Difference between revisions of "History of Computers - RAM"
(→Overview) |
(→Overview) |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | The earliest type of RAM was drum memory, which was invented in the 1930s. A drum formed the working memory of early machines, and programs were loaded on and off the drum with punched cards or paper tape. In the 1940s, [[magnetic core memory]] was invented. | + | The earliest type of RAM was drum memory, which was invented in the 1930s. A drum formed the working memory of early machines, and programs were loaded on and off the drum with punched cards or paper tape. In the 1940s, [[Page:History_of_Computers_-_Magnetic_Core_Memory|magnetic core memory]] was invented. |
==Significance== | ==Significance== | ||
Revision as of 16:22, 27 August 2011
Page created by Brett Gutstein, 22 August 2011
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, meaning that any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the "working memory" storage area within the computer; all data is stored on the hard drive, but in order for the CPU to work with the data during normal operations, the data is read into the working memory, which is the RAM.[1] RAM is also volatile memory, which means that when a computer's power is turned off, the contents of its RAM are lost.
Overview
The earliest type of RAM was drum memory, which was invented in the 1930s. A drum formed the working memory of early machines, and programs were loaded on and off the drum with punched cards or paper tape. In the 1940s, magnetic core memory was invented.
Significance
References
Links
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
