Which of the following best stores data temporarily in memory while running a computer program?

A computer operates in a strange way. It needs a combination of hardware and software systems to process the given information and provide a given output. All of the hardware components become interconnected to each other in a virtual order as soon the power is ON. As a result, the BIOS searches and loads the operating system and other applications (the software) from Read Only Memory (ROM) to Random Access Memory (RAM) that makes the computer ready to use.

Random Access Memory – An overview:

Random Access Memory or RAM is a temporary memory that accesses data in a random order. These devices are used as the main memory in computer systems. RAM’s are the expensive form of data storage devices but their faster access to data outweighs the cost. A key function of this dynamic memory is to read and write data as long the power is connected. It stores the input data (input as a result of running a particular program) in a temporary manner. The processor then accesses the data from RAM for further processing.

RAM is both used for storing the information temporarily and other massive amounts of non-random data (permanent mass storage) such as the Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Depending on the usage requirements, every type of personal computer uses a certain amount of Random Access Memory for faster access to data. The storage capacity of RAM is directly proportional to CPU performance. Higher memories improve efficiency of computers and enhance system capabilities during routine processing of information.

Memory and storage requirements for a computer:

In a typical computer system, the maximum amount of RAM might be 8GB or more which is minimal as compared to the amount of HDD capacity it may have. This difference in the memory size reflects the efficiency and performance of RAM which makes them relatively expensive as compared to other storage devices. Depending on the usage necessities, memory and storage requirements for a normal computer can vary from user to user. Here is a brief explanation of the case with memory size recommendations from experts for better performance and enhanced CPU capabilities.

Casual Usage:

Computers which are used on a casual basis do not need a higher memory size. They are mostly used on an occasional basis for a few tasks. Some of the common tasks that are infrequently performed include internet browsing, emailing and listening to music. The recommended memory size for similar computers is 1 GB-2 GB; however, one may further improve it for better performance.

Frequent Usage:

Some users use their computers more frequently for a range of processes. They often need more operations on a daily basis. Together with browsing the internet and sending emails to friends, they may also use word processing applications and other graphics programs. To allow a multitasking capability, experts recommend a 2 GB-4 GB memory size for computers which are frequently used.

Power Usage:

Computers are more frequently used in the education fields as compared to others. Unlike frequent or casual use machines, these computers are used for intensive multitasking that needs quite a noticeable memory size. Students mostly use them for photo and video editing, gaming, and graphical programs. Experts recommend a minimal of 4 GB-8 GB memory size for similar computers.

Professional Usage:

A computer that is used for professional purpose needs more memory as compared to others. These computers are mostly used for multimedia editing, high-performance gaming, 3D modeling, and graphics designing. Both performance and improved efficiency are the key objectives in a professional environment and this is why an 8 GB-16 GB memory size is recommended for similar computers.

When To Upgrade Your RAM?

Users with 2GB or less memory size can benefit from a RAM upgrade to enhance system capabilities unless they hardly use their computers just for a single application at one time. Depending on your system usage, you may observe Task Manager to check if the memory usage is crossing the limit. If the memory is reaching its limit, it’s better to go for an upgrade so that the system performance is improved.

Users must also analyse the proper utilising of memory before deciding to upgrade. The best tool to analyse it is the Resource Monitor which is included both in older and latest versions of the leading operating systems. Resource Monitor gives a quick view of resources that are being used. This also provides a detailed analytics on why resources were being used and how often the operating system was forced to push into Page-File due to lack of RAM.

Benefits Of Upgrading Your RAM:

When computer problems come up on a regular basis that affects its functionality and performance, a memory upgrade is the most cost effective and efficient solution. This involves adding more RAM chips into the computer. There are different reasons that cause computer problems and this is why a memory upgrade is considered. Users can get the following benefits from upgrading to a higher memory size.

Avoid Computer Slowdowns:

More memory means more operations can run at one. Upgrading memory highly beneficiate those who process multitasks at once. Computers with small memory size may experience a major slowdown when working on multiple programs at a time. This problem is eliminated with RAM upgrade and extra memory is allocated for future use which avoids the option for using HDD as a virtual memory.

Extra Programs Availability:

Every single program needs a specified amount of memory. If the memory usage reaches its limit, not even a single program will run properly. Upon upgrading the RAM, users can easily enhance their PC’s overall capabilities and performance. A memory upgrade can make a computer clever enough to run programs that it may have been unqualified to run before.

Faster Browsing:

Faster browsing is a major problem for internet surfers with limited memory size. This experience tends to be noticeably faster after a memory upgrade. Computers with higher RAM’s can load web pages faster irrespective to the speed of internet connection. Upgrading memory to a higher size reduce the chances for a computer to use HDD memory which slow down the overall performance.

Enhanced Network:

Computer systems which are operating in an enterprise environment are connected to a network for using shared resources such as a printer. These computers can experience a massive boost in the network capabilities once the RAM is upgraded. Printable items with heavy graphics need more time on the network which may results in a slower printing experience on the network.

Enhanced Gaming:

Upgrading memory is beneficial for users who love gaming. This upgrade can make their games run smoothly with boosted response time. RAM upgrade can avoid those jerky movements and poor visuals that users can experience before. The memory upgrade can improve a computer’s efficiency in making the images cleaner and brighter with improved 3D rendering capability.

Computers store long-term data in two places: their storage drives, and the read-only memory chips on the motherboards that store firmware. The RAM sticks are for the processor to store the data programs need while they are running, but are unnecessary after you exit the programs. Even though they are only for temporary data, having a sufficient amount of RAM for your computers' workload is essential for them to run properly.

Random Access Memory

1. Random access memory, as its name suggests, is for your computer to store the random data which programs generate and use during the course of their execution. You can think of the RAM as scratch paper for your programs. Just as you throw away scratch paper you use for calculations once you have your final figure, your computer disregards the data it stores in its RAM once the processes are complete.

Limitations

1. RAM is both used for temporary storage, and from a technical perspective it is only capable of temporary storage. The hard drive is capable of storing information after the computer turns off, but RAM is not. Once your computer turns off, any data that was in your RAM sticks is lost.

Overflow

1. Some operating systems, such as UNIX-based systems and Windows, use a special partition set aside on the hard drive called swap space as extra temporary memory. When your computer runs out of space to store temporary data on the RAM sticks, the extra data flows over into the swap space. It takes the processor longer to read data from the hard drive than it does from RAM, but still leads to better performance than the system running out of temporary storage space entirely.

Performance

1. The availability of memory for temporary storage has a huge impact on how your computer operates. The more programs you have running, the more temporary data your computer has to store. When your computer runs out of temporary storage, then certain processes will have to stop until space opens up. You will see this on your computer as sluggish performance and your machine occasionally freezing up. The more RAM your computer has for temporary storage, the smoother the computer will run.