What Is The Difference Between Computer Memory & Disk Space?

In the world of computing, the terms 'memory' and 'disk space' are perhaps two of the most widely-confused. Commonly seen as the same thing, memory and disk space actually have two very different uses, and to really understand how your computer works, you must first understand the tasks these two components perform.

The hard disk, sometimes known as the hard drive, is where a computer permanently stores information in a format it can read. It is made up of a spindle of magnetic discs that contain several gigabytes of data, and if the computer breaks or fails, the information stored on the hard disk can still be accessed by plugging it into another computer. When you download a document, music or photo, it is stored on your hard disk, and the more files you download or install, the more full your hard disk becomes. Typically these days, hard disks range from 500 gigabytes (500GB) to 2 terabytes (2TB), with even larger systems on their way to cope with the digital revolution, where music and films are being increasingly stored on hard disks as opposed to CDs and DVDs.

Memory, however, is a completely different notion. Memory, sometimes referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory) is the area used to store running programs, including the operating system (Windows, Mac, etc). Consisting of small chips inside a computer, when you open up a program such as Paint, Microsoft Word or iTunes, it gets loaded into the computer's memory, but unlike writing something onto the hard disk, when you close the program, this frees up the space again. The easiest comparison to make is that memory is the equivalent of a human remembering something for a task, whereas hard disks are the equivalent of writing information down on paper. With computer memory, you keep things in your brain that you are using throughout your lifetime, but it is not permanent storage, and when the human brain is switched off, the information is lost. Hard disks are similar to writing something down on paper, because the information is still available even if the brain or human it came from isn't.

Knowing the different between the two is vital when trying to decide how to upgrade your computer. If your computer tells you that there isn't enough memory to run a certain program, you will need to purchase more RAM to afford it more memory. If your computer tells you that you don't have the space to install a program, you need only delete some files from your hard drive to free up some space.

Data Memory Systems can provide you with all types of memory solutions, from flash drives and external hard drives to PC memory and Apple memory, with a team who can assist you if you're unsure what sort of memory you require.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Is the Future of DRAM Memory a Cube?

The recently completed, annual Hot Chips conference in Stanford threw up a number of interesting developments in computer memory and computer processing. As usual, the event was attended by key names in the memory industry and a number of new products revealed. One of the most interesting breakthroughs was presented by Micron, a memory manufacturer who announced that it has developed a hybrid cube DRAM chip.

DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is one of the key components of any machine whether a laptop, desktop, personal computer or work machine. When a specification lists 1GB or 2GB PC memory or Apple memory, it is usually referring to amounts of DRAM.

The Micron announcement has created a new buzz about memory upgrades as the product is the first ever to use a cube construction to stack layers of memory one on top of the other. This method of organizing memory has never been commercially used before and works in a unique way – the position of the layers creates paths of interconnecting sections, allowing for higher data density and higher data throughput.

Although the Hot Chips conference routinely premiers groundbreaking new memory and storage products, the Micron demonstration was particularly interesting as the manufacturer was able to demonstrate data transfer speeds of 128 gigabytes per second. As anyone who has ever contemplated a RAM upgrade out of sheer frustration with slow computing will know, this promises to significantly alter the speeds of common functions.

A discussion about general advancements in RAM speeds followed, suggesting more manufacturers will be snapping at the heels of Micron as they continue their development of the new memory chip.

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

A Hard Drive Made From Glass?

Research undertaken at Southampton University has discovered that using lasers to reposition atoms in pieces of glass can create a new form of computer storage. The brand new and extremely innovative glass data storage is thought to be more resilient and hardwearing than the storage devices currently used in computers, which is fragile and susceptible to damage from factors such as moisture and high temperatures. At present, computer drives can become corrupted, but the new findings point to a method of storing data without these risks. The concept has been compared to a famous scene from the Superman movie 'Fortress of Solitude', where video messages are saved onto a 'memory crystal' and played back at will.

The revolutionary technique works by putting tiny holes called 'voxels' (scientists describe this as the 3D version of a 'pixel') into pure silica glass, changing the way the light is directed through it. The device redirects light into 'whirlpools' which can then be read and accessed in a way comparable to the way we currently read optical fibres. The shards of glass can be read, accessed and written over an unlimited amount of times without the danger of a corruption within a file.

This new futuristic approach is also a great space-saver, with the glass shards currently able to hold up to 50GB of data – the equivalent of a full Blu-ray disc – on a piece of glass the size of a mobile phone screen. As well as saving space, the design can significantly prolong the lifespan of ordinary computer data storage device. Even in this modern age we live in, we are lucky to get a few decades of use out of our storage devices, but the new concept could see the glass data retention devices being constantly used and written over for thousands of years. With those in the medical industry stating that the method could dramatically lower the cost of medical imaging, and museums and large companies also enthusiastic about having a more reliable way to store their huge archives of information, it would not be an overstatement to say that this development will almost certainly revolutionise the way we store data in the future.

Whilst the technology itself is so advanced and cutting-edge that it is not currently available commercially, Data Memory Systems can still provide you with all of your memory upgrade needs right now. The team pride themselves on providing quality Apple memory and PC memory at the lowest prices, along with such essentials as flash drives and external hard drives.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

New Apple OS X Lion requires 2GB of RAM – Is Your Apple Memory Up To It?

Apple Mac users can now upgrade to what is called ‘one of the most advanced operating systems in the world’ as the eighth release of OS X is available to download. OS X Lion boasts a staggering 250 new features and 3000 additional developer APIs over its predecessors, making an upgrade advisable for anyone using a Mac desktop or MacBook as their main computer.

