The computer will hold back many types of memory. There are devices containing temporary information, others can be programmed, and in the third, information can be stored for a long time. For permanent storage of a large amount of information, you can use hard drives and optical drives of various formats. These external devices are supplemented by storage modules that are built into the motherboard.
There are such types of computer memory: ROM, RAM, hard disk, optical disks and various portable drives.
As an example of one of the types of ROM - read-only memory, you can bring BIOS. This view is built into the system board and is used at the initial stage of computer boot. This memory contains a set of the most important software that establishes the initial connection between devices designed to input and output information. Bios creates a bridge between the microprocessor and the hard drive, which contains the computer's operating system. This process is called the download.
ROM - these are the types of computer memory that are very different from all others, as they are designed for high-speed access to them. This type is used only for data storage. In its appearance, ROM is an integrated chip, which is usually not replaceable. The difference between this type and others is that it should have high-speed access, and the reading cycle should be minimal, there are no moving parts in it, so such functions have become possible. This view also differs in that the information is stored in it at a time when the computer is completely turned off.
RAM is a high-speed memory device that is used to store information during computer operation. In this form, information storage is possible only while the computer is turned on and running. The computer's RAM is traditionally provided by modules, which, if desired, can be removed or replaced. The purpose of this type is to store intermediate data obtained during the operation of the microprocessor. The access time to this data should be minimal, therefore certain requirements are set for the RAM modules.
There are also such types of computer memory that allow you to store information for a fairly long time. For example, a hard drive is a device that is designed to permanently store information and data that is not erased when you turn off the computer. Typically, the operating system and the necessary application software are installed on the hard disk . The hard drive is connected to the motherboard and is an external data storage device.
Types of computer memory and their interaction
Sometimes a situation arises when you see a message on the monitor: "Too little virtual memory." In this case, you should know that during operation the computer uses not only operational, but also the physical memory of the computer, so if there is not enough RAM, it refers to a memory dump, the size of which depends on the settings of the computer. The user can independently increase this volume, which will greatly facilitate the work. To do this, enter the system settings and find the “Performance” item, where you can make the necessary changes. You must select the disk with the swap file and the size of the file itself.
Another important view is the computer’s cache memory, which acts as a kind of buffer that exchanges information between the processor and RAM. This type of memory is the fastest that is necessary to ensure high-quality smooth operation of the computer. Traditionally, the amount of such memory ranges from 128-512 kilobytes.