Random Access Memory

RAM

Random Access Memory or RAM is an essential type of internal memory. The reason why it is termed “random access” is because the processor or computer can access any location in memory as against sequential access devices, which must be accessed in order.

Reed relays, integrated circuits, transistors, magnetic core, or anything that can hold and store binary values go into the making of RAMs. However, many of the modern versions of RAM are made from integrated circuits. There was a time when the most common form of memory in Mainframes was magnetic core, which is why various older programmers still refer to main memory as core memory even when the RAM is made from more advanced technology.

Static RAM is termed so because it continues to hold and store information even when power is removed. Reed relays and Magnetic core are good examples of static memory.

Dynamic RAM is described as dynamic because it loses all data when the power source is removed. Some good examples of Dynamic Memory are transistors and integrated circuits.