The RAMM computer is used as a teaching tool in the introductory computer science course at Angelo State
University. Students are introduced to the concepts of the instruction cycle, program counter, instruction register,
arithmetic registers, memory, stored programs, sequential processing, branching, loading, assembly, source code, and
object code.
The simulated computer named RAMM (Representative Auxiliary Machine Model) was
developed to demonstrate the various properties and techniques of programming a fixed-word-length computer. The RAMM computer is called
a "simulated" computer because it does not exist as a box of electronic components with
wires and connections. The RAMM computer is actually a computer program that when executed simulates the actions
of a computer. The technique of simulating a computer with a computer program is very useful in studying the
characteristics and properties of a computer without having to go to the expense of actually building one. As you learn
about the RAMM computer, it will be as real to you as if it were a computer built of electronic "hardware."
Fred C. Homeyer originally designed the RAMM computer simulation in 1971 at Angelo State University in San
Angelo, Texas. At various times in its life it has been implemented in FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL, Pascal and most
recently in C++. There are two current versions: a RAMM for Windows and a RAMM for DOS.