Chapter 6 - 9/11/20

Memory Overview

RAM: Random Access Memory, found on motherboard and video adaptors, volatile memory, can be changed. ROM: Read Only Memory, found on network adaptors, cannot be changed, non-volatile. DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is slightly cheaper and less efficient than SRAM (Static RAM). Cache memory, RAM, and the hard drive contains all of the instructions for the processor to complete. DDR4: The current fastest type of RAM, 288 pins & up to 512 GB on one module. RAM uses a heat sink to help keep it cool. Motherboards with multiple-channel memory operate faster, as they can access multiple memory sticks at once. RAM sits on the motherboard, and most new computers will automatically recognize new RAM.

Windows Disk Caching

Virtual Memory: A way of using virtual memory, using RAM as if it were a hard drive. Paging Files: A block of hard drive that uses a section of the hard drive like RAM, virtual memory.

Monitoring Memory Usage in Windows

Task manager in windows is a performance utility that is used to monitor memory usage. Total Physical Memory: The amount of RAM installed. Handles: The number of resources the operating system is currently working with. Commit: A snapshot of the virtual memory requests, and if this is greater than the total physical memory, it is time to get more RAM.

Troubleshooting Memory Problems

Not having enough total physical memory, or hard drive space, can result in slowed system speeds, system lockups, ‘out of memory’ errors, and other problems. Adding more RAM, checking if your RAM is currently recognized in the BIOS, or reinstalling the RAM sticks could fix these issues.

Flash Memory

Flash Memory: A type of non-volatile, solid-state memory that holds data even when the computer is powered off. Network devices & smartphones use flash memory to contain the OS. USB Flash Drives: Currently allow for up to 256 GB of storage of flash memory.