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Here we are, Stevie. I found just what you were looking for -- the meaning of ECC:
What is ECC memory? ECC- (Error Correction Code) is used primarily in high-end PCs and file servers and costs a little more than standard RAM. The important difference between ECC and parity is that ECC is capable of detecting and correcting 1-bit errors. With ECC, 1-bit error correction usually takes place without the user even knowing an error has occurred. Depending on the type of the memory controller your computer uses, ECC can also detect rare 2-,3- or 4-bit memory errors. However, while ECC can detect these multiple-bit errors, it can only correct single-bit errors. In the case of a multiple-bit error, the ECC circuit reports a parity error. Using a special algorithm (mathematical sequence) and working in conjunction with the memory controller, the ECC circuit appends ECC bits to the data bits and together they are stored in memory. When data is requested from memory, the memory controller decodes the ECC bits and determines if one or more of the data bits are corrupted. If there's a single-bit error, the ECC circuit corrects the bit. As mentioned, in the case of a multiple-bit error, the ECC circuit reports a parity error. Because the ECC functions occur in addition to the standard functions that the RAM in your system needs to accomplish, it stands to reason that computers with ECC are a little bit slower than non-ECC computers, so get ECC RAM because you need the additional assurance of a more stable computer system such as for a file server that needs to run non-stop for months at a time.
Information courtesy of PCs For Everyone, Cambrige, MA, USA.
Now if this isn't enough, I don't know what is!
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