Understanding how memory works and its different types

Other sections will examine input devices, output devices, and secondary memory.

Understanding how memory works and its different types


Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems. The operating system's job Your computer's operating system OS manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.

Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit CPUmemory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

Types of operating systems Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI pronounced gooey. A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text. Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first.


Microsoft Windows Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mids. Over the years, there have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 released inWindows 8Windows 7and Windows Vista Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

Check out our tutorials on Windows Basics and specific Windows versions for more information. It comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs. One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. Linux Linux pronounced LINN-ux is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world.

This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.

However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

Semiconductor Engineering Understanding Memory

Operating systems for mobile devices The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices.

In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an iPad. Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software.

However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games. To learn more about mobile operating systems, check out our Mobile Devices tutorials.Neither is memory a single unitary process but there are different types of memory.


Types of Computer Memory - Types of computer memory include two caches, system RAM, virtual memory and a hard drive. Learn about the types of computer memory and what they do.

Understanding how memory works and its different types

X. We discuss RAM in detail in How RAM Works, but several points about RAM are important here. Understanding the different types of memory and how they're affected by Alzheimer's can be helpful to caregivers and loved ones of those living with dementia.

In addition, remember that if you see signs of memory loss in yourself or someone you love, it's time to set up an appointment with your physician for a physical and evaluation.

Get help understanding operating systems in this free lesson so you can answer the question, It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. Types of operating systems. Feb 12,  · This tutorial video talks about how RAM (Random Access Memory) works, why its important to have more RAM and the different Speeds of RAM as well how and why RAM uses different names for modules.

Let our guide to understanding memory cards. Different file types, compression and resolution all affect the size of each file, so the number of images you can put on one card from one camera to the next is never the same.

Between 1GB and 8GB storage should be enough for an average beginner photographer using a compact camera and these won.

The Human Memory - what it is, how it works and how it can go wrong