1. Adapted from “Cooling Systems” – CTAE Information Technology Essentials http://www.gactaern.org/curriculum_compnet_itessentials.html PROFITT Curriculum Basic Computer Skills Module 1 Hardware Concepts

2.  RAM is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that the computer can dive in and access any part of the memory

3.  The two most common types of RAM used in desktop computers today are DDR2 and DDR3.  Notebook computers use SODIMMS (Small Outline DIMMS) which take up less space than desktop memory.

4.  Choice of RAM determined by the types of RAM compatible with the motherboard.  Example - A motherboard designed to use DDR RAM will not accept DDR2 RAM.  Important to closely examine motherboard specifications for CPU and RAM before making a purchase.

5.  Different operating systems can address various amounts of RAM.  The majority of 32 bit versions of modern Microsoft Windows operating systems can address up to 4GB of RAM.  64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems can address 8GB or more of RAM depending on the specific edition.