what is ram? and what does ram do?

what is ram? and what does ram do?

                  

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is actively being used by the computer's operating system, programs, and applications. RAM is a volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted.

RAM provides fast and temporary storage for data that the computer needs to access quickly. It allows the computer to read and write data much faster than it can from other types of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). When a computer is running, it loads data from storage devices into RAM, where the processor can quickly access and manipulate it.

Having an adequate amount of RAM is important for a computer's performance. Insufficient RAM can lead to slow system performance, as the computer may need to constantly swap data in and out of slower storage devices, resulting in increased load times and decreased overall responsiveness.

The amount of RAM a computer has can vary depending on the system's specifications and intended use. More demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, typically require larger amounts of RAM to ensure smooth operation. RAM capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), with common amounts ranging from 4GB to 64GB or more in high-end systems.

It's worth noting that RAM is different from permanent storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives, which store data even when the computer is powered off. RAM provides temporary storage that is used during the computer's active operation.