What is RAM? How does RAM work? How much RAM should a PC have?

What will be an ideal response?


RAM (random access memory) is the waiting room for the computer's processor. It is a temporary holding area for program instructions and data waiting to be processed, displayed, or printed. RAM is usually several chips or circuit boards, and is the most expensive computer part, next to the processor.

RAM uses electronic parts called capacitors to hold the bits that represent data. A charged capacitor is turned on and represents a 1 bit; an uncharged capacitor is turned off and represents a 0 bit. The content of RAM is changed by changing the charge of the capacitors.

The amount of RAM you need depends on the software you use. PCs typically have 2-8 GB of RAM. You can purchase and install more RAM as long as there is room on your motherboard and it is the correct type of RAM.

Computer Science & Information Technology

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Performance monitoring is best used to __________.

a) project the performance of a system that has not yet been built b) evaluate which of several systems to purchase c) decide how to tune a system to increase its performance at a given installation d) determine whether it is worthwhile to upgrade a specific component

Computer Science & Information Technology

PGP or S/MIME is used to protect email

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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Which of the following is not the correct method of editing the cell content?

A) Press the Alt key B) Press the F2 key C) Click the formula bar D) Double click the cell

Computer Science & Information Technology

What provides periodic updates of what is occurring in the business?

A) performance reports B) records C) reports used for decision making D) data capture forms

Computer Science & Information Technology