computer memory
- Noun:
- An electronic memory device: "computer memory" refers to the physical hardware components within a computer that store data and instructions for processing.
- The central storage unit: It is the component, along with the CPU, that forms the core of a computer to which other devices (peripherals) are connected.
- Noun:
- Adding more computer memory can significantly speed up your system.
- The data is temporarily held in the computer memory before being saved to the hard drive.
"Volatile memory": A type of computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information, such as RAM (Random Access Memory).
- RAM is volatile memory, so all data is lost when the computer is turned off.
"Memory hierarchy": The organization of different types of computer memory (e.g., cache, RAM, storage) based on speed, cost, and capacity.
- Understanding the memory hierarchy is key to optimizing software performance.
RAM (Random Access Memory) (n): The primary volatile computer memory where the operating system and application data are kept for quick access by the CPU.
- This laptop has 16 gigabytes of RAM.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) (n): A type of non-volatile computer memory used to store firmware or permanent software instructions.
- The device's startup instructions are stored in ROM.
Cache memory (n): A small, high-speed computer memory that stores frequently used data for rapid access.
- The processor's cache memory helps reduce latency.
- Storage: (In a general computing context) The act or means of retaining digital data.
- RAM: (Specifically) The common term for the main volatile memory.
"Memory address": A unique identifier for a location in computer memory.
- The program encountered an error trying to access an invalid memory address.
"Memory allocation": The process of assigning portions of computer memory to programs.
- Dynamic memory allocation happens while a program is running.
- "A memory like a computer": An idiom praising someone's exceptional ability to remember details accurately and in large quantities.
- For historical dates, she has a memory like a computer.
- an electronic memory device
- a memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached