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Can information be retrieved from RAM?
RAM is often referred to as volatile memory, because anything contained in RAM is considered lost when a computer is switched off. Indeed, all data is lost from RAM when the power supply is disconnected; so it is volatile in this context.
What information can be found in RAM?
Computer random access memory (RAM) is one of the most important components in determining your system’s performance. RAM gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. It stores the information your computer is actively using so that it can be accessed quickly.
Are there any issues with using RAM as a source of evidence in an investigation?
The RAM is constantly swapping seldom used data to the hard drive to open up space in memory for newer data. Over time, though, the contents in the swap file may also be overwritten. Thus, investigators may lose more evidence the longer they wait since computer data does not persist indefinitely.
How does a computer extract a specific piece of information from memory?
Whether it comes from permanent storage (the hard drive) or input (the keyboard), most data goes in random access memory (RAM) first. The CPU then stores pieces of data it will need to access, often in a cache, and maintains certain special instructions in the register. We’ll talk about cache and registers later.
What is held in RAM?
Random access memory (RAM) is volatile primary storage. Once the computer is switched off the data and instructions held in RAM are lost. RAM is used to hold data and instructions that are currently in use. In a modern PC, RAM is used to hold the operating system and any open documents and programs that are running.
Why is RAM capture important?
The practice of RAM Capture is an important aspect of memory forensics that can be used during a digital forensic investigation of criminal activity, hacking, cyber crime or insider threats. ADF Digital Evidence Investigator software allows field investigators to quickly perform a RAM Capture while on-scene.
How do you read RAM information?
You may have seen RAM referred to by two sets of numbers, like DDR3-1600 and PC3-12800. These both reference and allude to the generation of the RAM and its transfer speed. The number after DDR/PC and before the hyphen refers to the generation: DDR2 is PC2, DDR3 is PC3, DDR4 is PC4.
Why is RAM random access?
RAM is called “random access” because any storage location can be accessed directly. Originally, the term distinguished regular core memory from offline memory, usually on magnetic tape in which an item of data could only be accessed by starting from the beginning of the tape and finding an address sequentially.