Memory
There are two types of memory within a computer, ROM and RAM. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Every personal computer has a ROM chip on board that is loaded with a BIOS (Basic input/output system) that allows for the successful booting of that computer. Most users see the effects of this BIOS as the text that appears on screen showing memory and drive checks before you begin to see your OS take control of your computer.
Every personal computer also has RAM. RAM or Random Access Memory has a crucial role in the functionality of your computer. RAM provides a storage location for data that the central processor can access and manipulate easily and quickly. RAM allows software and other data to stay continuously running without the need to constantly access a more permanent means of storage. The more RAM memory you have in your computer, the more applications you can have open at a given time and still maintain a stable and sluggish free environment. In today’s computers RAM is measured in MB or megabytes. Just over 10 years ago the average personal computer came with 8 MB of RAM. Most computers come with a minimum of 256 MB of RAM today; however, as computer applications become more intensive that number will only increase.
The size, shape, and form factor of RAM changes slightly between desktop computers and laptops computers due to space limitations. Laptop memory is usually more expensive due to the fact that fewer chips are placed on each "stick" of RAM to get the equivalent amount of storage on a desktop usage stick of RAM. Below are images of both as well as a BIOS chip.
(SODIMM)
Kingston's own version of laptop memory, it works off the same principle as desktop, just in a scaled down environment; both physically, and in power.
(DIMM)
The memory pictured above is Kingston's ilghtning quick HyperX style of desktop memory. Utilizing the technology of DDR2, the DIMM modules can work as a pair, increasing performance dramatically.
(Note: Even though this chip is from 1982 - the design of BIOS chips has changed very little)
This is an example of the ROM chip that boots up with your computer's BIOS.
