what is ram

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is a form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order. It is a temporary storage in a computer that gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. RAM is a high-speed, short-term storage solution that gives applications, games, and the operating system a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. It is called "random access" because the technology allows the computer to temporarily store and access data immediately. RAM is a volatile memory, which means data is retained in RAM as long as the computer is on, but it is lost when the computer is turned off. RAM is essential for system performance because it allows the computer to access data much faster than data on a hard disk, SSD, or other long-term storage device. Having more RAM means that more data can be accessed and read almost instantly, as opposed to being written on your hard drive. RAM is similar in concept to a set of boxes in which each box can hold a 0 or a 1, and each box has a unique address that is found by counting across the columns and down the rows. RAM devices often have multiple data lines and are said to be "8-bit" or "16-bit," etc. devices. Many computer systems have a memory hierarchy consisting of processor registers, on-die SRAM caches, external caches, DRAM, paging systems, and virtual memory or swap space on a hard drive.