What is ...
...?
Definition:
RAM, also called memory, is temporary storage space on chips in your computer. RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
Explanation:
RAM holds files and programs temporarily while you use them. When you turn off the power to the computer, everything in RAM "disappears."
Sentence:
"I need 16MB of RAM to run Netscape."
If you're on a Mac and want to find out how much RAM you have, or why you're getting the "out of memory" error message, select "About this Macintosh" from the Apple menu. You'll get a box like the one below, which tells you 1) how much RAM you have physically installed in the computer and 2) how much RAM space is being taken up by the programs you're running. (Remember that "Memory" is the same as RAM in this example.)
In this example, I'm about to run into trouble.
The "Total Memory:" line shows that my computer has 40MB of RAM (40,960 kilobytes = about 40 Megabytes) physically installed in the computer. That means my primary "working area" is 40MB for holding programs and files.
The list shows the programs running right now. After adding up all the memory these programs are using, including the System Software, I discover that my programs are using up over 36MB of RAM! I have less than 4MB left. The "Largest Unused Block:" line indicates that the largest block of unused RAM is only about 2.4 MB.
If I tried to start up a RAM-gobbling program like Adobe Illustrator right now, I'd be out of luck unless I QUIT several of the other programs that are running. Another way I might run into trouble is if I tried to open and edit a ClarisWorks file which has loads of large photos in it.
Needless to say, the more RAM you have, the more programs you can run at once, and the bigger the files can be.
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