Computer RAM or Random Access Memory is a computer system's temporary storage area. Computer RAM is often simply referred to as memory, system memory or computer memory. All data in the computer RAM can be randomly accessed by the computer without going through the entire RAM; thus, its name. This makes RAM very different from SAM or Serial Access Memory which requires data to be read in a certain order before you can get to the one you want. A classic example of SAM storage devices are cassette and video tapes.

Because data and information are only temporarily stored in the computer RAM, it is considered to be a volatile storage device as opposed to non-volatile storage hardware like hard disk drives, which can store and safeguard data for years even in a dormant state and without any electrical power. All data in the computer RAM is removed and lost once the computer is turned off.

The computer uses RAM to store data that it needs immediate access to. Da ... Read more »