Computer Memory

Although memory is technically any form of electronic storage, it is used most often to identify fast, temporary forms of storage. If your computer's CPU had to constantly access the hard drive to retrieve every piece of data it needs, it would operate very slowly. When the information is kept in memory, the CPU can access it much more quickly. Most forms of memory are intended to store data temporarily.

In contemporary usage, memory usually refers to a form of solid state storage known as random access memory (RAM) and sometimes other forms of fast but temporary storage. The memory is available in 'sticks' (printed circuit boards with chips on them).

There are numerous types of memory sticks available often requiring a particular type of motherboard socket.  This is one consideration to bear in mind when upgrading a computer.

If your computer is struggling to keep up with your use of it and you do not wish to purchase a new one yet, a cheap and effective way to increase productivity is to increase the memory to 2gb giving greater processing power.