RAM

RAM — Random Access Memory

Hardware · Beginner

Fast, temporary working memory that loses its contents when power is removed. Running programs and open files depend on it.

It is the workspace, not the filing cabinet. If it fills up, the computer uses the much slower disk as overflow and everything feels stuck.

Example: Closing unused applications frees working memory and stops a laptop from constantly swapping to disk.

Common misconception

Adding this memory does not increase the size of the disk. They store different things.