Memory

The main memory of the computer is the temporary memory storage chips known as the RAM chips. RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

The chips store the data as well as letters, numbers, sound, and the software instructions needed for the computer to perform the intended task, and deliver the required output. The RAM chips will only store the instructions and data when the computer is turned on. The data in the chips is lost the moment the computer is turned off.

Never rely on RAM chips to permanently store your data.

Types and Units of Storage

Bits (Binary Digits)

A computer, being and electronic device is unable to think as humans do. The computer depends on electronic pulses that tell it simply on or off. It does this by using “0” for off and “1” for on.

So, every character, number or space you might type into a document is represented in a binary format of zeros and ones. Every number or character has a binary number 8 digits long. Each digit is equal to 1 bit. 8 bits equal 1 byte, eg., A certain letter has the binary number of 0001 1110. These 8 numbers equal 1 byte and 1 byte is equal to 1 letter or number.

Bytes

The size of the RAM chips and permanent storage devices are measured in a term called

bytes. As previously mentioned, a character, number or space typed into a word processing document takes up approximately 1 byte of storage. In fact, it is a little more than 1 byte as 

1024 bytes equals 1 Kilobyte (1000 bytes). Which means a kilobyte equals 1024 letters or numbers.

1000 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte

Approximately 1 million bytes equals 1 Megabyte. Which when converted to individual letters and numbers, a megabyte equals 1 million letters or numbers. One Megabyte is about 500 pages of text. One thousand Megabytes equals 1 Gigabyte. In letters and numbers this equals about 1 thousand million letters or numbers.

Abbreviations

 b    = Byte

 Kb = Kilobyte

 Mb = Megabyte

 Gb = Gigabyte.