four (4) types of DIMM, these are:

1. The 100 pin DIMM is normally used for printer SDRAM or Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory);
2. The 168 pin DIMM is used for SDR SDRAM or Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory);
3. The 184 pin DIMM is used for DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory; and
4. The 240 pin DIMM is used for Fully Buffered DIMM DRAM or Dual Inline Memory Module Dynamic Random Access Memory, which has the capacity to increase the speed, density and reliability of memory systems.

The 100 pin DIMM waits first for a clock signal before it responds to control inputs because of the synchronous interface it is using. The 168 pin DIMM is seldom used in servers or workstations but nevertheless it has the ability to acknowledge one command and shift one word of data for each clock cycle. The 184 pin DIMM, on the other hand, has the capacity to shift data to the connection twice than the SDR SDRAM (Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). While the 240 pin DIMM has the ability to raise its speed, reliability and density of its memory. The 240 pin DIMM is usually utilized for high speed memory of any working data.

So as time goes by, inventions are updated especially when it comes to computers more specifically when it comes to kinds of memory. The common memory nowadays as we all know is the DIMM as enumerated above. If you are going to change your mother board and wanted to purchase a new one, you need to likewise decide on whether to purchase a new memory or upgrade the same because it happens that you purchase a new board but the same is not compatible with your existing memory. If you have decided to change your memory as well into a lot more efficient like DIMM, you are now faced with the choice of which of the four (4) kinds of DIMM are you going to purchase. Think about it, in the end it is still your choice which one to use and be compatible with your mother board. Think wisely!

ECC RAM is an acronym which stands for Error Checking and Correction Random Access Memory. As the acronym signifies, ECC Memory is one of the types of RAM or Random Access Memory. With the utilization of ECC RAM, this allows the system to trace and correct single bit errors. The disadvantage, however, of this memory is that it cannot correct multiple bit errors, that is why ECC Memory is not normally recommended for personal computers used at home because personal computers used at home are shut down regularly, sometimes they are not even use for days. Moreover, most modern PCs do not sustain ECC at all if you will just criticized and look at the specifications of the PC. ECC Memories instead are best recommended and found in servers because servers are not shut down.

There are two types of Memory Errors that an ECC may check and correct. The Memory Errors are either hard or soft. Hard errors are caused by the defects in fabrication in the memory chip and once they start appearing they cannot be corrected. While Soft errors, on the other hand, are caused mainly by electrical disturbances. ECC detects and corrects errors depending on the kind of error that occurs.

Memory errors can crash a computer if they are not corrected immediately. If the error crashes the server, it crashes the entire network, unlike if what crashes is only a personal computer at home or what we called client, it does not automatically affect other computers even if it is connected to a network. This is why ECC memory is recommended for servers rather than for clients.

ECC Memory is also of two (2) types. It is either buffered or unbuffered, if your ECC is buffered, it can hold data temporarily for one whole clock cycle before it is transported. This, however, foregoes speed due to the extra clock cycle. On the other hand, if your ECC is unbuffered, the system is allowed directly to access every memory chip on the module. This, however, foregoes a little bit of its reliability despite its being faster that the registered or buffered ECC.

Most users rather choose non- ECC Memory or unbuffered ECC than ECC Memory or buffered ECC probably for the following reasons:

1. ECC Memory is costly than the non- ECC Memory;
2. The motherboard that supports ECC functionality in RAM is likewise costly; and probably
3. ECC Memory controllers need additional time to check and correct the error.

Here, it is up to you whether to choose ECC Memory or non-ECC Memory. If you are to use a server you may better utilize ECC Memory but if you are going to use a client and you are up for a maximum speed, better choose non-ECC Memory.

There are quite a few technologies that are used in common parlance in the computer world. A lot of these are based on the latest developments that take place in the computing arena and this is true on account of the rapid research and development that occurs incessantly. No matter which part of the world you are in you will be able to keep abreast of the many developments that occur every now and then. One of these refers to the growing popularity of what is known very popularly as Dual core technology which is making waves and has also gained a great deal of acceptability around the globe. It makes sense to get an idea of what this new and latest technology means and is all about.

Chip makers like Intel as well as AMD have brought out huge ads that tom-tom the appearance and launch of what is known as technology that is dual core in nature. There are commercials and advertisements which are being released to explain what this technology is all about and how it will help you as a user to do back up management with ease. With the dual tech it is possible to have two cores inside the same processor. This is very important and useful as it means that you can use the same computer for performing a couple of tasks all at the same time. This is why it is so useful for multitasking. Now a lot of people like to do a couple of things at the same time. For instance in making videos people have to shoot the movie, get the clips and the sequences together and also add in all the effects needed to be added. If you were using a single processor computer, you would have to do all of this sequentially. But if you used the Dual core technology, you could do the video editing and also add in graphics or animation all at the same time without any problems.