Computer Memory

Lets look at computer memory first.  The function of storage in a computer comes in many different sizes, types and shapes.  However there are two basic categories: short-term and long-term.  A typical computer contains numerous types of memory including RAM, ROM, virtual, cache, and various long-term storage devices.  Each type of computer memory serves a specific function and purpose.
Computer memory is measured in bytes.  A single byte is made up of a series of 1's and 0's normally traveling in pairs of eight.  These eight 0's and 1's are the way the computer communicates and stores information.  With each keystroke or character a byte of memory is used.  In another article you will learn more about bits and how the computer thinks.
Measuring Memory

Term/Byte	Abbreviation	Value
Bit	none	0 or 1
Byte	B	8 bits  -example: 00100101
Kilo	K, KB	1,024 bytes
Mega	M, MB, Meg	1,048,576 bytes (Million)
Giga	G, GB, Giga	1,073,741,824 bytes (Billion)
Tera	T, TB, Tera	1,099,511,628,000 bytes (Trillion)

Here is another way of looking at the measurement of memory:
Measuring Bytes

8 bits	=	1 byte
1000 bytes	=	1 kilobyte
1000 kilobytes	=	1 megabyte
1000 megabytes	=	1 gigabyte
1000 gigabytes	=	1 terabyte