What is computer memory? It's an essential part of your computer hardware, and understanding it can help you identify problems, perform upgrades and troubleshoot.
What is Computer Memory?
While the term "computer memory" typically refers to your Random Access Memory, or RAM, it can also be used to refer to your hard drive. Technically, both pieces of hardware qualify as computer memory, and they're both vital to the normal operation of your PC. They each serve a distinctive function, and both must be running smoothly for your computer to be fully functional.
What is a Hard Drive?
The hard drive is like the brain of your computer. It stores all of your computer's data, including your files, photos, music and movies. It also stores all of your programs and applications, including your operating system and individual programs that you use in your everyday computing. When a hard drive goes bad, it can take all your stuff with it, so you should back up your hard drive contents regularly. Additionally, you can perform routine maintenance tasks to make your hard drive run more smoothly and theoretically prolong the life of your computer.
RAM is the memory your computer uses while it's working.
RAM, or random access memory, is like your computer's short-term memory. When you're working and using programs on your computer, the computer loads data into its short-term memory in order to avoid delays. If your RAM is full, you can't load as much data into your computer's memory, so you'll find it slower to switch among applications, perform operations or multitask on your computer. Lots of RAM, on the other hand, makes your computer perform efficiently, as it can hold more in short-term storage and won't need to access data as frequently.
You can never have too much memory-or can you?
Lots of memory is good, but it is possible to have too much memory. For example, if you're using only 15GB of hard drive space, a 20GB hard drive might not be enough. The more free space you have on your hard drive, the better it performs, so, with a hard drive 75% full, you might experience performance issues. On the other hand, if you have a 500GB hard drive storing 15GB of data, it's overkill. Every time you need to run system maintenance, you'll have to wait forever while your system performs maintenance on your entire hard drive, which is mostly empty. Too much space can also cause delays while your hard drive searches for data.
Additionally, when it comes to RAM, your motherboard only supports so much. You may be tempted to upgrade to 16GB of RAM just to make your system perform like a dream, but, if your motherboard supports only 4GB of RAM, your upgrade is wasted. Make sure you know what is computer memory and how much memory your computer supports before you perform any upgrades.
 | If your computer is running slow, freezing or crashing, it could mean that you need a memory upgrade. Operating systems, software and multimedia files keep getting bigger and hungrier, which can bog down even some of the newest computers. If a virus scan shows that your computer is clean and you're still having performance problems, it's time to get some more RAM. |
 | If you don't have enough PC memory, or you're abusing the PC memory you have with unneeded software and functions your computer can slow down. Taking inventory of your memory use could save you the cost of a memory upgrade. |
 | Installing notebook memory can improve the performance of your computer. Some manufacturers make this a very simple process, but there are some precautions to take. |
A computer memory upgrade is a great way to improve performance, but you'll need to consider how much memory your computer can handle. |
What is flash memory? It's a form of compact, solid-state memory that many devices use to store data. |
