Christine Gonzales

Assignment: Ch. 2 RAM and Expansion Cards

CRN 10061

June 28, 2009

Random Access Memory (RAM)

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-random-access-memory.htm

This web site defines RAM as “computer chips that temporarily stores dynamic data to enhance computer performance.” One of the functions of RAM is to temporarily hold programs and files while the computer is on. The site also describes how there are many sticks of RAM in a computer, RAM chips are required to be compatible with the motherboard of the computer, and a computer can run faster with better RAM chips.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/ram.htm

This web site describes RAM as “‘random access’ because you can access any memory cell directly if you know the row and column that intersect at that cell.” The site also lists the many different types of RAM including static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), fast page mode dynamic RAM (FPM DRAM), and many more. In addition, the website contains essential in determining how much RAM one will need for certain computers.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/componentprofiles/p/p_ram.htm

This web site labels RAM as the “‘working memory’ in a computer.” One of the functions of RAM is to let the computer perform better while many programs are running. This site also describes how RAM is not the only type of memory a computer has.

Expansion Cards

	Network Interface Card (NIC)
Manufacturer	Cisco	Hewlett-Packard	D-Link
Model	Cisco X2 - Transceiver module - X2 - 10 Gigabit EN - 10GBase-Lrm - 1310 nmX2-19GB-LRM	HP ProCurve Gigabit-LX-LC Mini-GBIC J4859C	D-Link 1000Base-Lx Mini-GBIC Gigabit Ethernet Module DEM-310GT
Transfer Rate	10 Gbps	1 Gbps	1 Gbps
Cabling	Ethernet 10GBase-LRM	Ethernet 1000Base-LX	Ethernet 1000Base-LX
Device Type	Transceiver module	Transceiver module	Transceiver module
Form Factor	Plug-in module	Plug-in module	Plug-in module
Interface (Bus) Type	X2	SFP (mini-GBIC)	SFP (mini-GBIC)
Connectivity Technology	Wired	Wired	Wired
Data Link Protocol	10 Gigabit Ethernet	gigabit Ethernet	gigabit Ethernet
Max Transfer Distance	720 ft	6.2 miles	6.2 miles
Optical Wave Length	1310 nm	n/a	1310 nm
Interfaces	1 x network - Ethernet 10GBase-LRM - SC multi-mode x 2	1 x network - Ethernet 1000Base-Lx - LC x 2	1 x network - Ethernet 1000Base-Lx - LC x 2
Compatible Slots	1 x X2	1 x SFP (mini-GBIC)	1 x SFP (mini-GBIC)
Features	n/a	Full duplex capability	n/a
Compliant Standards	IEEE 802.3ae	IEEE 802.3z	n/a
Width	1.4 in	0.6 in	n/a
Depth	3.6 in	2.2 in	n/a
Height	0.5 in	0.5 in	n/a
Weight		0.7 oz	n/a
Min Operating Temp	32 ⁰F	n/a	n/a
Max Operating Temp	104 ⁰F	n/a	n/a
Price	$1,066	$759	$899.99

The manufacturer from who I would purchase a network interface card (NIC) is Hewlett-Packard because their product seems the most reasonable choice for my liking. The HP ProCurve Gigabit-LX-LC Mini-GBIC J4859C is the only NIC with the full duplex capability feature. I am most familiar with manufacturer and have bought many other products from them. I want a network interface card that has high performance Ethernet networking capabilities. This HP network interface card, for the most part, has a practical price and is less expensive than the others I am comparing them with.