RAM

Users usually confuse the Random Access Memory (RAM) with memory. To eliminate such confusion, it is best to understand the 2 major types of memory that every computer runs on. The first one is the RAM. The second one is the memory contained in the hard drive.

The Random Access Memory or RAM and the hard drive memory are important to a computer’s basic utility. When we speak of short-term and temporary memory, this refers to the RAM. The hard drive memory permanently stores files.

When the computer software is running, the memory of such software including the data being used is kept in the RAM. During the use of the software, the operating system and the application system both use the RAM.

The characteristic of the RAM is focused on speed. But it is a type of memory that is very volatile as well. When the electric power is removed from the computer device, the user will lose all the information being worked on if it has not been properly saved. This makes the RAM only important for temporary storage of a file and for quick access to the file.

Any computer or electronic device usually has a RAM and a supporting non-volatile memory where copies of all software and data can be stored every time the device is turned off or whenever the software is not in use.

When a device has more RAM, it can run more multifaceted software and applications simultaneously.

In technical terms, RAM is a computer chip that is used to facilitate computer speeds in the measure of Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB). Upon selection of a computer file, the computer moves the information to a random access memory to allow user access. The RAM also saves the files automatically on a temporary basis while the files are currently being worked on by its user.