Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is another "need" when building a computer or buying parts for a computer.

The RAM is as important to your computer as the CPU. While the CPU is the brain of the machine directing all the peripherals the RAM is needed to store all the information that the CPU is processing. The CPU does not have the facility to hold information and process the information so delegates the job to the RAM, the Random Access Memory.

The Memory is called Random Access as the computer can access any part of the peripherals technology, write to it and/or read from it, unlike the opposite of RAM, "SAM", Serial Access Memory, where all information would have to be sequential, a tape machine for example.

There are many different types of RAM available on the market and it would be advisable to seek advice before buying any.