Memory

In a computer system memory is used to store data temporarily or permanently. The capacity of the memory is normally measured in bytes. There are a number of different types of memory:

Cache

Static random access memory containing recently used information. Used to buffer the central processing unit from any slower memory devices.

DDR SDRAM

Double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. Usually referred to as DDR.

DRAM

Dynamic random access memory.

EEPROM

Acronym for electrically erasable programmable read only memory.

EPROM

Acronym for erasable programmable read only memory, originally UVEPROM for ultraviolet erasable PROM.

PROM

An acronym for programmable read only memory. PROM is a common name for several types of field programmable nonvolatile memory integrated circuits.

RAM

Random access memory.

RDRAM

Rambus dynamic random access memory.

ROM

Read only memory (permanent memory that cannot be changed).

SDRAM

Single data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory.

SLDRAM

Synchronous link dynamic random access memory.

SRAM

Static random access memory.

A 32 bit processor can address 4Gb of memory, whilst a 64 bit processor can address 8Tb.

See also: Address, Buffer, Effective Address, FIFO Buffer, Flash Memory, Microprocessor, Nonvolatile Memory, Semiconductor, Sequential Access Memory, Volatile Memory.