Computer :: How Computer Memory Works

When you think about it, it's amazing how many different types of electronic memory you encounter in daily life. Many of them have become an integral part of our vocabulary:

• RAM
• ROM
• Cache
• Dynamic RAM
• Static RAM
• Flash memory
• Memory Sticks
• Virtual memory
• Video memory
• BIOS

You already know that the computer in front of you has memory. What you may not know is that most of the electronic items you use every day have some form of memory also. Here are just a few examples of the many items that use memory:

• Cell phones
• PDAs
• Game consoles
• Car radios
• VCRs
• TVs

In this article, you'll learn why there are so many different types of memory and what all of the terms mean. On the next page, let's start with the basics: What exactly does computer memory do?