M is for Memory
In computing terms, the word ‘memory’ is generally used to refer to RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is put on chips which are attached to the computer’s motherboard. The data a computer holds in RAM can be accessed very quickly but is often limited. Early computers, in fact, had as little as one kilobyte of memory. This compares with the current average memory for PCs of two gigabytes, with many systems having more than that. Memory is one of the contributing factors to speed. If a computer runs out of physical memory it will create virtual memory, which is located on the hard drive. This process is referred to as ‘memory caching’. The more a computer has to cache the slower it will run. Adding memory, therefore, increases system performance and is often a cheaper option than upgrading the processor speed. However, computers can generally only take so much memory before reaching a hardwired limit. Most modern computers also have subsidiary memory for sound and graphics, taking the burden off of the central memory and also improving speed. Applications have specific memory needs and most software manufacturers post system requirements including the amount of free memory a program needs to run well.