Using memory, Using memory -16 – Epson 4SLC2-50 User Manual

Page 48

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Using Memory

Your computer comes with 4MB or 8MB of memory, and you may

have installed an optional expansion memory module to increase
the total amount. This section describes how the memory in your
computer works. Also be sure to see your MS-DOS manual for
complete information on memory management.

A computer’s memory is divided into three types: conventional,

reserved, and extended. The following diagram shows the
relationships between these types of memory and their addresses.

All memory in a computer is managed using addresses—numbers

that describe the location of each byte of data. Each memory chip

must have its own set of unique addresses so that the operating
system knows where to store and find data.

Conventional memoy is memory that MS-DOS recognizes and

manages directly. The size of conventional memory is limited to

640KB and has addresses in the range 0 to 640KB.

Reserved memory is memory in the range 640KB to lMB. The

system enhances its performance by using 128KB of this memory

as shadow RAM, and the remaining memory is available.

2-16

Using Your Computer

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