While the feature-rich operating system promises to make everyday computing even easier and more intuitive, users with some machines may find that their Apple memory needs upgrading before they can tap into the latest version of the OS. The operating system requires 2GB of Ram, which means that some owners will need to purchase and install an Apple memory upgrade before downloading Lion.

One of the key differences in the latest incarnation of OS X is the mission control function, which allows users to tap directly into the heart of their computer and see every program and app running on the Mac. Multi touch and fluid gestures have also been coded into the operating system, designed to allow users to interact fully with the content on screen, be it an email, web page or document.

While 2GB is Apple’s minimum memory requirement, having 4GB of Apple memory available is advisable, allowing the operator to enjoy every facet of the updated system at its full power.

Data Memory Systems, the Apple memory specialists, stocks 2, 4 and 8GB Apple memory kits. Its Apple memory chips are available for most Apple machines. To view available memory upgrades, simply select the model and browse upgrade choices.

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

The New MacBook Airs Are Out But Can You get the Same Computing Power and Save $980

As one of the highest profile technology firms in the world, it’s no surprise that Apple has a habit of rolling out new machines on what seems like a monthly basis. If it’s not iPads, it’s iPhones, but now it’s actually MacBook Airs. Two new models of Apple’s answer to the laptop have just launched. The famously thin machines, once infamously light on useful full-time computing features such as built in CD ROMs and Ethernet. Now though, a new generation of the slimline machines have launched, begging the question, is it time to buy a new MacBook Air or, will upgrading your existing MacBook Pro, MacBook or Apple PowerBook machine give the same functionality for less cash?

Apple is calling the new MacBook Airs “The ultimate everyday notebook". Prices start from $999 but, is almost one thousand dollars a worthy investment?

According to the specs, the new MacBook Airs do boast a faster intel 5 processor, but battery life is the same as the predecesor, the weight is the same and then starting model comes with just 2GB of Apple memory and 64GB solid state storage. The main changes are quoted as being a back lit keyword, a thunderbolt port, the new processor and the Lion operating system upgrade – which can be added to older machines for $20.

Specialist computer memory supply store Data Memory Systems recommend that those on a budget can get the same memory prowess as a new machine by spending as little as $10. For those on a budget, upgrading existing Apple memory is a much cheaper way of speeding up a system and getting that snappy new computer feel than dropping $1000 on a new machine.

Justin Briere, Senior Account Manager at the New Hampshire firm said, “A 1GB DDR2 memory upgrade for a MacBook pro is just $18 with a lifetime warranty. A MacBook Air base model has a maximum memory capacity of 2GB so it’s very cheap, quick and easy to take an existing Apple up to the same amount of memory as a new Apple MacBook Air. “ 

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Back to School Memory Solutions from Data Memory Systems

There may be a few more weeks before the new school year starts but, alongside buying stationary, books and uniforms, making sure your child has access to a computer for homework tasks is likely to be high on your To Do list.

Although some manufacturers offer cheaper deals on new machines for students and those in part time education, it is cheaper still to work with an existing computer rather than buy brand new equipment for the new semester. Desktops and laptops that have stood the test of time can be quickly and cheaply overhauled ready for the new academic term with a memory upgrade. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a brand new Apple or PC, buying an Apple memory chip or upgrading PC memory can give existing equipment a whole new lease on life.

Justin Briere, senior account manager at computer memory specialists Data Memory Systems says, “High school and even college students don’t need top of the line technology to successfully perform their homework tasks. Browsing the internet for research, using word processing packages to write papers or spreadsheet programs for math, even design packages or photo editing software for creative courses can all run extremely well on an existing PC with just a memory upgrade.”

The simple act of installing a memory chip or new RAM takes just a matter of minutes but can be enough to provide your child with the computing power they need to successfully complete all school assignments. And unlike buying a new Apple Mac or investing in a new PC, memory upgrades can be had for as little as $20.

Data Memory Systems also stocks other school and college computing essentials including external hard drives perfect for backing up all assignments and USB flash drives for transporting files from home to school and back again.

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

IBM Announce Computer Memory Breakthrough

IBM has announced a new computer memory breakthrough and paved the way for the most high-tech memory upgrades yet. The firm, which has arguably done more to push forward computer hardware and storage than any other, has produced phase change memory chips (PCM) able to store more data without data corruption problems than ever before.

The new advance in computer memory has been driven by the increasing uptake of cloud computing and virtualization which has seen millions of companies around the world use new, virtual means of storing and sharing information and programs. This trend has led to a demand for ever more efficient and effective PC memory, something IBM thinks it will be able to address with its PCM development.

PCM memory is non volatile which means it still stores data when the computer is shut down and the power switched off. This type of storage is similar to NAND which already exists in Apple memory and PC memory forms and can be found under the casing of most modern machines. Unlike NAND, new data can be added to existing data – currently, existing data has to be marked for deletion before new data can be added in what is known as an erase-write cycle. This is key to the longevity and increased speed expected from IBM’s memory breakthrough as a traditional erase-write cycle can slow down performance and can only be produced a finite number of times. The new chip can perform the same operation around 100 times faster.

In announcing its milestone in memory research and development, IBM said that it had been testing its new chip for cloud and enterprise solutions but, it is expected that the new technology will also speed up home computers when the knowledge filters down to DRAM applications. That’s good news for users who want an altogether speedier computing experience at home and in the small business workplace without access to a private cloud or virtualization technology.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com