ROM | Read Only Memory
ROM or Read Only Memory is a form of computer data storage that is temporarily used to hold the instructions or code that makes up the computers operating system. Ram is only active while the computer is powered on. Once you shut the system down everything that was stored in the RAM is gone forever.
Each time a computer is powered up the operating system must load most of its computer instructions or code from the systems hard-drive and into the systems RAM in order to execute or run them. RAM is also used to store the instructions or code of any other program(s) or application(s) that are opened or executed during the operation of the computer system. Similarly, as these programs are closed or exited, the RAM that they were using becomes free to the operating system to be used again (in theory!).
Keep in mind however, that the operating system itslef is always using and reserving, a very large portion of free memory and the only time this information is completely cleared from the RAM is during a system reboot or a system shut down.
Generally the more RAM a system has installed the faster it will perform (up to a point - this varies depending on the operating system in use). As the system begins to run short of RAM it will start 'swapping' memory to the hard-drive. Swapping uses what it called a 'paging-file. The 'paging-file' is a reserved area of the hard-drive that is temporarily used just like additional memory. The biggest drawback to this process is the fact that swapping memory on and off of the hard-drive is much slower than simply storing data in traditional memory.
Reducing the need for the system to use memory 'swapping' greatly increases system performance. Thus, ensuring that your operating system has the maximum amount of usable system RAM installed, allows it to operate at its optimal speed.
If you would like to find out if adding more system memory or RAM could speed up your system give us a call and speak to one of our San Antonio Computer Repair specialists about upgrading.