Random Access Memory Flashcards
What is RAM?
RAM is the memory that stores data and instructions temporarily; that is, while the computer is switched on. The data and instructions that are to be used are moved from the hard disk to the memory in a process called loading. It’s much faster for the microprocessor to go to and from RAM for data and instructions than to go to and from the hard disk. This is because RAM exists in computer chips, which use a technology that is much faster to write data to and read data from than the technology employed in hard disks. However, because RAM is temporary storage, the data and instructions stored in it are lost when you switch off your computer. In contrast, the data and instructions stored on the hard disk are retained even when the computer is switched off. The speed of a computer depends on the storage capacity of its RAM. The larger the number of bytes that the RAM can store, the faster the computer can perform tasks.
