How to Explain RAM in a Computer
Understanding computer terms and their definitions can be complex. Nevertheless, explaining random access memory (RAM) can be simple as pie, if you use this analogy. When baking, you place the cookbook, bowl and all of the ingredients on the countertop. However, when your countertop is small, you're not able to set out the measuring utensils. Therefore, each time you add an ingredient you must pull it out of the cupboard, measure it, and then put back. Having a small "workspace" slows you down. So when it comes to a computer, RAM is the "workspace" that you use when you are working.
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Instructions
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Memory chips help keep programs running smoothly. When you have plenty of RAM, or workspace, your computer will run at high speed, even with many programs open simultaneously. Every time you click on something to view, or open a program, it's loaded into RAM. It will continue to run in RAM until you save and close the program.
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RAM is cleared when a computer shuts down. Save your work to the hard drive before you power down your laptop. Turning off your computer clears the memory cache, because RAM is strictly a temporary memory file.
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The motherboard is hardware. Find out how much RAM is on your computer by going to, "Start-Control Panel-System". Easy to upgrade and cost-effective, RAM is located on a green panel inside your computer called the motherboard.
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Tips & Warnings
When shopping for a new computer, performance is one of the most important things to consider. Although Windows 7 requires a minimum of 4 gigabytes of RAM, 8 gigabytes would be ideal.
References
- Photo Credit Mann am Computer image by R.-Andreas Klein from Fotolia.com computer memory image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com shutdown the computer image by Ludovic LAN from Fotolia.com motherboard image by pershing from Fotolia.com
