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Physical Memory
All right, here is the confusing part. There are two types of memory.
There is temporary memory (often called RAM or Random Access Memory), and
then, there is permanent memory (like the storage devices that we discussed
in the last section). In this section, we are going to be discussing the
memory that is commonly referred to when someone mentions memory. A good
example to distinguish the two types is to think about your memory as a
human. In your mind you have two types of memory, you have temporary memory
called short-term memory, and then, you have long term memory. They apply
directly the same with computers.
Physical memory is stored on computers by a collection of integrated
circuits that flip on and off to represent 1’s and 0’s. The reason the
memory is temporary is that the chips often require constant power (or
constant refresh) to remember the information. The applies for short-term
memory, as long as you care about something (power), you will most likely
remember it. When the power supply is lost, the chips revert back to the
off position (all 0’s), which effectively erases the information stored
on the chip.
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