One of the most important new developments in digital technology recent years
is the use of Flash memory, sometimes called "flash RAM" to power
numerous digital devices. Flash memory is a type of memory that can be erased
and reprogrammed in units of memory called blocks. Flash memory gets its name
because the microchip is organized so that a section of memory cells are erased
in a single action or "flash." Unlike RAM (random-access memory),
flash memory can continue to store information in the absence of a power source.
This constantly powered memory source is ideal for use in digital cellular phones,
digital cameras, LAN switches, PC Cards for notebook computers, digital set-up
boxes, embedded controllers, video game cards, MP3 players and other devices.
Unlike ROM (read-only memory), you can write to flash memory, making it possible
to update the operating system and applications via software. Other advantages
of flash memory include its fast access time, compact size and the fact that
it has no moving parts.
