---
tags:
- memory
- bits
# Basics of main memory
In essence the main memory is just a large storage area for a bunch of binary digits. Each slot for a 0 or 1 is called a bit:
> This is where the running kernal and processes reside - they're just big collections of bits. A CPU is just an operator on memory. It reads its instructions and data from the memory and writes back out to the memory. (Ward 2021)
## References
Ward, Brian. 2021. _How Linux works_. No Starch Press.
