Saturday, 21 August 2010

How computer memory works – a guide by Data Memory Systems


Computer memory is one of the main factors affecting how well a computer functions. The term 'memory' is used to refer to many different things in technology, which can be confusing to any of us. However, once you have a few basic concepts clear in your mind, you'll be able to choose the right components for your machine, including memory.

Data
Computers use data, which is information. This information includes the documents etc that you have stored, but also a lot of other information that the programs running on your computer require to carry out their tasks, both in terms of the software applications you use (e.g. Web browsers, word processors) and the operating system itself. The operating system handles how your computer hardware is used to present you with the interface that allows you to carry out tasks as you need. This of course includes handling data, and this is where memory comes in, for the data is held in memory.

Hard Drive
Your computer's hard drive is generally a place where more persistent, longer term data is stored. This is where you'll likely store your documents, pictures, audio, video etc. PCs and laptops come with a set amount of hard drive space built in, which affects how much you can store within the computer. These days, it's also common to use an external hard drive, particularly if you use different computers at times, and if you perhaps use a laptop rather than a desktop and therefore have less internal storage space available.

External
A host of external devices are also used for this type of storage, for example flash drives and memory sticks. With these, in most cases they are 'plug and play' which means you simply plug them into your computer USB ports and the computer reads them in the same way as it would its own internal memory. Again, the advantage to these is that they're portable and can be used with different machines.

RAM
How fast and efficient a computer is depends on a number of things, including the CPU. It also depends on the RAM, which is like the computer's shorter term memory, and is used as it carries out its tasks. RAM is faster to access than the data on the hard drive, and it's therefore used by the operating system for whatever the computer is doing at any time.

If you're choosing RAM for your system, whether it's being created from scratch or upgraded, there are a number of things you should bear in mind. The RAM must be suited to your computer's motherboard, and must also be appropriate to the CPU you're using. Different types of machine also require different memory, so if your machine is Apple, for example, you should choose appropriate Apple memory.

Choices
Data Memory Systems have an excellent range of memory solutions designed to suit a great many different needs, at fantastic prices and sold according to high standards in customer service. With a product catalog covering all sorts of computer memory, you can get whatever PC memory, Dell memory or HP memory you need. Also currently available are RAM, DDR and SDRAM.
Find out more at http://www.datamemorysystems.com/

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Building Your Own PC? Guide To Choosing The Correct Memory

When it comes to building your own PC, you’ll naturally have to make decisions along the way regarding the components you choose. The memory you include in your machine will of course have a considerable impact on its performance and efficiency during its life. Taking the time to choose the correct computer memory is a valuable investment that your PC (and it’s user) will reap the benefits of for some time.

RAM
These days, the average PC will be interacting with a variety of different devices and types of memory, some internal and some external. The RAM you choose for your PC will have a substantial effect on the speed that it functions at, and should be tailored to both the machine itself and to what it’s mainly going to be used for.

The motherboard in your PC will dictate to an extent the types of RAM that are compatible with it, and so this is one of the first things you need to check out before taking any decisions. Make sure any memory you consider is no larger than the maximum module that the motherboard can accommodate. You will also need to choose which type of RAM to use with your motherboard, which will again be determined by the motherboard: DDR and SDRAM are among the available options. When choosing your RAM, you should also take into account the speed of your processor.

Whether you’re choosing memory to use with a PC or Apple memory, you should browse the available options for these manufacturers specifically. Data Memory Systems stock a vast range of solutions for Apple memory and PC memory, with a host of brands catered for including Dell memory and HP memory.

What your PC is going to be used for will also have an impact on your memory solution. Memory options are available that are designed specifically for use with gaming or multimedia. If your PC is really just going to be used for light office work or browsing the Web on a casual basis for example, then your computer memory requirements will be less demanding and you can feel free to choose the smaller options. Bear in mind though that memory affects multitasking, and therefore your ability to run several applications at once.

Storage
These days we’ve gotten into the habit of keeping so much in digital formats, whether on desktop PCs, laptops or other devices. There is a huge range of options now available for computer storage. Your PC’s ability to save those files will include its hard drive, for which you have a number of choices, including SSD drives which are increasingly popular.

External storage is also something that our mobile technology needs have progressed, with developments such as Flash drives. Whether you’re hoping to store documents, pictures, music or video, you’ll likely want to have substantial amounts of storage space available for your PC. The advantage to using portable drives is of course that you can use them with more than one computer, as most of them are connected using USB ports. Data Memory Systems offer a wealth of external storage products, including USB, Firewire and Flash drives capable of interfacing with many devices.

Find out more at www.datamemorysystems.com