Internal storage areas in the computer. The term memory identifies data storage that comes in the form of chips, and the word storage is used for memory that exists on tapes or disks. Moreover, the term memory is usually used as a shorthand for physical memory, which refers to the actual chips capable of holding data. Some computers also use virtual memory, which expands physical memory onto a hard disk.
Every computer comes with a certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as main memory or RAM. You can think of main memory as an array of boxes, each of which can hold a single byte of information. A computer that has 1 megabyte of memory, therefore, can hold about 1 million bytes (or characters) of information.
Listed here are some of the terminology used in conjunction to memory, and it's properties.
RAM Random access memory A data storage device for which the order of access to different locations does not affect the speed of access, except for bursts Data is typically stored in RAM temporarily for use by the process or while the computer is operating FPM, EDO, SDRAM, DDR, etc are all types of RAM
RAS Row address strobe The signal that tells the DRAM to accept the given address as a row address Used with CAS and a column address to select a bit within the DRAM
RDRAM Rambus DRAM is a revolutionary type of DRAM that uses a 16-18 bit data path and is designed to operate with FSB speed of 800MHz, producing a burst transfer rate of 16 gigahertz
Read Time The amount of time required for the output data to become valid once the read and address inputs have been enabled Generally called access time
Refresh The process used to restore the charge in DRAM cells at specific intervals
Refresh Rate A count of the number of rows (in thousands) refreshed at a time in a refresh cycle Common refresh rates are 1K, 2K, 4K, and 8K
Registered Memory Registers delay memory information for one clock cycle to ensure all communication from the chipset is collected by the clock edge, providing a controlled delay on heavily loaded memories
RIMM TM Rambus inline memory modules used for Rambus DRAM
Row Part of the RAM array; a bit can be stored where a column and a row intersect Sometimes also referred to as a page
