Basics of RAM
Let's start with the basic terminology of the types of RAM memory that most of us are familiar with:
RAM - Random Access Memory - This type of computer memory can be accessed randomly. It is made up of integrated circuits that allow data to be accessed in any order (random). Any bite of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. Ram can be read and written to. A good definition found at Wikipedia (2010) - "Random refers to the idea that any piece of data can be returned in constant time regardless of its physical location and whether it is related to the previous piece of data." This is one of crucial aspects of why this type of memory is used today and how computers become more efficient, smaller and cheaper.
There are two types of RAM:
DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory - This type of RAM stores a bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. This type of RAM has to be refreshed periodically. This type of memory is volatile (data is lost when not powered). This is the main type of memory found in most computers today.
SRAM - Static Random Access Memory - This type of memory is faster and more reliable than DRAM. It does not need to be refreshed like DRAM. This type of memory is volatile, meaning bits of data are lost when the memory is not powered. SRAM is mostly used as memory cache due to the fact it is much faster than DRAM.
RAM Photos:
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A good definition for you to remember, "Computer memory refers to the physical devices used to store data or programs (sequence of instructions) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer. Computers represent information in binary code, written as sequences of 0s and 1s. Each binary digit (or "bit") may be stored by any physical system that can be in either of two stable states, to represent 0 and 1. Such a system is called bistable." (Wikipedia, 2008).