Aðalminni

Aðalminni is an Icelandic term that translates to "main memory" or "primary memory" in English. It refers to the computer's main working memory, where data and program instructions are temporarily stored for the central processing unit (CPU) to access quickly. This type of memory is volatile, meaning that the data it holds is lost when the computer is powered off.

The primary function of aðalminni is to facilitate rapid data retrieval and processing. When a program is run or a file is opened, the relevant information is loaded from slower storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, into aðalminni. The CPU can then directly and efficiently access this information, allowing for smooth and responsive operation of the computer. The speed at which the CPU can interact with aðalminni is a critical factor in overall system performance.

Common technologies used for aðalminni include Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM). The amount of aðalminni a computer has, often measured in gigabytes (GB), is a significant specification that determines how many applications can be run simultaneously and how large or complex the datasets that can be processed effectively. Insufficient aðalminni can lead to a slowdown in performance as the system resorts to using slower storage as virtual memory.