Adapted from “Cooling Systems” – CTAE Information Technology Essentials PROFITT Curriculum Basic Computer Skills Module 1 Hardware Concepts

 RAM is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that the computer can dive in and access any part of the memory

 The two most common types of RAM used in desktop computers today are DDR2 and DDR3.  Notebook computers use SODIMMS (Small Outline DIMMS) which take up less space than desktop memory.

 Choice of RAM determined by the types of RAM compatible with the motherboard.  Example - A motherboard designed to use DDR RAM will not accept DDR2 RAM.  Important to closely examine motherboard specifications for CPU and RAM before making a purchase.

 Different operating systems can address various amounts of RAM.  The majority of 32 bit versions of modern Microsoft Windows operating systems can address up to 4GB of RAM.  64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems can address 8GB or more of RAM depending on the specific edition.