Memory

There are two types of memory, volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory is memory that loses its contents when the computer or hardware device loses power. Computer RAM is a good example of a volatile memory. Non-volatile memory, sometimes abbreviated as NVRAM, is memory that keeps its contents even if the power is lost. CMOS is a good example of a non-volatile memory. Below is an example picture of computer memory.

It is very common for users to confuse what memory is exactly. For example, a computer hard drive is sometimes thought of as memory. A hard drive is a type of storage but not memory. As mentioned above, memory is more commonly known as RAM.

• See document CH000149 for additional information about determining how much RAM your computer has.
• Additional information and help with computer memory can be found here.

Also see: Memory capacity, Memory definitions, RAM, ReadyBoost, TSR, Volatile memory