What is memory?

Memory is the electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor can reach quickly. When your computer is in normal operation, its memory usually contains the main parts of the operating system and some or all of the application programs and related data that are being used. More commonly memory is known as RAM (Random Access Memory), a location where information is stored that is currently being utilized by the operating system, software program, hardware device, and/or the user.

Memory is available in two types: volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory often loses its contents when the computer or hardware device loses power while Non-volatile memory, sometimes abbreviated as NVRAM, keeps its contents even if the power is lost. Computer RAM is a good example of a volatile memory, whereas CMOS is a good example of a non-volatile memory.

See: CPU, Motherboard, Mass Storage Device, Input Device, Output Device, BIOS