Arvutimälu

Arvutimälu, often referred to as computer memory, is a fundamental component of any computing device. It is where the computer stores data and instructions that the central processing unit (CPU) needs to access quickly. Without memory, the CPU would be unable to perform operations, as it would have nowhere to temporarily store the information it is working with.

There are two primary types of arvutimälu: Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM). RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the power is turned off. It is used for actively running programs and data. The more RAM a computer has, the more programs it can run simultaneously and the faster it can switch between them. ROM, on the other hand, is non-volatile and contains essential instructions for booting up the computer, such as the BIOS or UEFI firmware. These instructions are permanently stored and cannot be easily altered by the user.

In addition to RAM and ROM, there are other forms of memory such as cache memory, which is a small, very fast memory located on or near the CPU, designed to speed up access to frequently used data. Storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are also considered memory, but they are non-volatile and designed for long-term data storage rather than immediate processing. The performance and capacity of arvutimälu significantly impact a computer's overall speed and efficiency.