What is RAM (Random Access Memory) and how does it work?

In this article I will cover what RAM is, and how it works. I will also go over how to add and remove RAM from a desktop computer and things to consider when choosing RAM.

What is RAM?

Hard drive
RAM is the abbreviation for random access memory. RAM is used in computers as fast memory. A hard drive stores large amounts of data and RAM does about the same thing. The difference is that RAM is many times faster to recall memory from then a hard drive. Fast recall
Therefore, while a computer runs, information is constantly being stored on the RAM for fast recall when needed. Different RAM has different speeds, but in general they are much faster then recalling information from the hard drive. Information for a program is essentially buffered to the RAM to be run for fast recall. Space
The more RAM your computer has, the more free space it will have to use for quick accessible memory. A computer with a low amount of RAM will run slow as it needs to constantly load and unload information as it moves from task to task. A computer with a lot of RAM will be able to glide from task to task storing everything it needs on the RAM.
Save
Your RAM is cleared for the most part when you shut off your computer, only your hard drive will store information, so make sure you save files you are working on often as most of the time the file you are working off is being remember by the RAM. If the power went out, you would lose your work, however if it saved on the hard drive, the information has been etched onto the disk and will be retrievable later.

Adding and removing RAM?

Pairs
If you are looking to purchase RAM, make sure that you get it in pairs. For example, if you are going to add 4gb of RAM to your computer, make sure that if you have two 2gb sticks of RAM, they are both the exact same and when you put it onto the mother board you put them in matched or paired slots. RAM works better in pairs and works better the closer its make or model is to the other components of your computer. For example, if the motherboard is intel you will probably want to consider getting an intel RAM.