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Memory Concepts

What is computer memory

Computer memory is extreemly important to computer operation. Files and programs are loaded into memory from external media like fixed disks(hard drives) and removable disks(floppies tapes). Memory can be built right into a system board, but it is more typically atatched to the systemboard in the form of a chip or module. Inside these chips are microscopic digital switches which are used to represent binary data.

Stack

a "stack" is the general term used to describe how memory handles the storage of data. Items are placed on top of the stack, pushing the rest of the stack down one place. When that top item is popped off, the stack moves up one place. This follows the first-in-last-out rule, meaning that whatever was placed first on the stack can only be removed after the items on top have been removed. This system is common to 8086 computers(IMB/PC).

Push

Pop

Move

Register

Buffer

A buffer is a data area shared by hardware devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up by the other. In order for a buffer to be effective, the size of the buffer and the algorithms for moving data into and out of the buffer need to be considered by the buffer designer. Like a cache, a buffer is a "midpoint holding place" but exists not so much to accelerate the speed of an activity as to support the coordination of separate activities. This term is used both in programming and in hardware. In programming, buffering sometimes implies the need to screen data from its final intended place so that it can be edited or otherwise processed before being moved to a regular file or database.

Address

Overflow

Pointer

ROM

Random Operating Memory or Read Only Memory. Memory which is built-in to the motherboard. This memory usually holds system processes that are used repeatedly.

RAM

Swap Space